Facebook opening to Reels first? Meta starts a test in India

Meta has started testing a change that makes Reels (full-screen videos in Meta's apps) the first screen of the Facebook app. Instead of the Feed (the default screen where posts appear one after another), the app shows full-screen video the moment it opens. Only some users see this screen for now. But if you're a brand or creator posting Reels, you now have a reason to take another look at the opening shots of your videos.

Who sees this screen right now?

The test applies only to some users in India. According to TechCrunch, when these users open the Facebook app, they go straight into full-screen video without passing through the Feed. Reels sit at the center of the screen.

The original Feed isn't going away. It moves to the second tab. The default first screen changes from the Feed to video, and users need one more tap to see the Feed. Users who don't like the new screen can still start with the Feed as before.

When was this change announced, and where is it heading next?

Facebook head Tom Alison previewed this test in July. Meta is trying the screen first in countries where people watch a lot of video.

Next, Meta is reportedly considering a US rollout next year. No plans for Korea have been announced yet.

Does this have nothing to do with Korea?

Not quite. Last year, Meta tested a similar version that opened to Reels for some Instagram users in India and Korea.

Facebook's plans for Korea haven't been announced yet. Still, some Instagram users in Korea have already seen a similar screen as part of a test.

Facebook video has already shifted to Reels

Since last year, Facebook has turned every newly uploaded video into a Reel, regardless of length. Short or long, any video you post now becomes a Reel.

Video also takes up a large share of time spent on the app. Young adults reportedly spend about 60 percent of their time on Facebook watching video. This test of a Reels-first home screen builds on that trend.

What should you check if you post Reels?

Recheck the opening shots of the Reels you've posted recently. See whether someone who comes across the video right after opening the app can tell what it's about from the opening shot alone.

When the first screen becomes Reels, users see a video before they choose what to watch. That makes the opening of a video its introduction. Brand accounts and creator accounts can both use the same yardstick.

Summary

• Facebook's Reels-first home screen is still a test for some users in India, and the Feed moves to the second tab.
• Meta is considering a US rollout next year, and no plans for Korea have been announced yet.
• Last year, Meta tested a similar screen with some Instagram users in India and Korea, so it's hard to see this as a change that has nothing to do with Korea.
• Recheck whether your recent Reels get their point across from the opening shot alone.