Facebook Reels have quickly become one of the most important formats on the platform, but plenty of users still are not entirely sure exactly how they differ from a regular video post, or why some Reels seem to reach far more people than everything else on their timeline. This guide explains Facebook Reels in full, from what they actually are to how to make the most of them.
What a Facebook Reel is
A Facebook Reel is a short-form vertical video, generally between 15 and 90 seconds long, that can include music, filters, text overlays and speed effects. Reels appear both in a dedicated Reels tab and mixed directly into the main feed, similar in concept to a TikTok video or an Instagram Reel, and in fact the same clip can often be shared across Facebook and Instagram at once since Meta owns both platforms.
How to create a Facebook Reel
- Open the Facebook app and tap the plus icon.
- Select “Reel” from the creation menu.
- Record a new video directly in the app, or upload an existing vertical video from your camera roll.
- Add music, text, stickers or effects using the built-in editing tools, which include trimming, speed adjustment and simple filters.
- Choose whether to share it to your main feed, your Story, or both at once.
Why Reels tend to get more reach
Facebook actively promotes Reels in its recommendation algorithm to compete directly with short-video platforms that have pulled attention away from traditional feed posts in recent years. That means a Reel often reaches a wider audience, including people who do not already follow you, compared with a standard photo or text post, which mostly reaches your existing followers and the people who already engage with your Page regularly. For creators and small businesses trying to grow an audience from scratch, this makes Reels one of the more efficient formats available without spending on ads.
Tips for better performing Reels
- Hook viewers in the first two seconds. Facebook’s algorithm favors videos that keep people watching from the very start, and a slow opening loses viewers before the actual content begins.
- Use trending audio where relevant. Popular sounds can boost discoverability, since Facebook surfaces Reels using currently trending audio to more viewers browsing that tab.
- Keep text large and inside the safe zone, since Facebook’s own interface overlays the top and bottom of the screen with the caption, profile icon and reaction buttons.
- Post consistently rather than in occasional bursts, since regular activity tends to build momentum with the algorithm over time rather than resetting each time.
- Add captions for sound-off viewing, since a large share of viewers watch with the sound muted, especially while scrolling in public.
Reels versus Stories versus regular video posts
| Format | Typical length | Disappears? | Reach |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reel | 15 to 90 seconds | No, stays on profile | Wide, algorithm-boosted |
| Story | Up to 60 seconds per clip | Yes, after 24 hours | Mostly followers |
| Regular video post | Any length | No, stays on profile | Mostly followers |
Using Reels for a business Page
Business Pages have increasingly leaned on Reels as a discovery tool, since organic reach on standard feed posts has declined over time while Reels continue to reach non-followers relatively well without paid promotion. A short, well-edited Reel showing a product in use, a behind-the-scenes moment, or a quick tip related to your business tends to outperform a static photo post in both views and engagement, and can be boosted further with a small ad budget if it performs well organically first.
Add a stylish caption to your next Reel using our Facebook font generator, or find the right emoji in our emoji library.
Frequently asked questions
Do Facebook Reels disappear after 24 hours?
No, that is Stories. Reels stay permanently on your profile and in the Reels tab unless you choose to delete them yourself.
What size should a Facebook Reel be?
A vertical 9:16 ratio, ideally 1080 by 1920 pixels, the same as our Facebook image size cheat sheet recommends for Stories.
Can I turn a regular video into a Reel?
Yes, as long as the video meets the length and vertical orientation requirements, you can upload it directly as a Reel rather than recording a new one from scratch.
Do Reels get removed from search results over time?
No, unlike Stories, Reels remain searchable and viewable on your profile indefinitely, similar to a normal video post.
Can I add my own music to a Reel?
Yes, alongside Facebook’s music library you can use original audio recorded with the video itself, which is common for voiceovers and tutorials.