Facebook Reels is one of the most straightforward ways to get your content in front of people who don't already follow you. The algorithm pushes Reels to new audiences by default - meaning a well-made clip can reach people who have never heard of your page. That's the main reason it's worth learning how to use them properly.
This guide covers everything: how to make a Reel on Facebook from scratch, how to put a Reel on Facebook from your camera roll, what the specs look like, and how to make Reels on Facebook to earn money through Meta's monetization programs. If you need video clips to work with, ImgSearch's free video library is a useful starting point.
Can You Make Reels on Facebook?
Yes. Facebook Reels have been available globally since 2022, on both personal profiles and Pages. You don't need a special account type or a minimum follower count to create them - anyone can make and post a Reel on Facebook.
The key requirement is that your account or Page must be set to public for Reels to reach new audiences beyond your existing followers. Private accounts can still create Reels, but the content will only be visible to approved followers - which limits the discovery potential significantly.
What Is a Facebook Reel?
A Facebook Reel is a short-form video, up to 90 seconds long, displayed in a vertical 9:16 format. Reels live in their own dedicated tab on Facebook and also appear in the main feed and in Facebook Stories. The format is essentially the same as Instagram Reels - which makes sense, since both are Meta products and content can be crossposted between them.
What distinguishes Reels from regular Facebook video posts:
- Vertical format (9:16), designed for mobile viewing
- Short duration (up to 90 seconds)
- Audio is central - Reels support Facebook's music library and original audio
- Algorithm-driven distribution - shown to non-followers more aggressively than feed posts
- Editing tools built into the app: trimming, audio, text overlays, effects
How to Make a Reel on Facebook (Mobile App)
The most common way to create a Reel is directly in the Facebook app on your phone. Here's exactly how to do it:
Step 1: Open Facebook and find the Reels section.
Open the Facebook app and look for the Reels tab - it appears near the top of your feed or in the bottom navigation bar, depending on your device. You can also tap the "+" icon (Create) at the top of your feed and select "Reel" from the options.
Step 2: Record or upload your clip.
You'll see a camera interface. You have two options:
- Record in-app: Hold the record button to capture video directly. You can record multiple clips in sequence - each tap of the button starts and stops a new segment.
- Upload from camera roll: Tap the photo/video icon in the bottom-left corner to select existing footage from your device. You can select multiple clips, and they'll be combined in the editor.
Step 3: Edit your Reel.
Once you've captured or uploaded your clips, you'll enter the editing screen. Here you can:
- Trim clips - drag the edges of each clip to cut down the length
- Reorder clips - hold and drag to change the sequence
- Add audio - tap the music note icon to browse Facebook's licensed music library, or record original audio. You can also use trending audio that other creators have posted.
- Add text - tap the "Aa" icon to overlay text on specific moments in the video. You can set when the text appears and disappears.
- Add stickers - location tags, polls, questions, and other interactive stickers
- Apply effects - AR effects, filters, and visual enhancements
- Adjust speed - slow down or speed up individual clips
Step 4: Add a cover image.
After editing, you'll be prompted to select a cover frame - the thumbnail that represents your Reel in your profile grid and in some feed placements. Choose a frame that clearly represents the content and looks good at a small size.
Step 5: Write your caption and set your audience.
Add a caption (this helps with discoverability - include relevant keywords naturally). Set the audience to "Public" if you want the Reel to reach beyond your followers. You can also:
- Add a location
- Tag people
- Toggle whether the Reel can be shared or remixed by others
Step 6: Post.
Tap "Share" or "Post" to publish your Reel. It will appear in the Reels feed, your profile, and potentially in the main feed of people who don't follow you.
How to Do a Reel on Facebook Using Existing Video
If you've already filmed your video somewhere else - your phone's camera app, a different device, or a separate editing tool - you can upload it directly to Facebook as a Reel rather than recording inside the app.
