Facebook hits ‘copy-paste’ on TikTok’s vertical video format

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Facebook has launched a full-screen vertical video player, essentially ripping off TikTok’s format, again. The new feature aims to enhance user experience with rapidly growing formats like Reels, Facebook Live, and longer videos.

According to a company blog post, “when you tap on a video anywhere on the Facebook app, you’ll now consistently see a fullscreen, vertically oriented video. Previously, depending on the length of the video or where you were watching, you may have seen horizontal videos or videos that played in a Feed-like player.”

Under the new design, Facebook will present content in a full-screen, vertically-oriented video view. From Reels to longer videos or live streaming, the experience is designed for immersive interaction, which means more ad revenue to Facebook.

In addition, Facebook introduced personalized video recommendations based on individual viewer interests, suggesting custom content that caters directly to their likes.

Navigation controls such as rewind, fast forward, and playback speed adjustment were also added, similar to features present in TikTok.

Although Facebook is moving toward a default vertical view, it hasn’t left out the traditionally horizontal video viewers and creators.

The option to view content in landscape mode meshes the best of both worlds, accommodating diverse content forms, including movie trailers and music videos.

All eyes are now watching how this major shift influences traditional content forms and bespeaks possible future content preferences.

Facebook says the updated video player is rolling out on iOS and Android first in the US and Canada, and globally in the coming months.

This continuous evolution enhances user interaction and keeps creators and brands on their toes, pushing the boundaries while keeping up with the changing landscape.

Have any thoughts on this? Did Facebook blantatly rip off TikTok here? Let us know below in the comments, or carry the discussion to our Twitter or Facebook.

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Kevin Raposo

Kevin is KnowTechie's founder and executive editor. With over 15 years of blogging experience in the tech industry, Kevin has transformed what was once a passion project into a full-blown tech news publication. Shoot him an email at kevin@knowtechie.com or find him on Mastodon or Post.