Facebook launches enhanced full-screen video player with key upgrades

Facebook is launching an updated video player that provides a consistent design for all video lengths, including Reels, longer videos, and Live content, in one fullscreen.

This updated video player, which bears a striking resemblance to TikTok, will initially roll out on iOS and Android devices in the United States and Canada, with a global release scheduled in the coming months.

Why we care. The full-screen video player, with its improved features, is created to grab people’s attention and increase interaction with your content.

What’s changing? Now, whenever you tap on a video in the Facebook app, it will always open in fullscreen and be oriented vertically as demonstrated in the gif below:

Although videos will appear vertically automatically, you’ll notice a new fullscreen option on most horizontal videos that enables you to switch to landscape view for better viewing.

Previously, depending on the video’s length or where you were watching, you might have seen horizontal videos or videos playing in a Feed-like player.

Enhancements. Facebook’s updated video player will offer several enhanced features, such as:

• Improved recommendations for videos of all lengths, tailored to your interests. For instance, you might receive suggestions for Reels providing quick makeup tips or longer tutorial videos on DIY home improvements, curated from experienced homeowners.
• New controls offering you more flexibility in how you watch videos, which will be rolled out over the coming weeks.
• The ability to easily skip to the part you’re most interested in using the slider at the bottom of the player.

What Facebook is saying. Facebook said in a statement:

• “Outside the new player, you’ll also now see more relevant video recommendations, regardless of length, on Feed and on the Video Tab. And while Facebook continues to be the home for all types of video, we’ll show 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 tap into additional audiences they might not have reached before.”

Deep dive. Read Meta’s announcement in full for more information.