Facebook Updates Video Player, makes it more TikTok like

Get ready for a major shift in how you watch videos on Facebook! The social media giant is rolling out a brand new video player designed to compete directly with TikTok’s dominance in the short-form video space. This update prioritizes a vertical-first video experience, mirroring how users naturally hold their phones while scrolling through feeds. It’s a clear signal that Facebook is taking the competition with TikTok seriously.

In short:

• Facebook designed a full-screen video experience to compete with the dominance of TikTok.
• Increased emphasis on Reel content within the new player, aiming to capture user engagement in the short video space.
• How Facebook’s update positions them in the ongoing competition with TikTok for user attention and content creation.

What is Facebook’s New Video Player?

Facebook’s new video player delivers a full-screen, mobile-first experience optimized for short-form video apps like Facebook Reels. Unlike the previous player that displayed videos in a variety of formats depending on length and orientation, the new one defaults to a vertical layout, mirroring the way users naturally hold their phones while scrolling through social media feeds. This vertical video format prioritizes quick, snackable content, a strategy that has proven highly successful for TikTok.

How to use Facebook’s New Video Player

Step 1: Open any video

Just tap on any video you see scrolling through your Facebook feed or on the dedicated Videos tab.

Step 2: Experience the vertical view

The video will automatically open in the new full-screen, vertical format.

Step 3: Playback controls

A tap on the screen reveals playback controls like pause, rewind, and fast-forward.

Step 4: Full-screen options

Want a horizontal view? Look for the full-screen icon and flip your phone for a more cinematic experience with longer videos.

Step 5: Watch New Content

The player offers features to discover new Reels and creators, helping you explore a wider variety of content.

Step 6: Create Yourself

Tap the “Create” button within the player to jump right into creating your short-form video content using Facebook Reels.

With these quick steps, you’re ready to explore the new Facebook video player and dive into the world of short-form video content.

How This Impacts Facebook Reels

Facebook Reels, the platform’s answer to TikTok, takes center stage with the new video player. Facebook is aiming to increase user engagement with Reels by making it the most prominent video format within the player. Users can expect to see more Reels appear in their feeds, with the new player encouraging discovery and creation of short-form video content.

Are Horizontal Videos on Facebook Still There?

While the new player prioritizes the vertical format, Facebook hasn’t forgotten about traditional, horizontal videos. Users will still be able to watch longer videos or those filmed in landscape mode. The player offers a full-screen option that allows viewers to flip their phones and watch horizontally for a more cinematic experience.

Vertical vs. Horizontal: What’s the Difference?

Feature	Facebook	TikTok
Primary Focus	Social media platforms with various content formats (text, photos, videos)	Short-form video platform
Video Length	Reels: Up to 60 seconds, Other videos: Up to 10 minutes (longer videos allowed for verified users)	Up to 10 minutes (previously 3 minutes)
Video Format	New player defaults to vertical, horizontal view available	Exclusively vertical format
Discovery & Recommendations	Integrates with Facebook friend network and interests	Algorithm-driven “For You” page curates personalized content
Monetization	Limited options for creators (In-stream ads, brand partnerships)	In-app purchases (gifts), brand partnerships, creator fund
Editing Tools	Basic editing tools within Reels	Extensive editing tools (filters, effects, transitions, music library)
Live Streaming	Yes, through Facebook Live	Yes, with options for audience interaction (gifts, comments)
Content Moderation	Focus on community standards and user safety	Content moderation can be inconsistent

Both Facebook and TikTok offer unique experiences for short-form video creation and consumption. The choice ultimately depends on individual needs and content goals.

Features of Facebook Video Player

The new player offers several features designed to enhance the user experience:

• Full-screen mode: This allows users to switch between vertical and horizontal viewing for both Reels and longer videos.
• Playback controls: Users can access standard playback controls like pause, rewind, and fast-forward with a simple tap.
• Discovery options: The player integrates features that help users discover new Reels and creators, potentially leading to a more diverse and engaging video experience.

New Facebook Video Player Availablity

Facebook’s exciting new video player, designed to compete with TikTok’s vertical format dominance, is currently undergoing a staged rollout. Here’s a quick rundown on availability:

• Limited Release: The player is currently available to users in the U.S. and Canada.
• Global Expansion: A wider global release is planned for the coming months.

Conclusion

Facebook’s new video player represents a significant shift in strategy, prioritizing the short-form video trends that have captivated users on platforms like TikTok. Whether this update can successfully position Facebook as a major contender in the short-form video space remains to be seen, but it certainly sets the stage for an exciting battle for user attention and content creation in the ever-evolving social media landscape.

Facebook New Vertical-First Video Player – FAQs

Is the new Facebook video player only for Reels?

No, the new Facebook video player supports all video formats on Facebook, including Reels, long-form videos, and Live content.

Can Facebook videos be vertical?

Yes, Facebook videos can be vertical. The new player defaults to a vertical layout for a seamless experience, but horizontal videos are still supported with a full-screen option.

Is Facebook bigger than TikTok?

Yes, Facebook videos can be vertical. The new player defaults to a vertical layout for a seamless experience, but horizontal videos are still supported with a full-screen option.

Why is TikTok vertical?

The focus on vertical video on TikTok aligns with how users naturally hold their phones while scrolling through social media feeds, promoting a more convenient and immersive viewing experience.

What is the maximum video size for Facebook?

The maximum video size for uploading to Facebook depends on the video length:

• Up to 10 minutes: 10 GB
• Over 10 minutes: Varies depending on video resolution.