How to Create a Reel on Facebook: Steps, Tips and Software for 2025

Struggling to get your Facebook reels noticed? The problem is if you're like most of the people who believe that the secret to success is pumping out more content more often then you are WRONG.

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I know it sounds counterintuitive---especially when everyone tells you to post, post, post. But after managing reels for my own business, I’ve learned that producing content without a clear strategy won't be effective.

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You need a game plan, creativity, and the right tools to break through. But how do you even start? How do you create a reel that cuts through the noise and actually gets engagement?

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In this guide, I’ll share the real secrets behind making reels that work—and how you can do it without a fancy studio or expensive equipment. Therefore, are you ready? Let’s go.

What Are Facebook Reels? A Quick Look 

Facebook Reels are short videos (up to 90 seconds) that are built for quick, fun, and easy to consume. You can add music, effects, filters, and even use audio from other videos to help your reel get noticed.

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Reels show up in Facebook’s News Feed and a dedicated “Reels” section, so they get more exposure than regular posts. People can scroll through them, similar to TikTok.

You can also remix other people’s videos (think duets) to create something unique and interactive.

For businesses and marketers, Facebook reels are an exceptional opportunity to engage with the audience authentically. With Reels, you can…

• Tease exclusive content and offers

• Share UGC content that validates your product’s credibility

• Get instant reactions to new products or services

• Share BTS to make your business feel more personal and relatable

Plus, Facebook is expanding its Reels Play bonus program which will give more businesses worldwide the chance to earn money directly from their Reels in the near future. 

Benefits of Using Facebook Reels

You might be thinking, "Aren’t Facebook Reels just another fad?" But they’ve evolved from a trend to a core part of Facebook’s strategy, and skipping out on them could mean missing out on huge opportunities. 

Let’s see how Facebook Reels can actually help you:

1. Increased Visibility in the Feed

Facebook’s algorithm loves Reels. They get a massive boost in exposure compared to regular posts. In fact, data shows that Reels have the highest engagement rate (0.22%) than any other post type. 

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This means your content has a better shot at reaching not just your followers, but new, untapped audiences. 

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And even if your reels get engagement, Facebook will show them to more people, helping your content reach a wider audience faster.

2. Drive Action with Minimal Effort

Here's something not many talk about—Reels make it easier for followers to take action. They allow you to pack a CTA into a short, snappy video.

Be you're encouraging people to check out your website or drop a comment, short-form content gets straight to the point. 

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I’ve tested this with a simple “comment below” CTA, and the response rate on Reels was 50% higher compared to traditional posts. With less fluff and more focus, you get results faster. 

3. Enhanced Connection with Your Audience

This is the part I never expected. Reels allow for a deeper emotional connection with your audience. They feel personal, authentic, and unpolished—something people can relate to. 

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I’ve had comments on my Reels where followers genuinely share how much they connect with what I’m saying, even when the video is just 15 seconds. 

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It’s this raw, real content that resonates more in 2024. People don’t want the perfect, overly-polished brand anymore. They want real, relatable content.

4. Higher Engagement and Interaction

Engagement on Reels is much higher than on regular posts. You know why? People are already trained to interact with Reels—they expect something fresh, something that pulls them in.

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I experimented with educational Reels, and the engagement was off the charts. It turns out, people want snackable content that delivers value fast.

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Whether it's a tip, a behind-the-scenes peek, or just a funny moment, Reels give people what they crave, instantly.

5. It’s Free Marketing Without Extra Costs

Reels are free to create, and they won't cost you a cent to reach more people. On the other hand, social media ads can burn a hole in your pocket.

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I tested running ads alongside organic Reels, and my Reels outperformed ads in terms of reach and cost per engagement. 

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So, why not capitalize on a free platform with a high ROI? Every time you post a Reel, it’s like having a mini ad campaign that runs without paying for a single click.

Key Features of Facebook Reels in 2025

Facebook Reels have come a long way, and 2025 brings even more tools for creators. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Longer Videos (90 Seconds)

You can now post Reels up to 90 seconds—a big jump from the old 60-second limit. This means:

• You have space for non-intrusive ad overlays or integrated sponsorships without breaking the content flow.

