Facebook is testing a new ‘Short Videos’ feature inside its app in a bid to cash in on the TikTok ban in India and a proposed ban in the US. This new feature shows up in the middle of the News Feed and works in a similar swipe-up manner as was popular on TikTok.
Facebook-owned Instagram has already launched Reels to fill the gap created by TikTok-ban in India. Now Facebook is also jumping in the same segment. Several Indian users have reported seeing TikTok-style short videos on the Facebook app.
Facebook Short Video Features
The company has also confirmed that it is testing short-form videos in the Facebook app. While scrolling feed, users will see a dedicated “Short Videos” section. On top of it sits the “Create” button, tapping which prompts Facebook Camera to launch, and users can browse through videos by swiping up.
When asked for a comment, a Facebook spokesperson said via email: “We’re always testing new creative tools so we can learn about how people want to express themselves. Short-form videos are extremely popular and we are looking at new ways to provide this experience for people to connect, create, and share on Facebook.”
Also read: Instagram Reels Is New TikTok, Learn How To Use It
The ‘Short Videos’ section has a very TikTok-like interface, with likes and comments placed in the bottom right corner. There is a Create option at the top and clicking on it for the first time shows a new Facebook Camera with a description that reads, “Create and share short videos, and explore new ways to express yourself.” This new ‘Short Videos’ feature lets you add music to your recorded clip, pause, and record just like how TikTok allowed it, and share it in-app. Once posted, this video then shows up in the ‘Short Videos’ section on Facebook.
After the Indian government banned TikTok, several short video apps grew in India. Chingari and Mitron from small publishers caught users’ attention. Then Gaana brought Hotshot, MX Player rebased MX Takatak and Zee5 also introduced HiPi. Big players are investing enough money to bring already popular TikTok stars on their platform.
