What are Facebook Reels? And how to create and share them

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(Pocket-lint) – Meta is rolling out Reels globally for all users of Facebook’s iOS and Android apps in over 150 countries. Here’s everything you need to know about Reels, including how they work on Facebook.

Read also: Instagram Reels: everything we know about the TikTok clone

What are Facebook Reels?

Often described as a TikTok clone, Reels made it to Instagram first last year.

Facebook only started rolling out Reels in 2021 – and it was limited to the US. In 2022, Facebook released Reels globally.

(Keep in mind that Meta, which owns Facebook, also owns Instagram.)

Either way, with Reels, you can create quick videos and edit them, including adding music or using audio from another person’s video. Reels can be saved in a series of clips or all at once using video uploads from your phone’s photo library or by uploading a new video during the creation process. You can also “remix” other people’s videos (duets) and upload clips up to 60 seconds long. You can also save drafts, and Meta is adding even more slicing tools in 2022.

TikTok, which helped popularize short video content, offers all of these features. But, unlike TikTok, you don’t have to download anything else to use Reels. Just open Facebook or Instagram.

Here is how Facebook describes Reels:

“Facebook Reels is a new way to create short, entertaining videos, get discovered by new audiences, and be part of cultural moments on Facebook. Effects and music can be added to your reel or use your own audio original, allowing you to bring your ideas to life and share them with your audience.The reels you create will appear in places like Facebook Feed, the Reels section on Facebook, or your Reels profile.

How to Create Facebook Reels and Share Them

To create a Facebook Reel, follow these steps:

1. .Press Create from Reels section on Feed
   • Or tap the camera icon in the top right corner while viewing a reel.
2. Add video to your reel:
   • Press the record button to add a new video.
   • Tap the photo icon in the left corner to add video clips to your reel.
3. Add audio, text, effects, subtitles or timer to your reel.
   • Tap their respective icons on the right side of your screen.
4. Tap Next when you’re done.
5. Write a description for your reel.
6. Choose an audience.
   • Reels are public by default. (See notes below for details.)
7. Tap Share Reel to post your reel.
   • It will live in your Reels profile, where people can find all the reels you’ve shared.

Remark : If you’re 18 or older, reels on Facebook are set to public, but you can change the audience for each individual reel. Your friends can also view your reels in areas like Facebook Feed.

Where do Reels appear on Facebook?

Currently, on Facebook, Reels you create will appear in places like Facebook Feed, the Reels section on Facebook, or your Reels profile.

But Meta said that starting in February 2022, users will be able to share Reels in more places on Facebook, including the platform’s Stories and Watch tab.

Can you share reels from Instagram to Facebook?

Yes. If you have a public Instagram account, you will be asked to sign up to share your Instagram Reels on Facebook. Likes and comments will be posted on the reel on Instagram and Facebook.

Can you monetize Facebook Reels?

Meta recently added more “monetization” ads to Facebook Reels. That means you’ll see banner ads that appear as a semi-transparent overlay at the bottom of a reel, for example, or static sticker ads “that a creator can place anywhere in their reel.” Facebook is also giving creators in “nearly every country where in-app ads are available” access to its ad placement program.

Facebook is also rolling out paid stars – which are a way for followers to donate directly to creators.

Written by Maggie Tillman.