• You can create mini-documentaries, skits, or detailed tutorials that are impractical within shorter time constraints.

• There will be more granular engagement signals, such as viewer drop-off points, which can improve Facebook’s recommendation algorithms.

• You have time for suspense-building and resolution, maximizing the dopamine release associated with satisfying content.

2. Reels in Facebook Watch

Reels have found a new home in Facebook Watch, a dedicated hub for video content. Placing Reels here means:

• Creators get their content in front of an audience specifically looking for videos, increasing the chances of discovery.

• Longer watch times and better engagement metrics because people coming to Facebook Watch are often in "lean-back mode," ready to watch multiple videos in one session.

Plus, being featured in Facebook Watch elevates a creator’s brand by associating their Reels with high-quality, sought-after content.

3. Interested / Not Interested Feedback

This new feature lets people hit an Interested or Not Interested button while watching a Reel.

Here’s how this feature can benefit you as a content creator. 

• You can identify which content themes or styles resonate best by analyzing Reels with higher "Interested" feedback.

• Reels with more "Interested" feedback get prioritized by Facebook's algorithm, making them more likely to appear in recommendations. This creates a snowball effect where your best-performing content reaches more viewers.

• "Not Interested" feedback helps you avoid pitfalls and adjust strategies before negative signals impact your reach or ranking.

4. Contextual Labels

When viewers scroll through Reels, they now see a label explaining why a specific video was recommended. 

It could be because a friend liked it or it’s a trending topic. For marketers, this is like a little cheat sheet because:

• Labels like “Based on your activity” mean the algorithm is pushing your content to users who already share interests or habits that align with your content. This increases the chance of genuine engagement.

• Facebook highlights that these suggestions aren’t paid, which levels the playing field for creators. Even without a budget, quality content can still reach the right people if it aligns with audience interests.

5. Share Memories as Reels

Facebook’s added a feature where you can turn your old Memories into Reels. 

This feature is valuable because:

• You don’t have to create something new—just repurpose an old post. It’s an efficient way to keep your feed active without starting from scratch.

• Reels tend to get more visibility and engagement compared to traditional posts. Sharing Memories as Reels gives your older content a better chance to reach a wider audience.

• Old posts, especially those with good engagement or strong emotional appeal, can gain a second wave of visibility as Reels. It’s a smart way to reuse content without extra effort.

6. Trending Templates

If you’re struggling to come up with ideas, trending templates are a lifesaver.

• You can just plug in your content, and you’ve got a polished Reel. without needing advanced editing skills.

• Facebook’s algorithm often pushes content that follows trending formats. Using these templates aligns your content with what’s already getting promoted.

Plus, trending content is more likely to appear in the feeds of people who don’t follow you yet. It’s a shortcut to expanding your reach.

7. Reels A/B Testing

Facebook tests different versions of your Reels (varying captions, covers, etc.) without requiring extra work from you.

Consequently…

• You no longer have to guess which version will work better—Facebook identifies and promotes the top-performing version for you.

• The insights from A/B tests can guide your future content decisions, helping you create Reels that are more aligned with viewer expectations.

• Better-performing Reels attract more views and engagement, which can directly boost monetization opportunities for you.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Facebook Reel

Creating a Facebook Reel is an excellent way to boost engagement and reach a broader audience. 

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According to data, native Facebook videos receive 135% more organic reach than photos. That means, if you’re not making Reels, you’re missing out. 

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Let’s walk through the process to make sure your Reels stand out and help you achieve real results.

Preparing to Create a Reel

Before you start recording, think about why you’re creating a Reel. What’s the purpose? Whether it’s to share a behind-the-scenes moment or promote a product, understanding the goal is crucial. 

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Here's the thing—37% of consumers prefer to purchase from a brand after watching a short-form video. The time you spend planning can directly impact your success.

Tips: 

• Aim for authenticity. Research shows people engage more with content that feels real and relatable.

