You have probably noticed that Facebook attracts our parents and friends more than our kids. The decrease in popularity of this social network among the younger audience is apparent. To make this network appealing to the young population between 15-25, Meta has decided to try the tested tactics. They introduced a new content format, more familiar to the younger population.
The reel has previously appeared on Instagram. Before Instagram, a short vertical 30-second format appeared and gained a lot of attention on TikTok. In one of our previous blog posts, we wrote about YouTube shorts vs. TikTok vs. Reels videos and the winning option in a competition of attracting the most attention from the young population. Obviously, one more network has joined the competition with its own version of vertical videos.
So, let’s go through everything we need to know about Facebook Reels. Basic info in regards to this format and its possibilities will be elaborated on in this blog post. We hope you will find out something useful and start experimenting with this new vertical video format.
What is Facebook Reel?
People say, first things, first, so we will first explain the term Reel, so we could get a vision of its purpose. Facebook Reel has a very similar structure to TikTok videos, but there are also a few differences. They have the following similar elements: both have catchy and popular music, the heading design is very similar, and liking, commenting, and sharing options are almost the same. Basically, the only difference is that Facebook didn’t have a Duel Reels option but this was added later with the Remix option.
Whether you use OS Android or iPhone, you can find Facebook Reels in your vertical feed, next to the Stories option. Besides, you can also find them if you go to the menu (bottom right corner of the app) and search for Reels in shortcuts. However, if you try to navigate Facebook via laptop or desktop, you won’t be able to see these short videos.
To see a new video, you should scroll up, just like with TikTok videos. If you are interested in the author of the video, you can click on the author’s name and visit his/her profile. If you click on three dots in the bottom right corner, you can use the save option, make Remix videos, or copy link option, so you can share it with your friends.
Instagram and Facebook Reels are integrated because the owner of both networks is Meta. In other words, it means you will be transferred from Facebook to Instagram if you want to comment on the videos originally created on that network. The same case is with sharing photos, if you create a Reel on Instagram, it can be automatically posted on Facebook.
Regarding the video duration, it depends on the competition and will depend in the future as well. Since TikTok extended videos to three minutes, and on the other hand, Instagram has 30-60 second Reels, it is possible Facebook will do the same with its vertical videos. When it comes to other important options, draft and video clipping are still pending. Sharing stories is still pending too, and we are only a few weeks away from launching this option too. In short, Reels videos will have all known options, but all of them will be launched lowly and carefully.
How do you create a Facebook Reel?
The first thing you’ve learned in this blog post was how to check what others made in this format. Next, after gathering inspiration and following a gut feeling saying – you can do this – it is time to create your own Reel.
Click on Reel on the home page of the app. Another way is to click the top right corner while watching other reels. You will see an option to create and let your inspiration create. You can also choose a video from your own library and use it as well.
Thanks to various available options, it is possible to join a few videos in one. Only your creativity and imagination are the limits to creating videos, so you can mix more videos and photos. You can use the following options: adding sound, i.e. music; effects, i.e. filters; speed: timer for measuring the length of videos and green screen (i.e. fitting a specific background).
This is of course not all, because when you fit all previous elements, it is time to add hashtags, and short descriptions, and adjust in regards to your audience. When you finish all these steps, your Reel is ready to be posted.
Monetizing Reels in a test phase
According to Meta, the Reel format (apart from the expected growth) has a good potential to bring income to Meta company but also to small businesses. At the very beginning of this year, ads were tested in Canada, the USA, and Mexico, and since the middle of March, this option was enabled in other countries too. Currently, more than 50 countries worldwide are using the Facebook Reels format for advertising.
Creators who will take part in the testing will have the opportunity to use two types of advertising: banners and stickers. These formats don’t cut videos. Banners are semi-transparent and you can find them at the footer of the video, while at the same time, you can find stickers everywhere because you can use them as any other sticker. Even in this testing phase, Facebook and creators are sharing the income from advertising on a basis of 55% for creators – 45% for this social media network and its shareholders.
