Alexis Kestler
Let me start by answering directly – if your Facebook Reels are not showing properly, it‘s likely due to an app glitch, settings issue, or device incompatibility. But don‘t worry, with some targeted troubleshooting we can get your Reels back up and running. I‘ve been building social media marketing campaigns for over 8 years, so trust me when I say a few simple fixes should do the trick.
As a quick refresher, Reels are Facebook‘s short-form vertical videos with creative editing tools and music, similar to TikTok or Instagram Reels. They can be uploaded natively within the Facebook app. Reels aim to bring more engaging video content into Facebook feeds.
But based on my experience managing social campaigns for brands, I know first-hand how frustrating it can be when a key feature like Reels doesn‘t work right. When Reels don‘t show properly it limits your ability to connect with and entertain your audience.
The good news is that most Reels issues can be fixed with a few easy troubleshooting steps. I‘ll walk you through each potential cause and solution so you can get back to creating viral Reels in no time!
Let‘s Start With Why Reels Might Not Be Showing Up
From my technical knowledge and discussions with other social media marketers, these are the most common reasons Facebook Reels may not be working:
App Requires Update
Like any software, the Facebook app needs regular updates to fix bugs and add new features. If your version is outdated, brand new options like Reels may not have been added yet.
Quick Fix: Check the App or Play Store for any Facebook updates and install them.
Connection Problems
No social media feature will work without an internet connection! If your WiFi or mobile data is slow or cutting in and out, it could prevent Reels from loading.
Quick Fix: Try moving closer to your router or toggling Airplane mode off and on to reset the connection.
Cached Data Issues
Outdated cached data on your device essentially fills up storage space with temporary junk files. Too much cache buildup can cause glitches like Reels not displaying properly.
Quick Fix: Clear the Facebook app cache in your device Settings to free up space.
Restrictive App Settings
Based on my technical expertise, incorrectly configured app settings like disabled video access could block certain Facebook functionalities.
Quick Fix: Double check Facebook‘s app settings to ensure all required permissions are enabled.
Device Compatibility Problems
Simply put, if your smartphone or tablet is too old, it may not support newer Facebook features. Reels requires relatively modern device hardware.
Quick Fix: Try updating your device OS or upgrading your hardware if over 5 years old.
Account Limitations
In rare cases, Facebook may intentionally limit features for certain accounts due to violations of their terms. Look for any alerts about account restrictions.
Quick Fix: Confirm your account is in good standing and not subject to any limitations.
Now that we‘ve explored why your Reels may not be working properly, let‘s talk solutions!
Step-By-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Based on my extensive experience with social media apps, here are the best troubleshooting steps to resolve Facebook Reels issues:
1. Force Close and Reopen the App
A quick restart of the Facebook app often clears up temporary glitches:
- iOS: Double tap Home and swipe up on Facebook to close it, then reopen
- Android: Open multitasking view and swipe Facebook upward to close, then reopen
2. Update the Facebook App
As I mentioned earlier, an outdated version can cause problems. Update to the latest:
- iOS: Check App Store for Facebook app updates
- Android: Check Google Play Store for updates
3. Reinstall the Facebook App
If restarting and updating didn‘t work, delete and reinstall the app completely:
- Backup important app data
- Delete Facebook from your device
- Redownload the app from the app/play store
- Log back into your account
4. Log Out and Log Back In
Sometimes logging out and back into your account gives Facebook the kick it needs to load Reels correctly.
- Go to Settings > Log Out in the Facebook app
- Force close the app then relaunch it
- Log back into your account
5. Use Facebook in a Web Browser
Try loading Facebook in your mobile browser like Chrome at www.facebook.com. If Reels works here, the issue is isolated to the app.
6. Update Your Device‘s Operating System
Based on my tech expertise, an outdated OS version can cause app glitches. Update to the latest iOS or Android.
7. Contact Facebook Support
If you still can‘t get Reels working, report the issue directly to Facebook:
- Go to www.facebook.com/help
- Click "Get Help with Facebook"
- Select your issue and submit a report
Their support team may be able to fix account-specific Reels problems.
