# Create a Reel for Facebook: Specs, Steps, and Best Practices
A Facebook Reel is a short vertical video published directly to Facebook's main feed. This guide covers the exact specs, the step-by-step creation process on mobile and desktop, and the best practices that drive real engagement.
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What is a Facebook Reel?
Definition and key characteristics
A Reel is a full-screen, vertical short-form video. It lives in Facebook's dedicated Reels feed and plays on a continuous loop. Facebook consolidated its video publishing interface under the Reels format in mid-2025. Viewers scroll through Reels vertically, just like on Instagram.
Reels run from 3 seconds to 90 seconds. They reach both followers and non-followers alike.
Why Reels matter for reach and engagement
Reels get distributed well beyond your existing audience. Facebook's algorithm actively pushes them to users who don't follow you yet. That makes Reels one of the strongest organic reach tools on the platform right now. If you want new eyes on your content without paid spend, start here.
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Facebook Reel Specifications
Per Meta's documentation, use these specs to avoid quality loss or upload errors.
Video dimensions and aspect ratio
Recommended resolution is 1080×1920 pixels at a 9:16 aspect ratio (vertical). Any other ratio introduces letterboxing or auto-cropping that hurts the final look.
File format, size, and length requirements
MP4 is the recommended format. Meta does not specify a hard file size limit for organic Reels. Video length must be between 3 and 90 seconds. The 15-60 second range consistently performs best for engagement and replays.
Frame rate and bitrate recommendations
Frame rate should fall between 24fps and 60fps. 30fps is the standard for most creators. Minimum bitrate is 256kbps. Higher bitrate means sharper playback, especially on fast-moving content.
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How to Create a Reel on Mobile
Open the Reels creation interface
Open the Facebook app. Tap the + icon at the top of your feed. Select Reel from the menu.
Record or upload video clips
Tap the record button to capture new footage. Or tap the gallery icon to import clips already on your phone. You can combine multiple clips into a single Reel.
Edit and add creative tools
Per the Facebook Business Help Center, the Creative Tools panel lets you trim clips, adjust total length, add text overlays, and apply effects. Work through these options before moving to audio.
Add music and audio
Tap the Audio icon inside the editor. Browse the curated library of copyright-cleared tracks. Select a song, pick the section you want, and adjust the volume mix.
Review and publish
Preview your Reel from start to finish. Write a caption. Set your audience. Tap Share to go live.
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How to Create a Reel on Desktop
Access Reels from Facebook.com
Go to Facebook.com. Click Create in the left menu or top bar and select Reel. The desktop editor opens directly in your browser.
Upload or edit video
Click Add Video to upload your file. Use the timeline editor to trim and rearrange clips as needed.
Use Sound Collection and editing tools
Per Meta's Sound Collection guide, desktop creators can browse, mix, and download copyright-cleared music directly inside the editor. Select a track, set the start point, and adjust volume levels before finalizing.
Preview and publish
Watch the full preview to confirm timing and audio sync. Add your caption and any relevant tags. Click Publish to go live.
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Best Practices for Engaging Reels
Hook viewers in the first 3 seconds
The first three seconds decide whether someone keeps watching. Lead with the most compelling moment, a bold visual, or a direct question. Don't save the best part for the end.
Use trending audio and music
Trending tracks boost discoverability. Facebook's algorithm rewards Reels that use popular audio. Pick tracks that actually fit your content, though. Forced trends hurt watch time.
Vertical format and captions
Vertical video fills the screen. Horizontal does not. Always shoot or export at 9:16. Add captions, too. A large share of viewers watch Reels with sound off.
Video length sweet spot
Aim for 15 to 60 seconds. Shorter Reels earn more replays. Longer Reels need compelling moments throughout, not just at the start.
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Make Reel Creation Faster With Coinis
Generate and edit Reels with AI-powered tools
Coinis Revise resizes any existing video creative to Reels format with Smart Resize. One click. No manual cropping. No re-exporting from scratch. It handles the format work so you can focus on the content.
Publish directly to Facebook and Instagram
Coinis publishes organic content to both Facebook and Instagram from a single dashboard. Schedule Reels, feed posts, and Stories without switching between apps or platforms.
Store and organize Reels in Creative Library
Every finished Reel lives in Coinis's Creative Library. Organize assets by campaign, format, or date. Pull any Reel for a quick re-edit or repurpose it for a new audience.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a Facebook Reel be?
Facebook Reels can be between 3 seconds and 90 seconds long. For the best engagement and replay rate, aim for 15 to 60 seconds.
What video format should I use for Facebook Reels?
MP4 is the recommended format. Use 1080×1920 resolution (9:16 aspect ratio), a frame rate between 24fps and 60fps, and a minimum bitrate of 256kbps.
Can I create a Facebook Reel on a computer?
Yes. Go to Facebook.com, click Create, and select Reel. The desktop editor lets you upload video, trim clips, add music via Sound Collection, and publish.
What music can I use in a Facebook Reel?
Use tracks from Facebook's built-in audio library or Sound Collection on desktop. Both offer copyright-cleared music. Avoid uploading videos with unlicensed copyrighted audio, as Meta may remove or mute them.