Remember when Instagram stories were extremely popular? I was still in the early stages of my digital marketing career. My first Instagram story was a basic, grainy video of my morning coffee. It wasn’t ideal, but it was a start. Fast forward a few years, and we now have Facebook Reels, the newest tool in our social media armory.
Shortly after TikTok’s popularity soared, Meta developed Facebook Reels, a 9:16 aspect ratio video format. This makes sense, because If most social media users prefer this brief, video-first experience, why not use it on other platforms? It’s even more exciting because businesses of all sizes and across industries can now promote their brand by giving viewers more of what they want: video marketing
As a result, I will dive into the world of Facebook Reels to explore best practices and tips for creating content that not only grabs attention but also engages and delights your audience,
Key Takeaways
- Facebook Reels are short, engaging videos up to 60 seconds long, offering creative tools like music, AR effects, and text overlays. Making them a powerful tool for brand promotion and engagement.
- Facebook Reels offers various features like green screens, remixing content, and video templates. Experimenting with these features can enhance creativity and engagement.
- Short-form videos like Facebook Reels are ideal for capturing and retaining attention in an era where the average attention span is just 8 seconds.
- Facebook offers monetization options like the Reels Play Program and ad monetization through overlay ads. These opportunities make Reels not only a tool for engagement but also a potential revenue stream for creators.
What Is a Reel on Facebook?
So what exactly are Facebook Reels? They are essentially short, interesting videos that can last up to 60 seconds and can be shared with your friends, followers, and the rest of the Facebook community. They have several creative capabilities, such as music, augmented reality effects, and text overlays, making them an excellent platform for exhibiting your brand’s individuality and originality.
Unlike Instagram Reels, which are limited to the Instagram platform, Facebook Reels have the potential to reach a wider audience due to Facebook’s large user base. This makes them an effective tool for firms seeking to broaden their reach and engage with new audiences.
Frequently, these videos include individuals, content creators, or companies participating in trends, using popular audio, or creating new ideas for others to try. These videos can also be shared on Instagram, which is also owned by Facebook’s parent company, Meta. But Instagram Reels and Facebook Reels aren’t the same.
On Facebook, you can:
- Optimize your audience with targeting options.
- Increase your reach, since Facebook Reels are shown beyond your followers.
- See whether the Reel was native to Facebook or shared from Instagram.
Understanding Facebook Reels
Facebook first introduced Reels in September 2021, followed by a global rollout in February 2022. While anyone may make Reels, they’ve been heavily marketed to content creators and influencers as an additional opportunity to interact and reach new audiences. With 2.9 billion active users, Facebook is the most popular social network of all time, and short-form video is the hottest content type around. So a Reels feature was an unavoidable addition.
As a creator or business, digging into Facebook reels might be a game changer, providing a new perspective on your content and allowing you to repurpose content from your existing efforts. As an incentive to use Reels, Meta offers additional rewards to artists depending on the performance of their Reels, an initiative they first launched on Instagram. In a statement, the tech company said that they’re developing a suite of creator monetization options and Reels is one facet of it.
By now you must be wondering Why Facebook Reels Matter for Businesses. Did you know that videos get 1,200% more shares on social media than text and image postings combined? That’s correct! With an average attention span of just 8 seconds, short-form videos such as Facebook Reels are ideal for capturing and retaining your audience’s attention.
I remember my team at this recent job creating our first Facebook Reel last week Friday. We decided to showcase a “day in the life” at our office. We captured everything from morning coffee runs to brainstorming sessions and even a few fun moments of team members goofing around. The response from our various social media handles was incredible. Not only did it humanize our brand, but it also boosted our engagement significantly.
Facebook Reels Features
Currently, Instagram Reels offers more functionality than Facebook Reels but many of the features intersect. Here’s what’s possible on Facebook Reels:
- Video editing – Similar to TikTok and Instagram Reels, you can stitch together multiple clips into one Reel within the app or upload them from your photo app.
- Music and audio library – Add music from Facebook’s library or use audio used and/or generated by other users.
- Length – A Facebook Reel can be up to 60 seconds.
- Speed – You can slow down your video by up to 1x and speed it up to 3x the original speed.
- Effects – Add filters to your Reel by sifting through Facebook’s Effects library. Some are created by Facebook while others are made by users.
- Timer – You can record your Reel hands-free by using the in-app countdown timer.
- Green screen – If you want to apply a background from your camera roll, use the green screen effect from the Effects library.
Why use Facebook Reels?
