Facebook introduced reels in 2020 as a way for users to create and share short, entertaining videos on its platforms. Reels allow people to record multi-clip videos combined with audio, effects and creative tools. Since the launch of reels, different versions of Facebook have gained support for this popular video format.
The main Facebook app does not currently have native support for reels. While you can upload reels created in Instagram to your Facebook feed, there is no option to create reels directly within Facebook at this time. Some key points about reels and the main Facebook app:
- No option to create reels natively in the Facebook app
- Reels created in Instagram can be cross-posted to your Facebook feed
- Watching reels on Facebook works the same as watching any other video
- Facebook has not indicated if/when reels creation will be added to the main app
Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger gained support for viewing Instagram reels in 2020. This allows Messenger users to watch reels that were originally posted on Instagram without leaving the Messenger app. However, you still cannot create reels directly within Messenger. Here are some key points about reels in Facebook Messenger:
- Users can watch Instagram reels from within Messenger conversations or the Messenger feed
- No ability to create reels natively in Messenger
- Reels play with audio on by default
- Double tap to like or comment on a reel in Messenger
Instagram is the Facebook-owned app where reels originated. The Reels feature first launched in Brazil in 2020, and is now available globally on iOS and Android. Instagram is by far the best platform for creating, sharing and interacting with reels. Key points about Instagram reels:
- Create reels up to 30 seconds long with audio, effects, timers and more
- Native reels creation tools built into Instagram camera
- Share reels to your Instagram feed, Stories or in Direct messages
- Use hashtags and geotags to help reels reach new audiences
- Reels live on the Instagram Explore page and Reels tab for discovery
Here is an example of an Instagram reel:
Facebook Watch
Facebook Watch is the company’s dedicated video hub on mobile apps and desktop. Watch features original video content as well as highlights from popular video creators. Users can find reels in Watch in a few ways:
- Watch includes a “Reels” channel featuring trending videos
- Reels may be suggested in the Watch feed based on interests
- Search for specific hashtags or creators to find reels
However, Facebook Watch does not yet include native reel creation tools. Key points:
- Discover Instagram reels through the Watch Reels channel
- Reels auto-play with sound on by default
- No current ability to create reels directly in Watch
Facebook Gaming
Facebook Gaming is focused on streaming gameplay, esports and gaming content. It has limited support for viewing Instagram reels.
- Watch gaming-related reels in the Reels section
- Reels can only be discovered, not created natively
- Mostly focused on longer-form live and on-demand gaming video
Portal from Facebook
Facebook’s Portal smart displays allow users to video chat, watch content and more on their home screens. Portal does not currently support reels in any form – you cannot create or watch reels on Portal devices.
Oculus from Facebook
Oculus virtual reality headsets are designed for immersive gaming and entertainment. As of now, there is no support for viewing or creating reels within Oculus VR environments.
Facebook Business Suite
Facebook Business Suite provides social management and analytics tools for marketers. Business Suite offers limited reels capabilities:
- See metrics on the performance of reels posted to Instagram Business profiles
- Download Instagram reels to re-share on other platforms
- No current ability to create or schedule reels natively
Facebook Analytics
Facebook Analytics offers aggregated cross-platform data on content performance and audience insights. For reels, Facebook Analytics can provide:
- Metrics on reel views, likes, comments, saves and more
- Audience demographics and interests for reels
- Benchmarking against other similar content
However, Facebook Analytics is a read-only tool – you cannot create or post reels using Facebook Analytics.
Facebook Ads
Facebook’s advertising platform lets brands promote content across Facebook’s apps. For reels, advertisers can:
- Boost existing organic Instagram reels as ads
- Create new reels in Ads Manager to run as ads
- Target ads based on reel content or audience
- Measure reel ad performance with transparent metrics
So running paid ads is the only way brands can currently create reels directly within Facebook’s ad tools.
Facebook Live
Facebook Live allows broadcasting real-time video to audiences. While you can live stream to Facebook from Instagram, there is no ability to go live with reels. Key points:
- No options for using reels in Facebook Live
- Instagram Live streams can be cross-posted to Facebook
- But Instagram Lives do not support reels features
Spark AR from Facebook
Spark AR enables anyone to create augmented reality effects for Instagram and Facebook. For reels, Spark AR lets creators build interactive AR filters and effects specifically for use in reels.
- Design, code and publish custom AR reel effects
- Add interactive elements, facial tracking and more
- Share effects publicly for anyone to use in reels
This table summarizes where reels capabilities currently exist across Facebook’s apps and services:
| Facebook Product | View Reels | Create Reels |
|---|---|---|
| Main Facebook App | No | No |
| Messenger | Yes | No |
| Yes | Yes | |
| Facebook Watch | Yes | No |
| Facebook Gaming | Limited | No |
| Portal | No | No |
| Oculus | No | No |
| Business Suite | Metrics Only | No |
| Facebook Analytics | Metrics Only | No |
| Facebook Ads | Yes | Yes (Ads Only) |
| Facebook Live | No | No |
| Spark AR | Yes (Effects) | Yes (Effects) |
Conclusion
In summary, Instagram remains the only Facebook-owned service that allows creating reels natively. Facebook has brought reels viewing capabilities to Messenger, Facebook Watch and its advertising tools, but full reel creation features are still limited to Instagram alone.
This looks set to change over time as reels continue to grow in popularity. Facebook executives have shared plans to eventually integrate reels into more of its apps. But for now, Instagram is still the reigning reels king in the Facebook universe.
So for Facebook users eager to make their own reels today, heading over to Instagram remains the best and only option. Instagram offers easy-to-use reels creation tools as part of its slick, best-in-class mobile app experience. With its tremendous reach and highly engaged user base, Instagram provides the ideal platform for creators and brands to find an audience for their reels.
While reels on Facebook remain limited for now, their rise underscores the growing demand for short-form, mobile video content. As reels continue to thrive on Instagram and inevitably permeate more Facebook products, we can expect the video landscape online to shift further towards bite-sized entertainment on our phones. For audiences drawn to digestible content and creators flexing their storytelling chops in clever new ways, the runway is long for reels to soar even higher.
Facebook places a premium on understanding current consumer behavior and anticipating digital trends. Expanding the reels ecosystem will be key to keeping users engaged across its family of apps. Where and how reels pop up next on Facebook and beyond promises to be an evolving story worth watching.