Social media giant Facebook is taking a big step in becoming a serious competitor in the short-form video space. On Wednesday, the company announced an expansion of its Facebook Reels feature, which allows users of the platform to record, edit and share short-form video clips much like TikTok.
The most notable feature revealed in the update is the expansion of the video’s maximum length, which was previously limited to 20 seconds. Users can now record clips that are up to 90 seconds in length and choose the sections of the video they want to share on their news feed or stories. Additionally, users now get access to a range of new editing tools such as filters, rewind and trim (allowing users to crop a section of the video) and transitions.
The update is a timely one, as TikTok, the current leader in the short-form video space, has faced new backlash recently due to its potential security implications. With the new Facebook Reels update, the company is seeking to capture a larger audience that is potentially wary of the alternative.
Despite the scramble to compete in the short-form space, academics and insiders have argued that the focus shouldn’t be completely placed on the technology, but rather on the creative ability of the users themselves. These kinds of tools are important as they give more room for creators to showcase their skills, but ultimately the content itself will determine if the audience engages with it or not.
As Facebook continues to roll out updates for its Reels feature, the focus should be placed on empowering creators to create innovative and entertaining content, thus potentially helping the company carve out a place in the short-form video space.
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