It can be frustrating when you try to watch a video on Facebook in full screen mode, only to find the video remains stuck in a small player. There are a few different reasons why Facebook videos may not go full screen properly, and some steps you can try to fix the issue.
Quick Summary
Here are some quick possible reasons and fixes for Facebook videos not going full screen:
- The video format may not be supported – Try uploading videos in MP4 format.
- Your browser settings may be blocking full screen – Check your browser settings and enable full screen videos.
- The video owner may have disabled full screen viewing – Nothing you can do if the owner disabled full screen.
- Your Facebook app or browser may need an update – Update to the latest version.
- Try using a different browser or device – See if the issue persists across browsers or devices.
- Clear your browser cache and cookies – Cache/cookies issues could prevent full screen.
What could prevent Facebook videos from going full screen?
Here are some of the most common reasons why Facebook videos won’t go full screen and remain stuck playing in the small inset player:
Unsupported Video Format
Facebook has certain video format requirements for videos you upload:
| Format | Codecs | Resolution | Bitrate | Frame Rate | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MP4 | H.264 | 720px minimum | 4Mbps preferred | 30fps | 120 minutes maximum |
If your video does not meet these specifications, Facebook may not allow it to go full screen. For best results, encode your video uploads in MP4 format with H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec.
Browser Settings Blocking Full Screen
Most browsers allow you to configure settings that can disable full screen video playback on websites like Facebook. Things to check:
- Popup blocker settings may prevent full screen videos
- Privacy or site permissions may need to allow full screen access
- Extensions or add-ons could block full screen videos
Check your specific browser’s settings to make sure full screen videos are allowed.
Full Screen Disabled by Video Owner
When uploading a video to Facebook, the owner can disable the option for viewers to watch in full screen mode. If the video owner has disabled full screen viewing, there’s nothing you can do to override that.
Facebook App or Browser Needs Update
Ensure you are using the latest version of the Facebook mobile app or website. An outdated app or browser can sometimes prevent videos from going full screen properly. Check the app store or browser update settings.
Steps to Fix Facebook Videos Not Going Full Screen
If you’re experiencing issues getting Facebook videos to play in full screen mode, here are some troubleshooting steps to try:
1. Try Different Browsers and Devices
First, test if the problem is browser or device specific. Try launching the same Facebook video in different browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari and see if any can trigger full screen properly. Also try on different devices like mobile, tablets, laptops, desktops.
2. Update Your Browser and Facebook App
Make sure you are running the latest versions of the Facebook mobile app, Facebook website, and your device browser. Older versions may have problems with full screen videos.
- Update iOS App Store or Android Play Store apps
- Update desktop web browsers
- Clear browser cache after updating
3. Check Your Browser Settings
Browser settings can sometimes disrupt full screen videos. Check for things like:
- Disable any popup blockers and ad blockers temporarily
- Ensure Flash is enabled if required
- Make sure site permissions allow full screen video access
- Disable any browser extensions that might conflict
4. Adjust Your Facebook Video Settings
When uploading videos, Facebook has some settings that can impact full screen viewing:
- Enable the “Show Fullscreen Button” option
- Disable the “Disable Video Download and Fullscreen” option
Check that these are configured correctly when uploading videos.
5. Clear Cookies and Cache
Sometimes cookie or cache issues can cause problems with Facebook functionality like full screen video. Try clearing your browser history, cookies, and cache and then reload Facebook.
Why Full Screen is Important for Facebook Videos
Having your Facebook videos play properly in full screen mode provides the best viewing experience for your audience. Here are some of the benefits of full screen video:
- More immersive viewing without distractions
- Higher quality video playback
- Ability to see more video details
- Mobile devices can optimize video for their screens
- Videos are more engaging and memorable
By uploading properly encoded source files and configuring your Facebook video settings correctly, you can deliver the full screen experience that your viewers expect.
Other Facebook Video Tips
In addition to troubleshooting full screen issues, here are some other tips for success with Facebook video:
- Use high quality HD resolution for best results
- Keep videos short and engaging (under 3 minutes ideal)
- Add captions and subtitles for accessibility
- Include interesting thumbnails and previews
- Test videos on mobile devices before publishing
- Monitor analytics to see what content resonates
Conclusion
With billions of users, Facebook is a vital platform for video content and engagement. By properly encoding your source videos, configuring Facebook’s settings correctly, and troubleshooting browser and device issues, you can deliver the full screen viewing experience that your audience expects.
Remember to check your browser settings, update software versions, try different devices, and confirm the video owner has not disabled full screen capabilities. Using the latest best practices for encoding and uploading videos will ensure your Facebook videos reach their full potential.