Over 140 billion Reels get played every single day on Facebook. That’s up more than 50 percent from May 2022, which reveals two things. One, Facebook prioritizes Reels and is showing them to more and more users. And two, Facebook users simply want to watch Reels.
In fact, in 2022, during the Facebook Q2 earnings, Facebook revealed that they had tweaked their recommendation model resulting in a 15 percent increase in Reels watch time. It’s unusual to get this behind-the-scenes peek at how the Facebook algorithm operates, but this insight clearly shows how important Reels are for Facebook.
#1. Access To a Large User Base
According to first-quarter data from 2023, Facebook has 200 million daily active users in North America and a stunning 2 billion worldwide.
In January 2024, Facebook had 2.9 billion monthly active users worldwide, more than any other social media network. The majority of these users are between the ages of 18 and 44, with a strong presence among those aged 25 to 34. In other words, Facebook remains the dominant player in the social media landscape. Facebook is used by 36.7% of the global population every month. Given this large user base and Meta’s established preference for Reels, focusing on posting Reels is likely your ticket to maximum exposure on the site.
#2. Monetization Opportunities
Publishing Facebook Reels can also be a source of revenue for you as a creator.
- Reels Play Program: Eligible creators can earn income through the Reels Play bonus program, making every view count.
- Ad Monetization: Test the waters of ad monetization with overlay ads, transforming your Reels into revenue streams.
In essence, make use of the power of Facebook Reels to not only connect with your audience but also add a revenue-generating part to your content creation.
How To Make a Reel on Facebook
There are countless ways to think about creating content. When it comes to Reels, you’ll want to engage and entertain. With that in mind, here are steps to making a Reel on Facebook.
#1: Define Your Purpose
Before you begin developing content, you need first to understand why you are doing so. First, you’ll want to choose your main goal, such as retargeting existing clients or gaining new potential consumers. What objectives do you intend to measure and achieve with this campaign?
You’ll also want to understand your target audience. For example, many Facebook users are there to foster a sense of community, so consider how your material may contribute to community participation.
#2: Conceptualize
With your aim in mind, it’s time to brainstorm a hilarious and visually appealing notion to support it. Reels do not have to be overly difficult; in fact, their casualness and intimacy are what sell them, building a true emotional link with viewers.
As the planning process progresses, you should start broad and work your way down to increasingly specific specifics. For example, you should begin by defining your goals for the video production. Do you want to make your audience laugh? Would you like to educate your audience? From there, you may narrow down your options by video kind, talent, and location.
#3. Log into Your Facebook Account on a Mobile Device. Once on Your Homepage, Tap on the +
sign and select “Reel.”
#4. Upload videos or Make One by Tapping on the “Camera” icon
Now it’s time to shoot your content! If you’re using the Facebook app to create a Reel, tap the “Create” Button within your feed’s Reels section. Then hit the “Record button” to record a new video. Otherwise, you’ll want to go shoot your content and proceed to the next steps.
Edit your video using the features on the right-hand side and add captions.
#5. Write And Edit Your Video Caption
Facebook Reels allow you to add effects, filters, captions, backgrounds, music, and more. You can do all of this within the platform, or during the post-production process. Check the platform to see what effects and sounds are trending — and don’t forget to be creative!
#6. Decide Who Will See Your Reel
Now, it’s time to share your post on Facebook to reach your current and potential customers.
#7. Tap on “Share Now” to Publish Your Reel
You have the option to keep your Reel public to anyone on or off Facebook, limit it to your Friends, and hide it from specific Friends. Not sure where to start? I’ve got you covered.
How To Post a Reel on Facebook
Of course, the Facebook algorithm has a role in who sees your content. But, as a video maker, you still can take a few steps to make sure you aim at the right target audience.
#1: Think About Your Audience
Who is most likely to enjoy your Reel? Facebook lets you select categories to describe your demographic, so make sure you tailor your Reel’s audience as accurately as you can. You might want to use demographic information like age, interest, and location.
#2: Write an Effective Description and Use Relevant Hashtags
Captions and hashtags are both effective techniques to guarantee that your Reel is appropriately recognized and categorized by the system, allowing it to reach the intended audience. Your description will appear as a caption alongside your Reel, so make sure it’s clear and brief.
Additionally, hashtags are an excellent technique to reach a larger audience. If you create travel material, hashtags such as #travellife, #digitalnomad, and #solotravel may help you connect with new customers.
