Facebook launches Reels to compete with TikTok

Facebook has just launched Reels for iOS and Android in the US. The platform brings short-form, entertaining video experiences, similar to TikTok, through Reels on the Facebook app.

Reels on Facebook can consist of music, audio, effects, and more. Reels can be found in News Feed or Groups. Moreover, when viewing a reel on Facebook, you can easily follow the creator directly from the video, like and comment on it or share it with friends.

Facebook is also testing the ability for Instagram creators to have their reels recommended on Facebook. In this test, a small number of Instagram creators will see an option to have their reel recommended on Facebook.

In Facebook Reels, users will have access to a variety of creative editing tools such as follows.

• Audio – Search for a song from the Facebook music library for your reel. You can also use your original audio by recording a reel with it. You can add audio from the camera before you capture a clip or add audio later after you have captured or uploaded a clip. You can also create a reel with original audio from other public reels by selecting Use Audio from the other person’s reel.
• AR Effects – Select one of the many effects in an augmented reality library, created by either Facebook or third-party developers, to record multiple clips with different effects.
• Timer and Countdown – Set the timer to record any of your clips hands-free without having to press the shutter button.
• Speed – Speed up or slow down the video while you record, which helps you stay on a beat or make slow-motion videos.
• Multi-clip – Stitch together multiple clips into a single reel by recording them together or selecting them from the gallery.

Reels on Facebook are set to be public for creators who are over 18, but they can change the audience at any time. Audience options include Public, Friends, or Friends except.

Furthermore, Facebook offers a new bonus program to help creators earn money when people view their reels. The Reels Play bonus pays eligible creators based on the performance of their reels and will be available on both Facebook and Instagram.

As per Facebook, the Reels Play bonus will initially be invite-only, starting in the US and possibly expanding globally over time. Interested creators can sign up to learn more about the Facebook Reels Play bonus here.

The platform also mentioned that they would develop a suite of creator monetization options as well as test sticker ads and banner ads in Reels and explore integrating with Stars.

What’s more, similar to Instagram Reels, Facebook will soon begin testing full-screen and immersive ads between reels to help small businesses and brands connect with new audiences. Like organic Reels content, people can comment, like, view, save, share and skip them.

Source: Facebook