How to Change Reels to Video on Facebook

Posted a video as a Facebook Reel and now need it to be a regular video instead? The short, direct answer is that you cannot switch an already-published Reel into a video by flipping a switch. Once your content is live as a Reel, Facebook locks it into that format. Don't worry, though - while there's no magic convert button, there is a clear workaround. This guide will walk you through exactly what to do, explain why these formats are treated differently, and help you strategize to make sure you're always picking the right format for your goals from the start.

Why Facebook Treats Reels and Videos Differently

Understanding the "why" behind this limitation can save you a lot of future headaches. Facebook, like its counterpart Instagram, doesn't see Reels and regular videos as the same type of content with a different label. They are fundamentally different formats built for separate purposes, served to users in distinct ways, and optimized for different viewing behaviors.

Here's a simple breakdown:

• Facebook Reels are Meta's answer to TikTok. They are short, vertical, fast-paced videos designed for discovery. The algorithm pushes Reels to people who don’t already follow you through the Reels feed, aiming for virality and broad reach. The experience is about quick consumption, often driven by trending audio and highly engaging, bite-sized content.
• Facebook Videos are the more traditional format. They can be longer, come in any aspect ratio (like a landscape video you'd post on YouTube), and are primarily designed for your existing audience. They live on your page's "Videos" tab and appear more permanently on your main timeline. The focus is on nurturing your community with deeper, more substantive content rather than chasing viral discovery.

Thinking you can seamlessly convert one to the other is like wanting to turn an Instagram Story into a permanent grid post after you've already published it. The platform’s architecture just isn't built for that - they serve entirely different functions. So, if you've already pushed your video down the Reels path, your only option is to bring it back and send it down the right one.

The Fix: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Deleting and Re-uploading

The only effective way to "change" your Reel into a video is to remove the Reel and repost the original media file as a standard video. While this means losing the likes, comments, and views racked up on the original Reel, it's the correct way to get your content into the right format. Follow these steps carefully to make the process as smooth as possible.

Step 1: Save Your Work Before Deleting

Before you delete anything, you must have a copy of the video file. Ideally, you still have the original, high-quality video you created stored on your phone or computer. This is always the best option, as it will be clean and free of watermarks.

If you can't find the original file, you can download the Reel from your own Facebook page:

1. Find the Reel on your Facebook page or profile.
2. Tap the three dots (...) menu, usually located in the bottom-right corner.
3. Select "Download Reel" or "Save video." The video will save to your device's camera roll or downloads folder.

Important Note: Downloading your Reel directly from Facebook may add a watermark with the Reels logo and your username. Using your original, clean file is always better for a professional look.

Step 2: Document the Caption and Engagement

Since you'll be losing the engagement on the original post, it's wise to document it. Take a screenshot of your Reel's caption, hashtags, and any significant comments. This ensures you can:

• Reuse the caption: You don't have to rewrite a great caption from scratch.
• Remember valuable feedback: If viewers asked great questions or left insightful comments, saving them gives you a record of what resonated with your audience.

It's a small step, but it respects the effort you originally put in and the initial interaction you received.

Step 3: Delete the Facebook Reel

Once you've securely saved the video file and documented your caption, it's time to remove the Reel. This prevents having duplicate content on your page, which can confuse both your audience and the algorithm.

1. Go to the Reel you want to remove.
2. Tap the three dots (...) to open the menu.
3. Select Delete.
4. Facebook will ask for confirmation. Confirm that you want to permanently delete the Reel.

The Reel is now gone. Your page is a blank slate, ready for you to upload the clip in the correct format.

Step 4: Upload It Correctly as a Regular Facebook Video

This is the most critical step. You need to use Facebook's standard video uploader, not the Reels creator. The interface can sometimes try to nudge you toward creating a Reel, so pay close attention.

From a Desktop (Recommended for Control):

1. On your Facebook Page, click the "What's on your mind?" composer box.
2. Click the green icon for Photo/Video.
3. Select your video file from your computer.
4. The video upload window will appear. Here, you can add your video title, paste in your saved caption, add a custom thumbnail, and more.
5. Once you're satisfied, click Post.

From the Facebook Mobile App:

1. Go to your page or profile and tap "What's on your mind?"
2. Tap Photo/Video below the text box.
3. Select the video file from your phone's gallery.
4. Craft your post by adding your caption and any other details. Do not tap any prompts that say "Try Reels" or "Create a Reel."
5. Tap Post.

Your video is now live as a standard video post. It will appear on your main timeline, be prominently featured in your "Videos" tab, and give you the editing and presentation options associated with this format.

Strategic Decision: When to Use a Reel vs. a Video

Now that you know how to fix the mistake, let's focus on prevention. Choosing the right format from the beginning is a core part of a good content strategy. Here’s a cheatsheet to help you decide.

Choose Facebook Reels when your goal is...

• Maximum Discoverability and Reach: You want to get in front of fresh eyes and people who don't follow you yet. The Reels algorithm is built for this.
• Jumping on a Trend: Your video uses a currently popular audio clip, challenge, or meme format.
• Creating Short, Punchy Content: Things like quick tips, behind-the-scenes glimpses, snappy tutorials, or satisfying process videos are perfect for the format.
• Mobile-First Viewing: The content is shot and edited vertically (9:16 aspect ratio) and is meant to be consumed quickly on a phone.

Choose a Regular Facebook Video when your goal is...

• Evergreen Content for Your Library: You're posting tutorials, interviews, testimonials, or product deep-dives that you want people to find on your "Videos" tab for months or years to come.
• Longer-Form Storytelling: Your message needs more than 90 seconds to unfold. Regular videos can be much longer, allowing for more depth.
• Control Over Presentation: You want a custom thumbnail that looks great on your main page. Regular videos give you far more control over the thumbnail than Reels.
• Using a Horizontal Format: If your video was shot in a standard 16:9 landscape format, it will look much better and feel more natural as a regular video. While you can post horizontal videos as Reels, it's not an optimal viewing experience.

Final Thoughts

While you can't magically convert a published Reel into a standard video, the "delete and re-upload" method is a reliable solution. The key is to be intentional, understanding the unique purpose of each format so you can choose the right one from the start. A thoughtful content strategy considers not just what you say, but the package you deliver it in, and picking between Reels and videos is a prime example of that.

One of the main reasons these mistakes happen is the pressure of manually posting across multiple platforms in the moment. At Postbase, we built our platform's visual calendar to help you avoid exactly this kind of problem. By planning your content, you can see at a glance whether a piece of content is scheduled as a Reel or a video, well before it goes live. Since our tool was designed for modern, video-first social media, it helps you manage all these new formats without the confusion, giving you the confidence that what you've scheduled is what will actually be posted.