how to turn off reels on facebook

David Muir

2 min read

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05-09-2024

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In recent years, Facebook has introduced various features to enhance user engagement, one of which is Reels. These short, engaging videos have become a popular way for users to connect and share content. However, not everyone prefers this feature. If you're among those who want to turn off Reels on Facebook, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.

What Are Facebook Reels?

Before we dive into the “how-to,” let’s clarify what Reels are. Think of Facebook Reels as a lively street fair where everyone showcases their talents in short bursts. Users can create and share 15 to 60-second videos with music, special effects, and creative editing. While this can be entertaining, it may not suit everyone’s preferences.

Why Turn Off Reels?

There are several reasons why you might want to disable Reels on Facebook:

• Distraction: Reels can be distracting and may take time away from your primary use of the platform.
• Content Preference: You may prefer traditional posts, photos, or long-form videos over short clips.
• Data Usage: Videos can consume more data, impacting your mobile or Wi-Fi usage.

How to Turn Off Reels on Facebook

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on how to turn off Facebook Reels. Follow these instructions based on the device you’re using.

On Mobile (iOS and Android)

1. Open the Facebook App: Launch the app on your mobile device.

2. Tap on Menu: This is usually represented by three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner (iOS) or top right corner (Android).

3. Scroll Down to Settings & Privacy: Tap to expand it, then select Settings.

4. Find the Media and Contacts Section: Look for this section.

5. Disable Auto-Play: Toggle off any settings related to auto-play videos. This will help reduce Reels visibility in your feed.

6. Adjust Your Preferences: You might not find a specific toggle for Reels, but adjusting your settings to prioritize "Friends" over "Public" in the News Feed preferences can limit the Reels content you see.

On Desktop

1. Visit Facebook.com: Open your preferred web browser and navigate to the Facebook site.

2. Click on the Down Arrow: Located in the top right corner, this opens a dropdown menu.

3. Select Settings & Privacy: Then click on Settings.

4. Go to Videos: On the left side panel, select Videos.

5. Disable Auto-Play: Make sure the auto-play setting is set to “off.”

Use Content Preferences

1. Prioritize What You See: Go back to your Settings.

2. Choose News Feed Preferences: From there, you can prioritize who to see first and unfollow pages or friends that post Reels frequently.

Conclusion

While Facebook Reels can provide a fun and engaging way to consume content, it's essential to tailor your social media experience to fit your preferences. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can effectively minimize or eliminate the Reels content that appears in your feed.

Additional Tips

• Engage With Other Content: The more you interact with posts, photos, and videos from friends or groups, the more Facebook will tailor your feed to display similar content.

• Feedback Options: Consider providing feedback to Facebook about Reels. The more users express their opinions, the more likely the platform is to implement changes.

For more information on managing your Facebook settings, check out our articles on Facebook Privacy Settings and Customizing Your News Feed.

Now that you know how to turn off Reels on Facebook, enjoy a more tailored social media experience!