Facebook just announced a major change: in 2025, all new Facebook videos will be shared as Reels. No more distinction between regular videos and Reels.
What does this mean for users and content creators? In this blog, we break down everything you need to know about the Reels takeover on Facebook.
What are Reels on Facebook?
Reels on Facebook are short-form, entertaining videos that often feature music, trending audio, or creative effects. They’re similar to TikToks or Instagram Reels.
Facebook introduced Reels in 2021 as a way to bring the bite-sized video format (popularized by TikTok) to its platform. A reel video is typically filmed vertically (portrait orientation) and, until recently, was capped at around 60 to 90 seconds in length. Users can scroll through reels in a dedicated feed, algorithmically curated for quick hits of content discovery.
Reels on Facebook Live within the Facebook app (on mobile, there has been a Reels button, and on desktop, Reels content appears in the feed and in the Watch section). They’re designed to be easy to create. You can record clips, add music from Facebook’s library, use AR effects, captions, and more, all within the Facebook app’s Reels editor.
Why Are Facebook Videos Turning Into Reels?
Facebook (Meta) is making a strategic move by declaring that all Facebook videos will now be Reels. But why do this? The official reason, according to Meta, is to simplify the video experience on the platform.
Previously, when a user wanted to post a video, they had two choices: post a standard Video or create a Reel. This dual option created confusion and friction, people weren’t sure which format to choose for optimal reach.
By unifying everything as Reels, Facebook eliminates that choice. You just post a video, and the system handles the rest (it will be treated as a Reel by default). In Meta’s words, “eliminating the need to choose between uploading a video or reel.”
Beyond simplicity, there’s a larger context: the rise of short-form video. TikTok’s explosive popularity proved that vertical micro-videos drive engagement, especially among younger audiences.
Instagram responded by pivoting hard to Reels (in 2022, Instagram even started automatically converting any video post under 15 minutes into a Reel). Facebook, which skews to a broader and slightly older demographic, has seen Reels gain traction as well.
By making all Facebook videos into Reels, Facebook is doubling down on the Reels format to keep users hooked and to encourage more content creation. It essentially says: no matter if your video is 15 seconds or 5 minutes, we’ll treat it like a Reel, with all the same creative tools and algorithmic boost that Reels get.
There’s also the benefit of a unified Facebook video ecosystem. One tab (now the Reels tab) will host all video content, making the user experience more coherent.
For Meta, it likely streamlines development and promotes a single brand for video. The word “Reels” has gained brand recognition (thanks to Instagram and Facebook using it), whereas a generic “Video” tab is less of a buzzword.
Now, Facebook can tout metrics like “Reels views” more prominently, and perhaps better compete with YouTube and TikTok in the short-form arena.
How Long Can Reels Be on Facebook Now?
If you’re wondering how long can Reels be on Facebook, the answer just got a lot more generous. With the latest update, Facebook Reels no longer have a strict length limit or format restriction.
Previously, Reels on Facebook were limited to 60 seconds (later extended to 90 seconds for some users). That limitation is gone.
Facebook stated that Reels will encompass all video content, “short, long, and live.” This means you could post a 5-minute cooking tutorial or a 2-hour recorded webinar, and it will still be considered a “Reel.”
So, how long can you make your Facebook Reels? As long as Facebook’s general video upload limits allow (which historically is something like up to 240 minutes and under 10 GB file size).
In practice, very long videos might still primarily be encountered through other surfaces (like a shared link on someone’s timeline or Facebook Watch), but as far as Facebook’s system is concerned, it’s categorized as a Reel.
Will My Old Facebook Videos Become Reels?
A common concern is about past content: Do previously uploaded Facebook videos turn into reels? According to Meta, previously uploaded video content will remain as such on the platform.
In other words, your old videos will not be retroactively converted into Reels posts. They’ll stay exactly where they are (on your timeline, in the Videos section of your page, etc.), with the same URLs and stats. So you won’t wake up to find your 2019 landscape video suddenly chopped into a vertical frame or anything like that.
That said, the way users find and interact with old videos may change. With the Videos tab becoming the Reels tab, someone browsing your content might see all your videos listed under that unified section.
There might not even be a visible distinction. A viewer could click an older video, and it might open in the new Reels player interface (with the ability to swipe to the next video). The back-end classification differs, but the front-end experience could converge.
If you want an old video to have the features of a Reel (like appearing in the Reels discovery feed or being remixable), the only surefire way is to repost it anew. For example, maybe you had a great 2-minute video story that didn’t get much traction in 2021. By reposting it now, it’ll go out as a Reel and potentially be surfaced to many more people.
Just be cautious to avoid a feed full of duplicate content at once. Perhaps gradually re-introduce your “greatest hits” videos over time.
For sentimental folks: your old videos remaining unchanged means your comments and likes on those posts are preserved, and the original post dates stay the same. This is good; it would have been messy if Facebook tried to merge them and reset all that data.
Essentially, consider anything pre-summer 2025 as legacy content. Anything after that falls in the new system.
So, short answer: No, your old Facebook videos won’t magically turn into Reels. But all your new ones will be Reels by default.
Common Questions Asked About Facebook Videos
1. Why is Facebook turning all videos into Reels?
Facebook wants a consistent, mobile-first video experience. Reels perform better, are easier to discover, and compete directly with TikTok and YouTube Shorts.
2. Are all Facebook videos now automatically Reels?
Yes. Every new video you upload, no matter the length, is published as a Reel. It’s the new default across Facebook.
3. Can I disable Reels videos from being posted as Reels?
No. Facebook doesn’t offer an option to disable Reels. All videos are now categorized and displayed as Reels by default.
4. Why is my video being posted as a Reel?
Since Facebook has merged all video formats under the Reels category, this is a platform-wide update, not something that can be changed manually.
5. Did Facebook make a mistake by turning my video into a Reel?
Facebook now treats every uploaded video as a Reel to boost engagement and standardize the format.
6. Where did the Watch tab go on Facebook?
The Watch (Videos) tab has been rebranded to the Reels tab. You can still watch longer videos there; it’s just under a new name now.
Wrap Up
Facebook’s decision to make all videos into Reels is a landmark shift in how we think about content on the platform. It reflects the dominance of the short-form video trend while also acknowledging that longer content has its place.
Above all, stay authentic. One thing that hasn’t changed is that compelling storytelling and genuine connection win the day. Use the new features (music, effects, captions) to enhance, but not distract from, your message.
The era of Facebook videos as we knew them is over. But what’s emerging might just be an easier, more powerful way to share. So, lights, camera, action… it’s time to roll on Reels!
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