With some dedicated troubleshooting using those steps, you should be able to get Facebook Reels loading correctly again. Let me know if any issues persist after trying the recommended fixes!
How Brands Can Optimize Facebook Reels
Now let‘s switch gears and talk Reels strategy!
As a social media marketing pro, I‘ve used Reels extensively for branded campaigns. Here are my top tips for optimizing your business Reels:
Hook Viewers Right Away
You only have a 3-5 second window to grab attention. Use eye-catching visuals, text, sounds, or movements at the very start of your Reel.
Keep it Short
Aim for 20-30 seconds max. Data shows attention spans rapidly drop off after that point. Quick cuts and fast pacing keep viewers engaged.
Leverage Trending Audio
Repurposing popular audios, songs, or memes makes it more likely your Reel will be discovered by those searching the sound.
Consider Vertical Orientation
Though landscape Reels are allowed, vertical videos take up more screen real estate in-feed.
Post Consistently
Reels algorithms favor accounts that post consistently. Set a content calendar for regular Reels creation.
Cross-Promote in Stories
Maximize viewership by teasing your Reel with a clickable tile in your Facebook Stories.
Top Up with Ads
Consider Reels Ads if your organic reach is still low. They follow the same creative rules.
Analyze Performance
Study Reel Insights to fine-tune your strategy based on best times, captions, sounds etc.
Facebook Reels vs. Instagram Reels
While we‘re on the topic, let‘s quickly compare Facebook Reels and Instagram Reels:
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font-family: arial, sans-serif;
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width: 100%;
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td, th {
border: 1px solid #dddddd;
text-align: left;
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tr:nth-child(even) {
background-color: #dddddd;
}
| Metric | Facebook Reels | Instagram Reels |
|---|---|---|
| Max Length | 60 seconds | 90 seconds |
| Aspect Ratio | 9:16 | 9:16 |
| Editing Tools | AR Effects, Text, Stickers | AR Effects, Text, Stickers |
| Music Options | Sound Library | Sound Library |
| Usage Limit | 1 Reel per Day for Pages | 100 Reels per Day |
As you can see, Facebook and Instagram Reels share many core features and functionalities. But Instagram Reels allow longer max lengths and have higher daily usage limits.
Plus, Instagram Reels are built directly into the Explore section. Facebook Reels get less prominent placement in feeds and Stories.
So balancing your Reels strategy across both platforms is important to maximize reach. Focus Facebook Reels on your highly engaged page followers, and Instagram on reaching new accounts organically.
Key Facebook Reels Statistics and Data
To drive home the opportunity that Reels represent for brands, here are some of the latest Facebook Reels statistics I‘ve compiled from various reports:
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Over 140 million Facebook users engage with Reels daily (Facebook internal data)
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The average Reel gets 5X more engagement than regular videos (SocialInsider)
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52% of users say they developed more positive brand perceptions after viewing Reels (Instagram)
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71% of brands saw increased engagement rates with Reels vs. Feed posts (Socialinsider)
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15-30 seconds is the optimal Reel length for reach and engagement (Buzzsumo)
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The best posting times for Reels are 9-10 AM, 1-5 PM, and 7-9 PM weekdays (Sprout Social)
These numbers highlight the massive engagement potential of Facebook Reels when used strategically. The short-form vertical video format resonates extremely well with users – when you can get it to load properly!
Let‘s Get Your Reels Back Up and Running!
Hopefully this detailed troubleshooting guide gave you the insights needed to fix any Facebook Reels issues for good. I aimed to provide helpful solutions based on my 8 years of hands-on social media marketing experience.
The most common remedies include updating your Facebook app, resetting app data/cache, adjusting permissions, trying Facebook in a browser, or reaching out to their support team.
Now that you know how to optimize Reels for engagement and growth, it‘s time to get back out there creating viral content! I‘m excited to see what captivating Reels you make next using those best practices.
As always, feel free to reach out if any other questions come up. I‘m always happy to provide strategic social media advice to friends and partners. Talk soon!
