BREAKING: Everything Is a Reel Now. Yes, Even That Video.
Meta just pulled the ultimate social media switcheroo, and no, it’s not April Fool’s. In a bold (and slightly chaotic) move, Meta has officially renamed ALL videos on Facebook as… Reels.
That’s right, long-form, short-form, square, vertical, 30 seconds or 3 minutes; it’s all Reels now.
Why did Meta do this?
As a social media strategist who’s seen just about every platform trend come and go (remember Facebook Notes?), this rebrand is classic Meta: streamline the product, lean into what’s performing, and double down on discoverability.
By merging all video content under the Reels umbrella, Meta is betting big on TikTok-style consumption. They want users scrolling, swiping, and discovering more videos through the algorithm, not just from friends, but from creators, brands, and pages they don’t follow (yet).
The Pros:
- Wider reach: Reels get more visibility across Facebook and Instagram.
- Improved discovery: Your content could pop up in Reels feeds even if someone’s never heard of you.
- One format to rule them all: Simpler for content teams who don’t want to create 3 types of videos for one post.
The Cons:
- Creator confusion: What even is a Reel now?
- Loss of nuance: Not every video needs to be a Reel, especially for long-form content.
- Potential burnout: Creators might feel pressure to package everything in a punchy, flashy Reels style.
What this means for YOUR brand:
It’s time to rethink your video strategy. If your business still treats Reels as just a TikTok copycat or something for Gen Z dance trends, you’re missing the bigger picture.
Reels are now your go-to vehicle for reach. Whether you’re announcing a product, sharing thought leadership, or storytelling, if it’s video, it’s a Reel, and it needs to be optimized as such.
Need help navigating this new Reels-first world?
As someone who’s helped brands grow from zero to millions in reach, I’m offering strategy consultations to audit your current content, adjust for the new algorithm, and show you how to make Reels (yes, all videos) work for you — not stress you out.
Book a consultation. Let’s turn this Meta move into a major win for your brand.