Facebook is shutting down live shopping; its QVC-like Livestream feature lets creators broadcast and sell products to an audience. The feature will officially shut down on October 1st, and Facebook says it’s part of the company’s initiative to shift focus to Reels.
“As consumers’ viewing behaviors are veering to short-form video, we are shifting our focus to Reels on Facebook and Instagram, Meta’s short-form video product,” Facebook explains.
Although live shopping goes away on Facebook, it will still be available on Instagram. First rolled out in 2018 in Thailand, live shopping opens up another revenue stream for creators on Facebook. It allows influencers to host live shopping sessions where they can show off and sell various products from their store or an affiliate. Facebook rolled out the feature on a broader scale in 2020 when it introduced a dedicated shopping tab.
However, while live shopping remains wildly popular in China, it just doesn’t seem to have taken off in other parts of the world. Even TikTok announced it was pulling back on live shopping in the US and Europe last month.
But live shopping’s shutdown also demonstrates Facebook’s increasing dedication to its short-form video feature, Reels, which it officially brought to the platform last year. Facebook has even considered making its algorithm more like TikTok, something its parent company, Meta, has already done to Instagram (much to the Kardashians’ discontent). Like Facebook, Instagram has been pushing heavily on short-form content, with all videos on the platform now becoming Reels.
The emphasis on Reels raised concerns among long-time Instagram users who have come to know the app as a way to share photos with friends. Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri was met with outrage after flat-out telling users the platform would become video-centric, prompting Instagram to walk back some of its changes.
Reels on Facebook
Reels on Facebook are a short-form video format with music, audio, AR effects, and other options. You can watch reels from creators and make your reels to share with friends and the world. Bear in mind that Reels cannot be turned off.
This feature is only known on the Facebook app for Android and iPhone. So, unfortunately, it isn’t known to everyone.
Reels on Facebook are short-form videos. If the creator recommends it on Facebook, you can also view public reels from Instagram. Reels are suggested based on what may be appropriate to you and may appear in places such as Feed and Facebook Watch.
Instagram names: Reels from Instagram have the creator’s Instagram username instead of their Facebook name (if they have a Facebook account). You’ll also see it next to their username.
Comments: When watching a reel created on Facebook, you can leave a comment. If you’re watching a spin created on Instagram, you can only comment on it by employing the Instagram app or on Instagram.com with your Instagram account.
Likes: You can see how many people have enjoyed a reel. You can also notice who on Facebook has liked a reel, but if it’s a reel built on Instagram, you don’t know who on Instagram liked it. You can only see who wanted the reel on Instagram in the app or on Instagram.com. To notice a list of who on Facebook enjoyed the video, in the bottom-right corner, tap the number under.
Plays: If you’re watching a reel created on Instagram, you can see the number of spaces the reel has. A play is a video session with 1ms or more playback and excludes replays. Plays are trusted on both Facebook and Instagram. So if you watch a reel on Facebook and Instagram, it’ll be estimated twice. Most reels created on Facebook will display the number of plays as well. To catch the number of plays, in the bottom-right corner, tap the number under.
Creator Page: When watching a reel created on Facebook, you can see other reels they’ve made by tapping on their name. If you’re watching a reel designed on Instagram, you’ll be directed to their profile on Instagram instead.
You may also see other short videos when you watch reels on Facebook. These short videos are videos created by Pages less than 60 seconds long. You won’t see plays when watching short videos from Pages.
Reels are entertaining and inspiring short videos of music, text overlays, audio, AR effects, and more. You can now assemble them in the Facebook app on your mobile device! In addition, your reels are shared directly with your fans in their core News Feed and new audiences in a devoted Reels section in News Feed that shows people unknown to you the opportunity to discover and appreciate your creations.
Reach followers and new audiences: Reels can help you expand your community by making your content discoverable to the more expansive Facebook community. Your reel will arise in News Feed for your followers, and the dedicated Reels unit in News Feed for people not pursuing you to uncover.
Recommend Instagram Reels on Facebook: If you’re already creating reels on Instagram, you can permit Facebook to suggest your Instagram Reels to new audiences on Facebook – this may assist you in reaching more people.
Make your reels relatable: Think of something individuals can relate to, and add your take on it. Then, stay tuned to the latest trends, challenges, and songs, and recreate these concepts with your personal touch.
Engage audiences:
- Whether restoring cars, cooking, or dancing, create reels that offer off the skills that make you unique.
- Experiment with additional types of content, such as tutorials or comedy, and notice what resonates most with your audience. You’ll want to maintain your audience engaged and ensure that your content is amusing.
- Carry your reels to life with cool effects, music, and text.
Tell a story:
- ‘re telling a story from beginning to end.
- Try adding a surprise or wrenching to keep the viewer captivated.
- Create a screenplay for your reel before you record.
- Write down what each clip should glimpse like and what the music will be for that instant.
Inspire others: Encourage others to merge the fun by creating their reel with a simple challenge, an artistic moment, or a relatable everyday movement of life.