The next step is full-screen ads, that has been tested since October, and Facebook users will be soon able to see the ads between two reels. However, not everyone will be able to see these ads between two Reels, since it depends on the algorithm. When it comes to algorithms, you might be interested in the most important facts about the Instagram algorithm, so you can find more about it in our blog post.
Here’s How to Make Your Video Go Viral on Facebook with These 5 Tips
Tip #1: Make Your Video Relatable
When it comes to videos going viral on Facebook, creating content that the audience can easily relate to is crucial. In this context, user-generated content (UGC) plays an important role because it gives a sense of authenticity and closeness.
When viewers see someone similar to themselves sharing their experiences or thoughts, it can evoke a strong emotional reaction and encourage them to share that content with others. When they see themselves in that scenario and replay the same scenario in their minds, you’ve succeeded.
Tip #2: Focus on Entertainment
According to statistics, as many as 33% of Facebook users come to this platform specifically for entertainment. That’s a significant number of people actively seeking content that will make them laugh, relax, or simply entertain them while they spend time online. Therefore, as a content creator, it’s key to focus on creating Reels content that will meet these audience needs.
Humor is one of the most powerful tools. Laughter is a universal language that brings people together and can make your content stand out in a sea of information. Additionally, using interesting visual effects, music, and editing can add an extra layer of fun and capture the audience’s attention.
It’s also important to understand your target audience and tailor your content to their interests and sensibilities. For example, if your audience loves a certain type of humor or has specific interests, adapt your Reels content to better engage and entertain them.
Tip #3: Showcase Your Business Authentically
People want to know more about what goes on behind a brand—not just what they sell, but also what values they stand for, how they contribute to the community, and how they support various important causes. Facebook Reels has proven to be a powerful tool for communicating with your audience and is the ideal platform for authentically showcasing your business.
When it comes to business values, it’s essential to clearly communicate what makes up the core of your brand. This can include business ethics, environmental responsibility, engagement in important social issues, or support for the local community.
Moreover, Facebook Reels allows you to be more direct and open in your communication with your audience. You can use this platform to share behind-the-scenes content, stories about the founding of your business, personal messages from the founder or employees, all of which contribute to building a connection and trust with your audience.
Tip #4: Create an Emotional Connection
Emotions are key to forming connections with your audience. From positive feelings like joy and humor to deeper emotions like nostalgia or inspiration, the proper use of emotions can have a strong impact on our perceptions and behavior. For example, a brand can tell a story that evokes a sense of warmth and belonging or use humor to connect with the audience in a relaxed and friendly way.
It’s also important to remember that emotions can be a powerful driver of action. When the audience feels deep emotions towards a brand or its content, they are more likely to take the desired steps, such as sharing the content with their friends, purchasing products, or supporting the brand’s initiatives.
Tip #5: Listen to Your Audience Carefully
The key to successful audience engagement on Facebook lies in showing that the brand listens to and understands them. Although it may sound like a statement from a horror movie, it’s crucial for brands to be aware of their audience’s interests to tailor their content and communication accordingly.
Understanding your audience’s interests allows brands to create content that is relevant and appealing to their target group. For example, if your audience is interested in certain hobbies, movies, music, or sports, you can use this information to tailor your Facebook Reels content to better match their interests.
However, it’s not enough to just know your audience’s interests; it’s also important to understand how they can be connected to your brand or product. For example, if your audience loves travel, you can create Reels content that showcases your product or service in an engaging way that will inspire people to explore new destinations or experience new adventures.
If you don’t use Facebook for growing your business, it is time to bring your business to the next level
Despite everything, Facebook is still the most popular network on the Internet. This could bring a lot to your business because you can present your services and products to a large audience in one place. Another advantage is a narrow targeting so the assets you invest will pay off completely. In case you think terms like Facebook ads, formats, algorithms, etc., are too complicated, it is time for you to find out the agency that could help you bring your business to the next level. Contact us, and the Titan Design team will create the best possible strategy tailored to your business.
