Facebook Overhauls Its Video Player To Serve The TikTok-Using Era

Image via Facebook

Social media silver-hair Facebook wants to fit in with the youngsters. After revitalizing the 20-year-old Poking feature, the Meta-owned network is now gunning to compete with the likes of TikTok by revamping its video player. The overhaul prioritizes a vertical-first design, offering a more consistent experience for all video lengths—from bite-sized Reels to longer-form content and even Live videos.

The new video player sports a unified interface, where all videos—regardless of length or type—will now open in a full-screen vertical format.

Image via Facebook

While the default is vertical, users can still opt for a full-screen landscape view for content originally filmed that way.

Image via Facebook

A slider is introduced for easy scrubbing through longer clips, while a tap on the screen brings up basic controls for pausing, rewinding, and fast-forwarding in 10-second increments.

Image via Facebook

These design choices adapt to a broader trend in social media consumption, with users increasingly watching videos on their smartphones. The vertical format streamlines the mobile experience to hopefully keep Millennials and Gen Z-ers engaged for longer stretches.

Image via Facebook

Further, Facebook promises tailored to your interests, both within the video player and throughout the platform’s Feed and Video tab. Notably, these recommendations will now encompass all video lengths, meaning you might see a funny Reel alongside a more in-depth documentary piece.

The initial rollout is limited to iOS and Android users in the US and Canada, with a global release planned for the coming months. The small-scale launch allows Meta to gather feedback and iron out any kinks before offering broader access.

[via CNET, TechCrunch, Search Engine Land, Social Media Today, images via Facebook]