On mobile:
- Open Facebook and tap the "+" Create button
- Select "Reel"
- Tap the gallery icon (bottom-left of the camera screen)
- Select your pre-recorded video from your camera roll
- Trim, add audio or text if needed, then post
Recommended specs for uploaded Reels:
- Aspect ratio: 9:16 (vertical)
- Resolution: 1080 x 1920 pixels
- File format: MP4 or MOV
- Maximum file size: 4 GB
- Maximum length: 90 seconds
- Frame rate: 30fps
If your video is horizontal (16:9) and you're uploading it as a Reel, Facebook will add black bars to the sides. The content plays, but it looks noticeably worse than native vertical video. Whenever possible, film or crop to 9:16 before uploading.
How to Put a Reel on Facebook From a Desktop
Facebook does allow Reels to be uploaded from a desktop browser, though the workflow is less fluid than on mobile:
- Go to facebook.com and log in
- Click the "+" Create button at the top of your feed, or navigate to your Page and look for the "Create Reel" option
- Click "Reel" from the content type options
- Upload your video file from your computer
- Add audio, text, and a caption using the desktop editor
- Set your audience to "Public"
- Click "Share"
The desktop editor has fewer native editing tools than the mobile app - you can't record directly, and access to Facebook's music library may be limited in some regions. For most creators, mobile remains the better option for creating Reels, with desktop useful for uploading pre-edited content.
How to Make Reels on Facebook to Earn Money
Facebook has a monetization program that allows eligible creators to earn money from their Reels. Here's how it works:
Facebook Content Monetization Program
Meta's Facebook Content Monetization program allows qualifying creators to earn based on the performance of their public content - including Reels, videos, photos, and text posts. The program is currently invite-only, but Meta has been expanding access progressively.
How earnings work:
Earnings through the program are performance-based - meaning how much you earn depends on how well your content performs in terms of views, engagement, and watch time. There's no fixed rate per view; the payout depends on multiple factors including your content type, audience location, and overall platform metrics.
What you need to qualify:
To be eligible for Facebook's monetization programs, you generally need to:
- Be 18 or older
- Have a public Facebook Page or profile (not a private account)
- Meet Meta's Partner Monetization Policies and Content Monetization Policies
- Receive an invite from Meta (currently the program is invite-only)
- Be located in an eligible country
Countries currently included in the program include the US, UK, Canada, Australia, India, Mexico, and several others, with Meta continuing to expand access.
How to check your eligibility:
Go to your Facebook Page → Professional Dashboard → Monetization. You'll be able to see whether you've been invited to any monetization programs and what your current status is.
What increases your chances of earning:
- Consistent posting of original Reels (not reposted from other platforms with watermarks)
- High watch time and completion rates
- Growing follower count
- Content that follows Meta's community standards and monetization policies
- Reels that are public and perform well in the Reels feed
Note that content watermarked with another platform's logo (like TikTok's) is explicitly ineligible for Facebook's monetization programs.
Tips for Making Better Facebook Reels
Getting the technical steps right is one thing. Making Reels that actually perform is another. A few things that consistently make a difference:
Hook within the first second. Facebook's feed is competitive. The first frame - or the first line of audio - determines whether someone keeps watching. Don't open with a logo, a slow zoom, or a greeting. Start with the most interesting or visually arresting moment.
Use audio intentionally. Most Reels are watched with sound on, unlike regular feed posts. Choose music that fits the mood and pacing of your clip. If you're talking, make sure your audio is clear - record somewhere quiet or use a mic.
Add captions. Not everyone watches with sound, even on Reels. Captions also help your content reach audiences who are deaf or hard of hearing. Facebook has auto-captioning built in - use it, then review for accuracy.
Keep it under 30 seconds when you can. Facebook Reels can run up to 90 seconds, but shorter content generally gets higher completion rates. Higher completion rates signal quality to the algorithm, which leads to wider distribution. Unless the content genuinely needs the extra length, aim for tight and punchy.
Post consistently. The algorithm rewards creators who post regularly. One strong Reel per day consistently outperforms occasional bursts of content followed by silence.
Avoid watermarks from other platforms. TikTok watermarks, in particular, will suppress your reach and disqualify you from monetization. If you're repurposing content from TikTok, export it without the watermark before uploading to Facebook.
