Facebook announces a series of important changes for the dedicated iPhone and Android application, more precisely for the video player available within it, here is what the American company says and how big the changes will be for everyone.
We're introducing an updated Facebook video player that brings together Reels, longer videos and Live content, all in one immersive full-screen 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 you tap a video anywhere in the Facebook app, you'll now consistently see a full-screen, vertically oriented video. Previously, depending on the length of the video or where you were watching, you may have seen horizontal videos or videos that played in a Feed-like player.
Within the updated full-screen video player, we'll also have improved recommendations for videos of all lengths that we think you'll most likely enjoy, based on your interests. For example, we might recommend a Reel that inspire you for a quick daily makeup routine or a longer video tutorial on DIY home improvements from experienced homeowners.
The updated, full-screen video player will also have new controls rolling out over the next few weeks, giving you the power to watch videos the way you want.
While videos will automatically appear vertically, you'll see a new full-screen option on most horizontal videos that lets you flip to watch in landscape view.
You can also easily jump to the part that interests you the most using the slider at the bottom of the player. Missed the last step in a recipe? Tap the video to bring up controls that let you jump back ten seconds, pause while mixing the recipe ingredients, and then fast-forward through the parts you want to skip.
Outside of the new player, you'll now see more relevant video recommendations, regardless of length, in your Feed and Video tab. And while Facebook continues to be the home for all types of video, we'll be showing even more Reels to meet the growing demand for this format.
These updates also mean that more types of creators will have more opportunities to reach additional audiences they may not have reached before. Learn more here.
