Updated fullscreen video player rolling out on Facebook iOS and Android app

Meta has launched an upgraded, fullscreen video player on Facebook with a consistent design for all video lengths – whether they be Reels, longer videos, or Live videos. The upgraded player is rolling out on iOS and Android apps in the United States and Canada, followed by a global launch in the coming months.

With the latest update, when you tap anywhere on a video, it will appear in fullscreen and vertically-oriented format, regardless of the video's length or the location where you are watching it. Previously, you may have seen horizontal videos or videos playing in a Feed-like player.

The upgraded fullscreen video player on Facebook shows improved recommendations for videos of all lengths to explore content based on your interests.

The updated player has new controls which will roll out over the next few weeks. These include a fullscreen mode for horizontal videos, a slider at the bottom to skip around in longer videos, and you can tap on the video to bring up additional options that let you pause and jump back or forward 10-seconds.

Furthermore, you will now see more appropriate video suggestions on the Feed and Video Tab on Facebook, including those from new players and of varying lengths.

"Although Facebook will remain the go-to platform for all kinds of videos, we will increase our display of Reels to cater to the rising demand for this format. These updates also mean that more types of creators will have more opportunities to tap into additional audiences they might not have reached before," Meta said.