Use original or trending audio. Reels that use trending audio often get an algorithmic boost because Facebook's music and audio recommendation system surfaces them alongside popular sounds.
Facebook Reels vs Instagram Reels
Since Meta owns both platforms, there's a lot of overlap - but a few practical differences worth knowing:
Audience demographics: Facebook skews slightly older than Instagram. If your content is aimed at 35+ audiences, Facebook Reels may outperform Instagram for reach.
Cross-posting: You can create a Reel on Instagram and cross-post it directly to Facebook (or vice versa), which saves time if you're managing both platforms. Note that cross-posted Reels from Instagram may not be eligible for Facebook's Reels monetization bonuses, depending on the specific program.
Music availability: Facebook's licensed music library differs from Instagram's. Some tracks available on one platform aren't available on the other due to regional licensing.
Algorithm behavior: Both platforms push Reels to non-followers, but the specific signals they weigh may differ. Testing the same content on both and comparing performance can be revealing.
Using Stock Footage and B-Roll in Facebook Reels
Not every Reel needs to be original footage filmed that day. Stock video and B-roll play a useful role in many types of Reels - particularly for:
- Tutorial or educational content where you need to illustrate a concept
- Brand or business content that needs variety beyond a talking head
- Reels that cover topics you can't easily film yourself
The key is using footage that isn't watermarked by another platform and that you have the rights to use. ImgSearch's free video library offers AI-generated video clips across a range of subjects, available for use without the licensing complications of traditional stock footage platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you make Reels on Facebook?
Yes. Facebook Reels are available globally to any Facebook account or Page. There's no minimum follower count required to create them, though your account needs to be public for Reels to reach audiences beyond your existing followers.
2. How do I make a Reel on Facebook from my phone?
Open Facebook, tap the "+" Create button, select "Reel," and either record in-app or upload from your camera roll. Add audio, text, and captions in the editor, set your audience to Public, and tap Share.
3. How do I put a Reel on Facebook that I already filmed?
Tap the Create (+) button, select Reel, then tap the gallery icon to choose a video from your camera roll. Edit as needed and post. If uploading from a desktop, go to facebook.com and use the Create → Reel option.
4. How long can a Facebook Reel be?
Up to 90 seconds. Shorter content (under 30 seconds) often performs better because higher completion rates signal quality to the algorithm.
5. How do I make Reels on Facebook to earn money?
Through Meta's Content Monetization program, which pays eligible creators based on the performance of their public content. The program is currently invite-only. Check your eligibility under Professional Dashboard → Monetization in the Facebook app.
6. How do I know if I'm eligible to earn money from Facebook Reels?
Go to your Professional Dashboard on Facebook and look for the Monetization section. You'll see whether you've received an invite to any monetization programs and your current eligibility status.
7. Do Facebook Reels show to non-followers?
Yes - that's one of the main advantages of Reels over regular feed posts. Facebook's algorithm distributes Reels to people who don't follow you, based on their interests and watch history. Your account needs to be public for this to work.
8. Can I use TikTok videos as Facebook Reels?
You can upload the same video content, but TikTok watermarks will suppress reach and disqualify the content from Facebook monetization programs. Export videos without the watermark before posting to Facebook.
9. What's the best video size for a Facebook Reel?
1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 vertical), MP4 format, 30fps. Keep file size under 4 GB and duration under 90 seconds.
10. Can I schedule Facebook Reels in advance?
Yes, through Meta Business Suite or through Creator Studio. Scheduling lets you plan content and post at optimal times without having to be active in the app.
Final Thoughts
Facebook Reels is one of the most accessible formats for reaching new audiences on the platform. The creation process is straightforward once you've done it a few times, and the algorithm's willingness to distribute Reels to non-followers makes it a genuine opportunity for growth - whether you're building a personal brand, growing a business Page, or exploring monetization.
Start simple: one Reel, filmed vertically, with a clear hook in the first second and a caption that tells people what they just watched. See what performs; iterate from there.
For AI-generated video footage to use in your Reels, ImgSearch's video library offers free clips you can add as B-roll or visual support without watermark concerns.
