Quick Answer
To show the video icon on Facebook, you need to upload and post a video. The video icon will then appear next to the video post. Here are the steps:
- Click on the ‘Photo/Video’ button when creating a new post.
- Select the video you want to upload from your computer.
- Wait for the video to finish uploading.
- Write a caption and description for your video post.
- Click on ‘Post’ to publish the video to your timeline.
Once posted, a video icon (that looks like a triangle play button) will be shown next to your video. People will be able to click on this icon to play your video.
Uploading and Posting a Video on Facebook
Uploading a video to Facebook is easy and similar to uploading a photo. Here are step-by-step instructions:
- Go to Facebook and click on ‘Photo/Video’ at the top of your news feed (or on your timeline/profile page).
- Click on ‘Upload Video’. This allows you to select a video from your computer to upload.
- Navigate to the video file you want and select it.
- Wait for the video to finish uploading. A status bar will show the upload progress.
- Once done, you can preview the video and edit the thumbnail image that will be displayed.
- Write a caption or description about your video in the text box.
- Add a location tag, emotions, or other details if desired.
- Click on ‘Post’ to publish the video to your timeline.
The video will now be posted to your profile. A small video icon (triangle play button) will appear next to the video.
Video Upload Requirements
When uploading videos to Facebook, keep the following requirements in mind:
- Supported video formats include MP4, MOV, and AVI.
- Video size should be up to 4GB.
- Video length can be up to 240 minutes.
- HD video resolutions (720p or 1080p) are recommended.
Following these video specifications will ensure your upload goes smoothly and the video plays in high quality for viewers.
Customizing the Video Thumbnail
The thumbnail is the still preview image displayed before the video is played. By default, Facebook will automatically select a thumbnail from your video. However, you can customize this.
When uploading, click ‘Choose Thumbnail’ below the video preview. You will see thumbnail options from different timestamps in the video. Select the one you prefer.
For a more customized thumbnail, click ‘Upload Thumbnail’ to use any image from your computer. Make sure it is high resolution and reflects the video well.
An eye-catching thumbnail helps capture viewers’ attention when scrolling.
Where the Video Icon Appears
Once you’ve posted a video on Facebook, here are some places you will see the video icon:
- On your timeline under the video post
- In your friends’ news feeds whenever your video is shared
- On your Facebook page’s timeline if posting as a Page
- In any Facebook Groups that the video is shared in
- Embedded on external websites if your video is embedded
Wherever the video post appears, the play button icon will be shown to indicate it is a video that can be played.
News Feed
When you upload a video, it will appear in your friends’ news feeds with the video icon and thumbnail beside your name. People can click to play the video without leaving the news feed.
Timeline
The video will also post to your personal timeline with the video icon. On your timeline, the icon appears in the top-left corner above the video thumbnail preview.
Facebook Pages
Facebook Page owners can also post videos which will appear on the Page’s timeline. Page visitors can play the videos directly on the Page.
Facebook Groups
In Facebook Groups you have joined, the video icon will appear with any videos you or other members post in the Group feed. Group members can watch the videos right within the Group.
Embedded Videos
If you embed your Facebook video on an external website, the video icon will be shown on the embedded player as well. Site visitors can play the video without leaving the website.
Interacting with Facebook Videos
Once a video has been posted, other Facebook users can interact and engage with it:
- Play the video by clicking the triangle icon.
- Like or react to the video using the ‘Like’ and reaction buttons.
- Comment on the video in the comments box.
- Share the video to their own timeline or in a Group.
Likes, comments, and shares help your video gain more views. You will also see these interactions underneath your posted video.
Adjusting Visibility
You can control who gets to see your posted videos under the audience selector:
- Public – Anyone on or off Facebook
- Friends – Your friends only
- Friends except… – Exclude specific friends
- Specific friends – Select certain friends
- Only me – Keep it private
Adjust based on who you want to be able to watch the video. Videos set as public have the potential to gain more engagement.
Analytics
Creator Studio provides insights and metrics on your Facebook videos. You can see views, average watch times, top locations, demographics, and more. Use these analytics to make better videos going forward.
Benefits of Posting Videos on Facebook
Uploading and sharing videos on Facebook has many benefits:
- Videos often get more engagement than regular photos or text posts.
- You can showcase fun/meaningful moments from your life or business.
- Videos help strengthen connections and relationships with your audience.
- Videos educate and inform audiences in an interactive, visual way.
- For businesses, videos boost brand awareness and conversions.
- Videos allow you to tell stories in a more engaging manner.
In general, video content tends to be more popular and immersive than static posts on social media.
More Engagement
Because videos are interactive and eye-catching, they tend to get higher engagement in the form of comments, reactions, and shares compared to regular posts. This helps increase your reach.
Showcase Memorable Moments
Videos allow you to capture and share meaningful life events and milestones, such as weddings, birthdays, vacations, concerts, etc. Viewers get to experience the moment with you.
Strengthen Connections
Seeing someone’s videos gives more insight into their personality and life. This helps strengthen connections between friends, family, and audiences.
Educate and Inform
Businesses can use Facebook videos to educate about their products/services in a visual way. Non-profits also use videos to inform and spread awareness about causes.
Increase Brand Awareness
Fun, engaging video content that reflects a brand’s identity helps drive brand awareness and get new audiences interested. This leads to more conversions.
Tell Impactful Stories
Videos allow you to tell stories that text or photos cannot always convey. Human emotions and experiences can be powerfully communicated through videos.
Tips for Creating Engaging Facebook Videos
Here are some tips to make compelling videos that get viewership and engagement on Facebook:
- Film horizontally – vertical videos get cut off in feeds.
- Keep videos under 3 minutes long, shorter is better.
- Convey your main message/story within the first 30 seconds.
- Use captions or visual text overlays for key information.
- Show real, candid moments vs overly posed/scripted footage.
- Use bright, vibrant lighting and optimal camera angles.
- Invest in quality camera/mic equipment for best quality.
- Edit videos to trim unnecessary parts and add transitions.
- Include a strong, engaging caption to provide context.
Proper lighting, stable footage, compelling visuals, and concise information will create videos people want to watch from beginning to end.
Horizontal Orientation
Hold your smartphone sideways when recording to capture landscape style video. Vertical videos take up less space in feeds and are harder to see.
Short Length
On social media, shorter videos are more likely to be watched till the end. Stick to a 3 minute maximum, or break up longer videos into a series.
Hook Viewers Right Away
Your opening visuals and message should immediately draw viewers in during the first 10-30 seconds. This increases overall watch time.
Text Overlays
Overlay key information like locations, names, or messages on your video to make it more engaging. Avoid cluttering the screen.
Candid Footage
Viewers respond better to natural, candid clips vs overly posed or scripted footage. Show real moments and emotions.
Quality Visuals
Have proper lighting and use camera stabilizers to prevent shaky shots. Shoot at optimal angles. Invest in HD equipment.
Thoughtful Editing
Use video editing software to trim any unnecessary parts and add transitions/effects that enhance the storytelling.
Strong Caption
Write a caption that sets up the video’s story and makes it more shareable. Intrigue viewers to watch.
Conclusion
Posting videos on Facebook allows you to share memorable life moments, tell impactful stories, strengthen connections, educate audiences, and boost brand awareness in an engaging format. To post a video, simply upload it when creating a new post, customize the thumbnail, add a caption, and publish it to your timeline. The video will then appear with a small play button icon that viewers can click on to play the video.
Videos often get higher engagement than regular posts, so create compelling footage using tips like optimal length, orientation, visuals, and captions. With powerful video content, you can captivate audiences on Facebook.