Earlier this year, Reels were finally spotted on Facebook — after first launching on Instagram back in 2020. The rollout of this feature marks a pivotal shift in the way content is consumed online.
Reels, on Instagram, have proven to be an especially fruitful channel for creators because of their short form, entertaining and viral nature — often being shared across many different platforms.
Facebook’s parent company, Meta says that, with this rollout, it hopes to inspire more creators and audiences on the Facebook app.
“With the ability to create reels and have their Instagram reels suggested to people on Facebook, creators — whether they’re just starting out or already have a large following — will have more ways to express themselves, grow their communities and reach new audiences.”
What are Reels exactly?
If you’re wondering what Reels are and how they work, then you’ve come to the right place. Think short video clips combined with music, original audio, filters or captions — all curated in a meaningful way.
To create a reel, you simply need to open your Facebook app and click ‘Create’ from the Reels section on News Feed. You’ll be directed to your camera screen and from here you can either import a video or record a new one.
This video will create the base of your reel. As you record, or import clips, you can overlay music, play around with filters and add text using the icons on the right of your screen.
Once you’re happy with your clip, click ‘Next’ and publish your video the same way you would any other form of content. Don’t forget to add a description and use some relevant hashtags.
Your reel will be posted to your News Feed, and it can be found in Groups. People will be able to view, like, comment and share your reel — they will even be able to follow you directly from the video.
Are Reels part of your digital marketing strategy?
If you’re already incorporating Reels, or other versions of short-form video content, high-five — you’re on the right track! If not, it’s never too late to start.
Reels are an awesome way to ramp up your social game. They offer a level of shareability that is not often matched by ‘traditional’ social media content. And while there’s no one-size-fits all solution to using Reels, they can be leveraged to greatly improve your brand awareness and audience engagement.