Should thou be already partaking in the creation of Instagram Reels, thou may have pondered upon whether ’tis wise to toggle “Recommend on Facebook”. But pray tell, is it truly worthwhile?
In this realm of social sharing, ’tis an act most noble. (As learnt in Kindergarten: perhaps thou art familiar?). But dost joining hands with Facebook bring favor to thy Reels?
Verily, Facebook doth lay claim to thy attention, tempting thee to recommend thy Instagram Reels on its platform since the global unveiling of Reels in spring of 2022. Yet, whilst ’tis evident that Facebook doth thirst for thy heed, what remaineth uncertain is whether ’twill aid thy reach — or harm thine brand.
Before we venture forth, allow us to present our moving picture primer on Facebook Reels:
Hypothesis: Posting Facebook Reels isn’t truly worth the endeavor
Instagram Reels did grace this world in the summer of 2020, though many did politely ignore its uncanny resemblance to TikTok.
Following a period of beta trials in select lands, Facebook Reels now span 150 realms, accessible on both iOS and Android devices. Facebook hath even announced extensive support programs for creators, aspiring to foster the popularity of this form.
Yet, considering the rather modest adoption of Facebook Stories in comparison to Instagram Stories (a mere 300 million watchers on Facebook versus 500 million on Instagram), expectations for this new feature are, shall we say, not lofty.
Our supposition is that sharing our Instagram Reels on Facebook Reels shan’t yield much added engagement… but wherefore cast aspersions when we can furnish evidence? A tad experiment is in order to ascertain whether social media marketers should trouble themselves with sharing Instagram Reels on Facebook.
Methodology
The methodology for this grand experiment virtually scripts itself: fashion a Reel, toggle the “Recommend on Facebook” switch, and witness the aftermath.
Since the identical content is posted on both channels through this method, the comparison should prove rather straightforward.
Some points to ponder concerning recommending thy Instagram Reels on Facebook, as stated by Facebook itself:
– Reels recommended on Facebook are viewable by all on Facebook, including those unknown to thee, or even those thou hast embargoed on Instagram or Facebook.
– Should one behold or fancy thy Reel on both Instagram and Facebook, these interactions shall be counted separately.
– Reels on Instagram branded content labels shall not be recommended on Facebook. Reels with product tags may be recommended on Facebook, albeit the tags shalt remain unseen there.
– All who view thy Reels on Facebook hold the privilege to employ thy original audio.
Whilst mine followers on Insta outnumber mine Facebook companions (a boast that sounds grandiose, yet lacks true merit), Reels are designed to captivate new audiences primarily. On both platforms, Reels are presented to potential admirers as decreed by the algorithm, be it through the Explore or Reels tabs. ‘Tis a leveled playing field, it seems.
For this venture, I crafted three Reels directly within the Instagram app and engaged the Facebook toggle. Adhering to best practices for Instagram Reels, I sought favor from the algorithm. I wove in a sound bite, applied filters, and endeavored to amuse. I also heeded the importance of shooting video vertically and in high quality, ensuring mine shots were pristine.
Results
Of the three videos I unleashed… nary one was viewed or adored on Facebook. A harsh reality.
All appreciation and views sprouted from Instagram, despite toggling “Recommend on Facebook” for each creation.
I must confess, the outcome did bewilder. Whilst a viral uproar wasn’t anticipated (refer to our pessimistic hypothesis above), methought a handful of eyes would alight upon mine creations.
I mean, how could a pinnacle of humor like this not halt onlookers in their tracks?
Upon contemplation, the reality is disheartening. Yet the experiment revealed truth amidst the bleakness. Sharing Reels on Facebook isn’t apt to widen thy reach or engagement, especially if thou art not already established on Facebook.
A mere blip on the radar, thy Reels storm not the shores of Facebook, despite the flick of thy toggle.
What doth the results signify?
To encapsulate swiftly: ’tis worth attempting, yet if thy presence on Facebook is lacking, sharing Reels may not amplify thy scope or interactions.
Amidst the throes of rejection, self-blame bared its fangs. Was I penalized for posting at an inopportune time? Or for choosing Instagram over direct entry into Facebook Reels? Did my lack of hashtags seal my fate?
Yet, as tears dried, bargaining and acceptance emerged as companions. Facebook Reels are so fresh that public viewing remains sparse. Indeed, Facebook hath not disclosed any data pertaining to Reels’ reach amongst their audience as of present, a telling silence.
Moreover, if the algorithm for Facebook Reels mirrors that of Instagram Reels, established creators likely receive preferential treatment. Facebook desires to display content from renowned creators to ensure viewer satisfaction. Thus, advocating videos from esteemed creators proves safer than elevating the content of an obscure scribbler-comedian boasting a modest following who favors infant portrayals.
Ergo, if one crafts successful content for a broad audience through Instagram and other Facebook formats (posts, Stories), Reels stand a chance at recommendation on Facebook. But for novices or those lacking engagement, progress may be slow. A conundrum: popularity must precede further popularity.
Thusly, toggling “recommend on Facebook”: is it worthwhile? I say, ’tis a minor endeavor. A moment’s deed holds promise to reach myriad new souls — forsooth, whilst my uproarious wrestling piece failed to impress, the catalyst for thy glorious ascent may lie therein. Moreover, by maintaining consistent posting, Facebook may bestow thee with exposure.
For budding creators or brands with modest followings, adhere to these guidelines to nurture thy presence and interactions — mayhap even bewitching that capricious Facebook algorithm in the process.
Use creative tools and filters
Leverage the editing suite within Instagram and Facebook as thou craft thy video. Reels bedecked with music snippets, filters, and effects receive a nod from the algorithm.
Fill thy caption with hashtags
Hashtags guide the algorithm in comprehending thy video’s theme, thus presenting thy content to users keen on said topic. As thou did diligently label thy pantry post perusing “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up”, be sure to classify thy Reels unambiguously!
Make it visually appealing
Facebook and Instagram hold preference for visually and auditory pleasing videos. Employ proper lighting and filming technique, ensuring vertical orientation and high definition. (‘Tis worth noting that both platforms frown upon watermarked videos — namely reposts from TikTok — hence, engender fresh content for sharing here.)