• Avoid overly polished productions. 

• Just focus on creating something that resonates with your audience.

Accessing the Reels Feature

To access the Reels feature, open the Facebook app, and tap on the Create Reel button from your profile.

Alternatively, you can access it through the news feed. This is the easiest and most direct way to start.

Here’s the key insight: 

You don’t need another app. Everything you need is already within the Facebook app—no additional downloads or complicated setups.

That’s a huge advantage for anyone looking to dive into Reels without extra effort.

Recording or Uploading Content

You have two options for adding content:

1. Recording directly. However, this feature is only available on phones. You can check out this tutorial to visually learn about recording your reels directly on Facebook.

2. Use Templates. If you already have video clips or images, you can save time by using pre-designed templates.

These templates are especially useful for maintaining a consistent style, adding effects, and speeding up the editing process. You simply upload your clips, and the template guides you through the rest.

3. Uploading Content. If you’ve already recorded something, simply upload it from your gallery to create a reel.

Quick Tip: Research shows Reels that use popular sounds or music tracks are 1.5x more likely to get shared. So, consider adding trending audio to your video.

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This simple move can significantly increase your reach. Moreover, If you want to seriously level up your content, try using Zebracat.

Zebracat is an AI-powered platform that helps you automatically generate AI videos using your script or text prompt and edit them before you upload.

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It trims unnecessary parts, adjusts the pacing, and even adds effects, making sure your Reel looks sharp and polished without you lifting a finger. Let’s take a look at the final output Zebracat created.

Editing Your Reel

Once your content is recorded, it’s time to edit. Facebook gives you various editing tools—you can add music, special effects, text overlays, and adjust video speed.  Check out this step-by-step tutorial for editing your Reels like a pro:

However, don’t overcrowd your video with too many effects or text. Reels that are simple and clear often perform better. 

Publishing Your Reel

Once you’re happy with your Reel, hit Publish. But before you do, make sure to add relevant hashtags and a catchy caption.

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It will help your Reel get discovered by more people and tell the algorithm who to show it to.

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Additionally, you can share your Reel with Groups if you want to target specific communities. If you’re a business, this is a great way to engage with your niche audience directly.

Best Practices to Create Engaging Reels

Ever notice how some Reels stop you mid-scroll while others get lost in the void? After testing hundreds of Reel formats, I've cracked the code on what actually works. Here's the real deal - no fluff, just proven strategies.

1. Utilize Micro-Storytelling

People love stories, even short ones. A micro-story can make a huge difference. Instead of just showing your product or service, tell a story. How?

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Start by hooking the viewers with a relatable problem ("Struggling with X?"), build tension through quick progression shots, and then deliver a satisfying payoff.

Keep it snappy - 3 seconds for the hook, 10 seconds for progression, 5 seconds for resolution.

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Bonus tip: Use contrast in your opening frame. Think: messy desk → organized space, or tired face → energetic result. Pair with punchy text overlays that mirror viewer pain points. Match transitions to music beats for maximum impact.

2. Use Split-Screen and Multi-Clip Editing

Split-screen and multi-clip editing is underrated but powerful. It lets you show multiple angles, demonstrate a before/after, or create a dynamic experience—all in one video. 

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It’s essential because viewers subconsciously expect a perspective shift every 2-3 seconds. I layer 3-4 angles of the same shot using InShot's split-screen feature.

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Quick tip: Shoot everything twice from different angles - it's saved me countless reshoots.

3. Incorporate User-Generated Content (UGC)

UGC is a powerful tool. When real customers share how they use your product or service, it feels more authentic and relatable.

‍79% of people say they’re more likely to buy after seeing user-generated content—proof that real customer experiences drive real sales.

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A perfect example: Cupshe, a swimwear and beach apparel, leverages customer Reels to showcase their swimsuits in real-life settings. These Reels feel more genuine and get tons of shares.

4. Add a CTA in the First Few Seconds

It might seem basic, but a solid CTA is often overlooked. Tell your audience exactly what you want them to do—and do it early. It might seem simple, but it works.

