Facebook reels allow users to create and share short-form videos on Facebook. Reels can be up to 60 seconds long and offer creative tools like audio, effects, and more. While reels were originally launched for mobile Facebook users, there are a few different options for accessing reels on your desktop computer.
Use Facebook in Your Desktop Browser
The easiest way to view Facebook reels on desktop is to simply access Facebook through your desktop browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc). When you log into Facebook on your browser, you’ll be able to view reels in your News Feed or by going to the Reels tab. This allows you to view, like, comment on, and share reels directly within your browser.
Here are step-by-step instructions for watching reels on the Facebook website:
- Open your preferred desktop internet browser and go to www.facebook.com.
- Log into your Facebook account.
- From your News Feed, scroll down until you see reels. Reels will start auto-playing as you scroll.
- To only view reels, click on the Reels tab in the left sidebar menu.
- Scroll to view different reels from people and pages you follow.
- Click on any reel to view it in full screen mode.
- Like, comment on, or share reels by clicking the icons below the video.
Accessing Facebook through your desktop browser allows you to view reels just like you would on mobile. The functionality is the same whether you are on desktop or mobile.
Use the Facebook Mobile Website
If you want an experience that is optimized for mobile, you can use the Facebook mobile website on your desktop browser. This allows you to view Facebook reels in a vertical, full screen view as intended.
To use the Facebook mobile site on desktop:
- Open your browser and go to www.facebook.com.
- Click the three horizontal line menu icon in the top right corner.
- Select “Log in to mobile site” from the dropdown menu.
- Log into Facebook as you normally would.
- The mobile site will open in your browser window. Scroll down to view reels.
- Click any reel to view it in vertical, full screen mode.
The mobile site works exactly like the Facebook app, just within your desktop browser. This can make watching and engaging with reels feel more natural.
Use the Facebook Desktop App
Facebook offers an official desktop app that you can install on your computer. The Facebook desktop app includes native support for viewing and creating reels.
Here’s how to get reels through the Facebook desktop app:
- Go to www.facebook.com/about/desktop on your computer.
- Click “Download for Windows” or “Download for Mac” depending on your operating system.
- Open the downloaded file to install the Facebook desktop app.
- Open the Facebook desktop app.
- Log into your account.
- You’ll see reels mixed into your News Feed. Click any reel to view it.
The desktop app offers notifications, messages, shortcuts, and other convenient features for accessing Facebook on your computer. Reels are seamlessly integrated right into the app so you can view and engage with them.
Pros of the Desktop App
- Dedicated desktop application rather than web browser only
- Notifications and messages like mobile app
- Faster performance compared to web browser
Cons of the Desktop App
- Requires download and installation
- Must create shortcut or open app to access Facebook
- Less flexibility than web browser option
Use Bluestacks Android Emulator
If you want the full mobile Facebook experience on desktop, you can use an Android emulator like Bluestacks. This allows you to install the Facebook mobile app on your computer.
To use the Facebook app via Bluestacks:
- Download and install Bluestacks on your computer – www.bluestacks.com.
- Open Bluestacks and log into your Google account.
- Search for “Facebook” in the search bar.
- Install the Facebook app from the search results.
- Log into the Facebook app via Bluestacks.
- Use the Facebook app as normal to view reels feed, create reels, etc.
Getting the mobile app on desktop via Bluestacks or a similar emulator provides the full range of features. You can access reels and all other Facebook mobile features seamlessly.
Pros of Using an Android Emulator
- Access official Facebook mobile app
- Use all native mobile features
- Responsive touch controls
Cons of Using an Android Emulator
- Requires emulator download/setup
- More resource intensive than web browser
- Mobile interface not optimized for desktop
Use the Reels Web Creator
Facebook offers a Reels Web Creator tool that lets you make reels directly within your browser. This can be helpful if you want to create reels from your desktop rather than just view them.
To access the Reels Web Creator:
- Go to www.facebook.com/reels/create in your desktop browser.
- The Reels Web Creator will open.
- Click + to upload a video from your computer.
- Edit the video with effects, audio, text, etc.
- Click “Post to Reels” when finished.
The Reels Web Creator provides a simple reel editing experience without needing to use your mobile device. This makes it easy to create desktop-quality reels from your computer.
Pros of the Reels Web Creator
- Create reels directly from desktop browser
- Add effects, text, trim clips, and more
- Simple and intuitive reel editor
Cons of the Reels Web Creator
- Limited editing tools compared to mobile app
- No options for filters, AR, green screen, etc.
- Uploads limited to existing video files
Use Third-Party Tools
There are also various third-party tools and services that allow you to download and repost Facebook videos. These can be an option if you want to archive or backup reels from your desktop.
Some third-party downloaders and reposters include:
To use these tools:
- Copy the link to the Facebook reel you want to download.
- Paste the link into the tool/service.
- Download the reel video file to your computer.
- You can then re-upload the reel video to Facebook or other platforms.
Do keep in mind that downloading or reposting content without permission may violate Facebook’s terms of service.
Use Screen Recording
If you need to quickly save a Facebook reel from your desktop, a screen recording can get the job done.
Tools like QuickTime for Mac or the Xbox Game Bar for Windows 10 allow you to easily record your screen. Other dedicated screen recording apps are also available.
To save a Facebook reel via screen recording:
- Open the reel on Facebook in your desktop browser.
- Start a screen recording, capturing the area of the browser window.
- Let the reel video fully play through while recording.
- Stop the screen recording.
- Trim the beginning and end of the video as needed.
- You now have a video file saved on your computer.
Screen recording is quick and convenient but won’t give you the highest quality capture of a reel. It’s best used for temporary captures.
Conclusion
There are many options for watching, creating, and engaging with Facebook reels on your desktop. The easiest options include using Facebook via your desktop web browser or the official desktop app. Creating reels can be done through the Reels Web Creator tool. And third-party apps allow you to download and repost reels.
At the end of the day, the best way to access Facebook reels on desktop comes down to your specific needs and preferences. But with the various methods covered here, you should have no problem viewing, saving, or making reels without a mobile device.