Facebook Launches Reels in the US

Facebook Newsroom announced the launch of the Reels on the Facebook app in the US on September 29, 2021. Available on Android and iOS,  Reels are short-entertaining videos consisting of creative tools, audio, and effects which gives creators greater opportunity to engage with the audience on a global scale. Facebook has set it to be public for creators over 18, but the audience can be changed. You can choose from setting it to Public, Friends, or Friends Except.

According to Facebook Newsroom, “With the ability to create reels and have their Instagram reels suggested to people on Facebook, creators — whether they’re just starting out or already have a large following — will have more ways to express themselves, grow their communities and reach new audiences.”

Similar to Instagram Reels, Facebook Reels will also have the same features. You can find them in News Feed or Groups. From following the creator directly from the viewed video to liking, commenting, and sharing with your friends, you can easily do it all.

Now let’s take a look at how to connect with the audience, monetise and show creativity through Reels as mentioned by Facebook Newsroom.

Engaging with Audience

• News Feed

“Reels can reach everyone, not just your existing followers, making it possible for the most creative, funny and inspiring people to break out. People can discover reels based on their interests and what’s popular both at the top of News Feed alongside Stories and Rooms and in a new, dedicated News Feed section.”

• Groups

“Creators and group members can create and share reels in Groups to express themselves and engage in a more fun and visual way with their favorite interest communities. And for admins, we’re rolling out a new ‘Single Theme’ group setting that makes it easy to prompt members to share their reels.”

• Share from Instagram to Facebook

“We’re 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. The choice to do this is completely in their control.”

Features of Reels

• Audio

“Search for a song from the Facebook music library for your reel. You can also use your own original audio by simply recording a reel with it. You can add audio from the camera before you capture a clip, or you can 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 our 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 either by recording them together or selecting them from the gallery.”

Monetizing Reels

Along with Facebook’s commitment to invest over $1 billion in creators through 2022, the social media platform is also beginning Reels Play bonus. Through this new bonus program, eligible creators will be able to earn money when people view their reels. It will be available on both Facebook and Instagram.

Initially, the Reels Play bonus will be invite-only and it’s going to begin in the US. Facebook intends to expand the bonus program globally over time.

As per Facebook Newsroom, “We’re focused on developing a suite of creator monetization options and will explore additional opportunities for them to earn money for their Reels. On Facebook, we will test sticker ads and banner ads in Reels and explore integrating with Stars. 

And similar to Instagram Reels, we’ll soon begin testing full-screen and immersive ads between reels to help small businesses and brands connect with new audiences in delightful ways. Just like with organic Reels content, people can comment, like, view, save, share and skip them.”

You don’t need to be skilled or professional for creating Reels on Facebook. Just opt for it from Facebook’s top Feed or while viewing a reel. You can either select video clips from your camera roll or capture something new. News Feed and Groups are the other options to tap Reels.