Meta is enhancing the Facebook platform by introducing an advanced video player that seamlessly integrates Reels, Live videos, and extended content within the Facebook app. This latest update is set to transform the way users engage with videos on the platform, ensuring a more immersive and user-friendly experience.
In a significant overhaul, videos on Facebook will now be displayed in full-screen mode by default, accommodating both portrait and landscape formats. This means that regardless of the video orientation, users can enjoy an expansive view by simply flipping their devices. This change caters to the growing demand for a more versatile and engaging video playback experience.
Drawing inspiration from popular platforms like TikTok, Facebook’s new video player will feature a convenient slide bar, allowing users to navigate through videos with ease. This addition, coupled with the ability to skip content by 10-second intervals, mirrors the functionality found in streaming giants such as Netflix, providing a familiar and efficient user interface.
Moreover, Meta is committed to enhancing content discoverability on Facebook. The update promises more tailored video recommendations, spanning various lengths and genres, directly on users’ feeds and the dedicated video tab. This is in line with Meta’s strategy to increase the visibility of Reels on the platform, further enriching the content ecosystem.
The rollout of this updated video player is currently underway for Android and iOS users in the United States and Canada. The introduction of slide bar controls and other features is expected to follow shortly, with a global release anticipated in the upcoming months.
This development marks a significant milestone in Meta’s ongoing efforts to adapt and innovate within the digital video space, ensuring that Facebook remains a competitive platform for video content consumption.
By Andrej Kovacevic
Updated on 23rd April 2024