Meta-owned Facebook is introducing an updated video player that brings together Reels, longer videos and Live content all in one fullscreen, engaging experience.
The updated video player is rolling out on iOS and Android, first in the US and Canada, and globally in the coming months.
When a user taps on a video anywhere on the Facebook app, a fullscreen, vertically-oriented video will appear. Previously, depending on the length of the video or where you were watching, a horizontal video or videos that played in a Feed-like player used to appear.
Within the upgraded fullscreen video player, Facebook will also have improved recommendations for videos of all lengths that is most likely based on user’s interests. For example, Facebook may recommend a Reel giving you inspiration for a quick, daily makeup routine or a longer tutorial video on DIY house improvements from experienced homeowners.
The updated, fullscreen video player will also have new controls which will roll out over the next few weeks, giving user the power to watch videos however they’d like.
While videos will appear vertically automatically, users will see a new fullscreen option on most horizontal videos that allows to flip to watch in landscape view. Users can also easily skip to the part most interested in using the slider at the bottom of the player.
These updates also mean that more types of creators will have more opportunities to tap into additional audiences they might not have reached before.
