// HOW-TO · PRODUCTION

How to make a Reel on Facebook (2026 step-by-step)

Make a Facebook Reel in 2026 — the create flow, current length and specs, the pre-publish copyright check, and how Facebook Reels differ from Instagram (public by default, the 90-second boost ceiling).

Last verified · 2026-06-02 · by Moe Ameen

Facebook Reels are the biggest organic-reach opportunity on Facebook in 2026 — Meta rebuilt the recommendation engine in October 2025 to surface more creator content regardless of audience size, which makes Reels the surface to learn if you want to grow a Facebook following.

This guide covers the current create flow, the specs, and — importantly — how Facebook Reels differ from Instagram Reels, because the platforms diverged in 2025. As of June 2025, Meta shifted so that essentially all videos posted to Facebook are shared as Reels, which changed how length and format work. There's also a pre-publish copyright check and a public-by-default privacy model that catch creators coming from Instagram off guard.

As with Instagram, exact length limits aren't published on a single clean Meta help page and shift over time, so the guide flags where to verify in-app.

The steps

Open the Reels create flow. Open the Facebook app and tap + then Reels, or from your Feed tap Reels and then Create. This opens the Reel composer.
Upload clips or record in-app. Upload existing clips from your camera roll, or record directly in the app. You can combine multiple clips into one Reel.
Edit: audio, text, captions, effects. Add music or audio, on-screen text, stickers, effects, and captions. Trim and arrange your clips in the timeline. Keep the opening tight for watch-through.
Pass the copyright check. As of 2026, Facebook runs a copyright check in the composer that scans your video before publishing and flags potential issues. Address any flags before continuing — flagged audio or footage can block or limit the Reel.
Add a description and set audience. Tap Next, write a description with relevant keywords, and set the audience. Note that Reels are public by default; only personal accounts can set a Reel to private.
Share the Reel. Tap Share Reel to publish. It posts to the Reels surface and your profile/Page, where Meta's recommendation engine can surface it to non-followers.

Common gotchas

As of June 2025, Meta shares essentially all Facebook videos as Reels — so even a longer or horizontal upload becomes a Reel. Frame for 9:16 vertical (1080×1920) or it gets letterboxed/cropped.
Paid promotion (boosting) only works on Reels of 90 seconds or less. A longer Reel can't be boosted — the option fails or is unavailable.
Facebook Reels are public by default; the private option exists only on personal accounts. Coming from Instagram's per-post audience controls, this surprises people.
The pre-publish copyright scan is Facebook-specific — Instagram doesn't do this in the composer. Flagged content can be blocked, so clear flags before sharing.
Exact current length maximums aren't on a single fetchable Meta help page; many accounts cap practical Reel length around 90 seconds with some up to 3 minutes — verify in-app for your account.
Specs: 9:16, 1080×1920, MP4/MOV, 24–60 fps. Best engagement is usually 15–30 seconds.

Where Kompozy fits

Facebook Reels reward creators who post fresh, original video consistently — exactly the cadence that's hard to sustain manually. Kompozy generates the Reel scripts and captions, then repurposes one idea into native variants for Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts so you can keep up the "posted that day" rhythm Meta's engine favors. It does not auto-boost or buy reach — it removes the writing and repurposing bottleneck so you ship original Reels daily. Creator tier ($49/mo, 2,500 credits) covers a daily multi-platform Reel habit.

Frequently asked questions

How long can a Facebook Reel be?

Since June 2025 Meta shares all Facebook videos as Reels, loosening the old strict caps, but practical limits still apply — many accounts cap around 90 seconds, some up to 3 minutes. Importantly, boosting a Reel only works at 90 seconds or less. Verify the current max in-app.

How are Facebook Reels different from Instagram Reels?

Facebook merged all its video into one Reels upload path (June 2025); Instagram keeps Reels distinct from longer feed video. Facebook Reels are public by default with a private option only on personal accounts, and Facebook adds a pre-publish copyright scan Instagram doesn't have. The 90-second boost ceiling is also Facebook-specific.

Can I post the same Reel to Facebook and Instagram?

You can, but upload it natively to each rather than cross-posting a watermarked version — Meta's 2026 original-content rules down-rank reposted/watermarked video, which caps reach on both platforms.

Why can't I boost my Facebook Reel?

Boosting only works on Reels of 90 seconds or less. If your Reel is longer, the boost option will be unavailable — trim it under 90 seconds to promote it.