Facebook recently changed their video algorithm to further mirror the TikTok experience. Now, all videos on Facebook will display in a vertical format, enhancing user engagement and keeping up with evolving social media trends. Horizontal videos will still be shown, but the video player will take up the full screen vertically.
According to Facebook, this update ensures a consistent viewing experience, allowing users to seamlessly enjoy videos in fullscreen mode regardless of where they are in the app. Plus, you can still enjoy landscape view by flipping your phone for “most videos.”
What does this mean for you? Vertical videos will likely perform better, but even for horizontal videos, keep your audience in mind. If they just watched a 30 second vertical video, they may not want to stay for your 12 minute long horizontal video that Facebook served up next. I recommend keeping video lengths under 3 minutes in order to maintain engagement and watch times.
In this update, Meta also underscores the importance of original, captivating videos, hinting that repurposed content may not perform as well in this new landscape. The algorithm will place a priority on brand new content.
In essence, Facebook’s latest move continues to copy TikTok’s successful approach, highlighting the dominant influence of original short-form vertical videos across all social media platforms.
