Meta makes Facebook Reels more like their Instagram counterparts

Meta is rolling out some serious changes to Facebook Reels to make the experience more like Instagram Reels. First of all, the Reels will now be accompanied by friend bubbles. This shows users which posts their friends like and makes it “easy to start a chat instantly about what you’re both interested in.” Instagram does something similar and also lets users send Reels as direct messages.

The recommendations engine is also getting a refresh, with Meta claiming that it “learns your interests quicker and shows you newer and more relevant Reels.” The company says that the new engine recommends 50 percent more reels that have been published that day.

The new algorithm will also take preferred video length into account, as it will recommend Reels that are longer if you’ve been watching longer content or the opposite. Reels are now accompanied by a “Not Interested” button for improved recommendations.

This is 2025, so you know Meta is also throwing some AI into the mix. Reels will now offer AI-powered suggestions for deep dives into particular interests. This is going to be a boon for my dad when he wants to watch hundreds of short Sopranos clips in a single sitting.