Step #3: Share
At the bottom of your screen, you’ll find the “Share Reel” button. Your Reel will be public by default, and you’ll only have the option to make your Reel private if you’re using a personal Facebook account (instead of a business or maker account).
Now watch the likes, views, and shares roll in! No matter the numbers, take them into account and use them to prepare for your next Reel.
Best Practices for Creating Engaging Content
Posting is truly as easy as 1, 2, 3 — but how can you help your post go viral? As you create Reels, consider the following tips to get potential followers to stop scrolling and watch all the way through.
#1. Know Your Audience
When I first started creating content, I made the mistake of trying to appeal to everyone. It wasn’t until I truly understood my audience that I saw real engagement. So, spend time researching who your audience is and what they care about. Use Facebook Insights to gather data on their preferences and tailor your Reels to meet their interests.
#2. Keep it Short and Sweet
The beauty of Facebook Reels lies in their brevity. Aim to get your message across within the first few seconds. Think of it like a movie trailer – it should be captivating enough to make viewers want to watch the whole thing. Remember, less is often more.
#3. Embrace Authenticity
Be authentic and relatable; your audience values genuine material. People want to know more about your business than ever before. What are the values that guide your business? Which causes do you support? How do you express your support? Facebook Reels allow you to be clear, direct, and proud about what you care about.
#4. Use Visuals
I will never forget my first professional-looking video. I purchased a nice smartphone camera and some simple editing software, and the difference was night and day. Ensure that your reels are well-lit and clear. Even if you’re not a tech whiz, tools like Adobe Premiere Rush and InShot can help you polish your video editing skills.
#5. Make Use Of Music
Music is a universal language that may elicit emotions and establish the tone for your reels. Browse the trending section for popular music that will appeal to your target demographic. Remember to keep the music volume regulated so that it enhances rather than overpowers your message.
To accomplish this, you can either use Facebook’s music collection to add rhythmic flair to your Reels, or keep your original audio but make it entertaining. People have been spending a lot of time watching digital videos, especially in recent years, so use this moment and leave a lasting impression!
#6. Introduce Emotions
One of the most effective ways to create this connection is through emotions. From joy and humor to nostalgia and envy, you can use different themes to drive an emotional connection between your brand and your audience.
#7. Use Hashtags
Use hashtags to improve the discoverability of your content and connect with broader audiences.
Content under the #pilates hashtag does very well
#8. Engage with Your Audience
Your Reels will be seen by new audiences more often than not, so always take time to respond to comments to build a community around your content. Also, leave comments on and share reels from other creators in your niche to build strong relationships in the community. The beauty of Facebook Reels lies in their brevity. Aim to get your message across within the first few seconds. Think of it like a movie trailer – it should be captivating enough to make viewers want to watch the whole thing. Remember, less is often more.
#9. Experiment With All the Features Made Available
You gain access to a variety of features that allow you to express yourself creatively. For example, you can utilize a green screen to display screenshots and remix content from other artists to give your own perspective. Alternatively, you can utilize any of the video templates to produce and distribute various types of videos. Then Examine your analytics results, see what works, and adjust your plan accordingly.
#10. Include a Clear Call to Action (CTA)
Every Reel should end with a clear CTA. Whether it’s “Visit our website,” “Check out our new collection,” or “Follow us for more,” make sure your audience knows what to do next. This not only drives engagement but also helps achieve your marketing goals.
What is the point of Facebook Reels?
Facebook Reels are a new way to create short, entertaining videos, get discovered by new audiences, and be part of cultural moments on Facebook.
How long do reels last on Facebook?
Reels on Facebook are short-form videos up to 90 seconds long.
What is the difference between reels and videos on Facebook?
Reels, inspired by the success of similar formats on other social media platforms, emphasize brevity, creativity, and easy discoverability. Conversely, conventional video content on Facebook often focuses on longer narratives, detailed storytelling, and a more polished production quality
What is the difference between a Facebook feed and reels?
Facebook Reels have the potential to appear on anyone’s feed, significantly expanding your reach and connecting you with entirely new audiences.
Final Thoughts
Creating captivating content on Facebook Reels may appear difficult at first, but with the right strategy, the results can be quite rewarding. However, simply posting a video is not enough. To be effective, your content must be high-quality, humorous, emotive, and engaging.
One word of warning, however—try saving your video without a watermark. This is because doing so prevents the algorithm from identifying your video as a repost and increases the likelihood of user engagement. So, what are you waiting for? Start creating those amazing Reels and watch your engagement soar.
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