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Even research shows that using action-oriented language in your CTAs can more than double your conversion rates—a boost of 122% that turns clicks into customers. Another thing, embedded CTAs that feel like natural continuation of your story.

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I've had massive success with phrases like "Steal my exact process" or "See how I did it." These conversational CTAs feel less salesy and convert better.

5. Use Subtitles for Accessibility

A lot of people watch Reels without sound, so adding subtitles can boost engagement. It makes your content accessible to more people, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

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I've found that auto-generated captions often mess up key words, so I manually add subtitles using Kapwing.

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Make sure to keep text to 2 lines max and use high-contrast colors - yellow text with a black stroke works best in my tests. Plus, position captions in the middle third of the screen where eyes naturally focus

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It’s a small touch that makes a big difference, allowing more people to connect with their content. In fact, adding subtitles can increase watch time by up to 38%.

Recommended Software to Create Facebook Reels in 2025

If you’re serious about getting the most out of your Facebook Reels, you need the right tools. Many creators struggle with editing speed, keeping up with trends, or creating eye-catching content. 

The right software can streamline your editing, boost visuals, and save you time, helping you keep your content fresh and engaging in a crowded feed. Here are my recommended software for creating Facebook reels in 2025. 

AI-Powered Tools

AI tools for social media take the guesswork out of editing and streamline your creative process. With these, you can save hours and still create professional-grade content.

Zebracat

Zebracat is an AI video creation tool designed to help marketers, business owners, and content creators create impactful videos in minutes. 

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With Zebracat, you can convert your ideas into powerful marketing videos in seconds, all powered by AI. 

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It uses text-to-video technology to create engaging content, add AI voices, and optimize videos for maximum impact. No need for complex editing software—Zebracat handles the heavy lifting for you.

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Additionally, Zebracat has already been used by over 50,000 creators, with reports showing 40% faster video production and 25% higher viewer retention. 

Beginner-Friendly Tools

For those just starting with video creation, apps like Canva and InShot are fantastic choices. These tools are simple to use but still pack a punch when it comes to design and editing.

• Canva offers pre-made templates and easy drag-and-drop features. You can add text, effects, and transitions with just a few clicks. It's perfect for quick, polished Reels, especially if you’re on a tight schedule.

• InShot is a popular app for mobile users who want to create fast, impactful videos. It’s simple, yet it lets you adjust the speed, add filters, and trim clips seamlessly. It’s especially great for quick edits when you're on the go.

Advanced Editing Software

If you’re ready to take your Reels to the next level, Adobe Premiere Rush, CapCut, or DaVinci Resolve provides more advanced features for professional-quality editing.

Adobe Premiere Rush

Adobe Premiere Rush is a more intuitive version of Adobe Premiere Pro. It’s powerful enough for advanced edits but still user-friendly. You can trim, add effects, work with multi-layer timelines, and easily export in the right dimensions for Reels.

Pros

1. Seamless integration with other Adobe products
2. Cross-device syncing (mobile to desktop)
3. Professional-grade color presets and editing tools
4. Automatic aspect ratio adjustments for different platforms
5. Designed with beginners in mind, making it accessible for beginners

Cons

• Requires Adobe Creative Cloud subscription

• Limited advanced features compared to Premiere Pro

CapCut

CapCut has gained popularity thanks to its strong feature set and mobile-friendly interface. It's great for creators who want to edit on the go, with options for advanced transitions, filters, and audio effects.

Pros

1. Free to use
2. Extensive library of trending effects and music
3. User-friendly interface optimized for mobile
4. Regular updates with new features and templates

Cons

1. Export quality issues with complex edits
2. Watermarks in the free version outputs

DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve is one of the most powerful free editing tools available, giving you professional-grade color grading, multi-camera editing, and effects. While it requires a steeper learning curve, it's perfect for creators aiming for polished, cinematic-quality Reels.

