Facebook merges Reels, long-form videos, and live content with new video player

Facebook is rolling out a redesigned video player and equipping its users with new playback tools. The Meta-owned social media hub is prioritizing a “consistent design” that will play content in full-screen mode — no matter if it’s a Reel, a Live broadcast, or a long-form video.

The updated video player will initially roll out on iOS and Android devices in the United States and Canada. A Facebook blog post indicates that a global rollout is scheduled for “the coming months.”

Users who switch to the new video player will be able to expand videos to full-screen mode with a single tap. Videos will initially be oriented vertically, though enhanced controls will make it easy for users to switch to landscape mode if they choose.

The end result will be a video feed that will look a lot like TikTok’s For You Page and will be accessible across Facebook. Meta’s attempt to export TikTok’s most popular features won’t end with its adoption of a vertical video layout. It is also updating its recommendation engine to provide more personalized suggestions for its users.

“Within the upgraded fullscreen video player, we’ll also have improved recommendations for videos of all lengths we think you’re most likely to enjoy based on your interests,” reads the Facebook blog post. “For example, we may recommend a Reel giving you inspiration for a quick, daily makeup routine or a longer tutorial video on DIY house improvements from experienced homeowners.”

Some details about Facebook’s new player are reminiscent of YouTube as well. By developing a full-screen mode that fits both short-form and long-form content, Facebook is following the lead YouTube set when it brought Shorts to its TV app.

Facebook hopes that creators will be able to use the redesigned player to experiment with new formats, reach new viewers, and harness the social network’s massive scale. To serve that strategy, Meta has introduced a new system of performance-based payouts, which rewards creators when their videos are proliferated across Facebook.