Pros

1. Offers professional-grade editing tools
2. Delivers cinematic-quality results
3. Advanced audio tools with Fairlight
4. Scales for beginners to professionals

Cons

1. Complex and steep learning curve
2. Needs a high-performance computer
3. No mobile app for on-the-go editing

Music and Sound Effect Libraries

A Reel without music or sound effects is like a movie without a soundtrack—it just doesn't hit the same. Here are some of the best music and sound effects libraries in 2025.

Epidemic Sound

Epidemic Sound is a favorite among creators because of its massive library of high-quality tracks. You can use it without worrying about copyright strikes, as the platform has licensing agreements with all its tracks.

Pros

1. Massive library of high-quality tracks
2. Fully licensed, no copyright worries
3. Perfect for creators across all platforms
4. Regularly updated with new content
5. Simple and user-friendly interface

Cons

1. Limited access without an active subscription
2. Overlap of tracks across creators

Audiojungle

Audiojungle is an affordable option with pay-per-track pricing. It has a wide selection of specific sound effects or unique tracks. Plus it's Ideal for creators who don’t need a subscription but want high-quality, diverse options.

Pros

1. Pay-per-track pricing is budget-friendly
2. Wide selection of sound effects and tracks
3. Ideal for one-off or infrequent needs
4. High-quality and diverse music options
5. No subscription is required for access

Cons

1. Tracks may not always include full licenses
2. Harder to find cinematic or custom styles

Artlist

Artlist offers a carefully curated library of high-quality music and sound effects for those who want to create Reels with a more cinematic feel. It's a bit pricier than the others, but the music quality is top-notch, especially for those looking to build a strong brand presence through sound.

Pros

1. Curated library of cinematic-quality music
2. Includes sound effects for added versatility
3. Perfect for creating professional Reels
4. Unlimited downloads with a subscription
5. Excellent for building a strong brand identity

Cons

• Pricier compared to other platforms

• Smaller library compared to Epidemic Sound

How to Use Facebook Reels for Growth?

If you're a content creator, a business, or building a personal brand, Facebook Reels have become a powerful tool for growth. 

Therefore understanding how to use Reels effectively is extremely crucial to expand your reach and get conversions. Here's how to leverage Facebook Reels based on your specific goals.

For Content Creators

Facebook Reels provide an exciting opportunity for content creators to grow their audience, expand their reach, monetize their content, and even sell their products. 

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But there's a catch—being successful with Reels isn’t about posting anything and everything. You need to create content strategically that speaks to your target audience.

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Take Kurt Tocc, for example. Known for his comedic skits, Kurt has mastered the art of relatable humor. His Reels followed the theme of everyday situations, like buying a Christmas tree. And his humor relates to a wide audience. 

Here’s how to make your Reels work for you:

• Keep posting regularly. Creators who posted Reels at least three times a week saw higher engagement than those who posted less often.

• Focus on creating content for a specific niche. For instance, Lydia Millen, a fashion influencer, has built an engaged following by focusing on fashion tips and sustainable living.

• Partnering with influencers who have smaller but highly engaged audiences can lead to up to 5x more interaction than working with larger influencers. Micro-influencers bring authenticity and can boost your reach in niche communities.

• Add text overlays to Reels. Make your message clear from the start—this works especially well for educational or tutorial-style content.

Pro Tip: 

Reels can be used to drive traffic to your long-form content, whether it’s a YouTube video, a blog post, or an online course. Mentioning a new video or blog post in your Reel and including a CTA  (“Check out the link in my bio”) can significantly increase click-through rates.

For Businesses

For businesses, Facebook Reels offer an unmatched way to promote products, build brand awareness, and connect with customers on a deeper level. But today's consumers want authentic, relatable content.

Let's talk about Bumble, the dating app. Bumble’s Reels highlight real user stories, promoting not just dating but connections of all kinds, like friendships and professional networking.

They often feature user testimonials, success stories, and even empowering messages about confidence and safety. 

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This approach boosts engagement by making their users feel heard and supported, while also encouraging new users to join the community.

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Here’s how businesses can maximize their Reels for growth:

• Use User-Generated Content: Reels that feature real customers using your products perform far better than traditional ads. It increases trust and relatability. 

• Showcase BTS Content: Let your followers see the process behind creating your products. Share your wins and struggles and give followers insight into their brand values.

• Launch Exclusive Offers: Use Reels to tease sales, special discounts, or new product releases. For instance, Amazon often uses Reels to promote lightning deals, driving massive spikes in traffic and sales.

Pro Tip: 

If you’re running paid ads, consider using Reels as part of your ad strategy. Reels often outperform static image ads in both engagement and conversions because the potential audience for reels is almost 697.1 million users. That’s a huge number.

For Personal Branding

Facebook Reels are an incredibly powerful tool for building a personal brand in 2025. Whether you’re an influencer, thought leader, or entrepreneur, Reels can help you position yourself as an expert in your field and connect with an audience that resonates with your values and voice.

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Look at Marie Forleo, the online business coach. By using Facebook Reels to share motivational tips, quick business strategies, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her life, she’s built a personal brand that feels approachable yet authoritative. 

Her Reels often feature bite-sized coaching, making her message accessible and impactful.

Here’s how to use Facebook Reels to elevate your personal brand:

• Connect with your audience emotionally by sharing challenges, wins, or lessons learned. That way, your vulnerability and leadership strike a deep chord with your followers, and turn your journey into a broader lesson.

• Reels don’t just have to be entertaining. Use them to share quick tips, tutorials, or advice. For example, Gary Vaynerchuk uses short-form videos to offer business advice, giving followers actionable insights in every post.

• Engage with Your Audience: Reply to comments, ask questions, or use polls to keep the conversation going. 

Pro Tip

• Use Reels to establish your expertise by sharing educational snippets. 
• Consistency in posting educational content will position you as an authority in your niche over time.

Conclusion 

We’re living in a time when content creation has to be smart, intentional, and effective. Especially with Facebook Reels, posting just to post isn’t enough. 

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Each video needs to work for you—grabbing attention, driving engagement, and creating impact.

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But editing those videos by hand takes time. You could spend hours trimming, syncing, and adding effects, but even then, if the final product doesn’t look smooth or polished, it might not get the attention it deserves.

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That’s where Zebracat comes in. Instead of stressing over every little detail, just upload your script, hit go, and let Zebracat do the heavy lifting. 

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It’s the best AI video generator that creates and takes care of trimming, and pacing, and even adds effects to make your video pop—all without you having to touch it. You get a high-quality, professional-looking Reel in no time, with zero effort.

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Want to take your Facebook Reels to the next level? Give Zebracat. Your videos won’t just be seen—they’ll stick with your audience.

FAQs

Can I monetize Facebook Reels in 2025?

Yes, you can monetize Facebook Reels in 2025. This program is invite-only so no specific monetization criteria like YouTube. But if you are 18+, living in countries eligible for FB monetization, and have more than 5,000 followers and 60,000 minutes total viewed, you’ll likely get invited.

What’s the optimal length for a Facebook Reel?

The optimal length for a Facebook Reel is 15 seconds. It’s the sweet spot for maximizing engagement and completion rates, especially for new creators. While you can create Reels up to 90 seconds, shorter videos tend to perform better.

Are Facebook Reels and Instagram Reels the same?

While Facebook Reels and Instagram Reels share many similarities, their target audiences and strengths differ.

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How do I track the performance of my Reels?

You can track the performance of FB Reels by:

1. Opening the app and go to your Reels.
2. Tap the three dots on the Reel you want to track.
3. Select "View Insights" to see the basic performance.
4. Check metrics like views, likes, comments, and shares.
5. For deeper data, go to Instagram/Facebook Insights.
6. Review detailed stats on engagement and audience reach.
7. Adjust your content based on performance trends.

What’s the best time to post Facebook Reels?

The best time to post Facebook Reels is between 11 AM and 2 PM when users are on lunch breaks, and around 6 PM when they unwind for the day. These times tend to maximize engagement, as users are more active during these periods.