Facebook Reels Algorithm Change: What Creators Need to Know
Meta has recently announced a Facebook algorithm change that should give users more control over the Reels they see. If you’re a creator or social media manager and your strategy involves Facebook Reels, this update could shake things up. It’s designed to make feeds feel fresher, more personal, and overall more relevant to each user.
Let’s break down what this means for users and creators eager to make the Facebook algorithm work for them.
Users More in Control of Their Facebook Reels Feed
It wasn’t rare for Facebook to show us content that leaves us wondering why the algorithm thought we should watch an AI-ballerina transform into a seal in an AI talent show. 🤔
Now, the “upgraded recommendation engine” promises to fix that, so Reels should feel more personal, while users get more control over what shows up in their feeds.
How can you influence the algorithm? You can tap “Not Interested” on a Reel by selecting the three dots on a video, or flag a comment, which helps the AI learn what users really want to watch. The more people interact, the smarter the recommendations get.
The Save feature has also been refreshed. This makes it easier to collect favorite Reels and posts in one place, and is a useful way to revisit trends, save inspiration, and plan future content.
But personalization isn’t the only tweak Meta made. The algorithm is also getting smarter in other ways.
Smarter Recommendations For More Relevant Reels
Another handy part of this update is that the algorithm now prioritizes newer content. Facebook will surface 50% more Reels uploaded the same day users scroll.
There’s also a new TikTok-like feature: AI-powered search suggestions are coming to your Reels tab, making it easier to discover related topics and trends (think TikTok’s gray search prompts).
For creators, this means timely content now has a better chance to stand out.
As feeds are flooded with AI slop that adds little to no value, the obvious question arises: Will AI-generated content get less attention?
Well, not really.
In an interview with CNET, Facebook’s VP of Product, Jagjit Chawla, confirmed that AI-generated content will be treated the same as human-generated content, as long as its topic is considered interesting to the user.
Reels Friend Bubbles: Connect While You Scroll
And the final piece of the puzzle is friend bubbles on Reels in the main feed. Similar to Instagram (where friends’ profile pictures float over videos they’ve interacted with), these bubbles show which posts your friends have liked, giving a quick peek at what’s trending in your circle. Tap a bubble, and you can start a DM.
For creators, this means engagement can ripple through personal networks. Encourage viewers to tag friends or share your content, and your Reels could reach even further organically.
5 Ways Creators Can Take Advantage of the Facebook Algorithm Change
So, now that we’ve seen what’s new, here’s how creators can turn these updates into opportunities.
1. Relevance and Freshness Matter
The new recommendations engine favors recent content. Posting consistently – and at the right time – boosts your Reels’ chances of being seen.
2. User Feedback Directly Impacts Reach
With users now able to tap “Not Interested” on Reels, Facebook is paying closer attention to engagement quality, not just views.
Focus on value: create content your audience actually wants to interact with, whether it’s quick tips, storytelling, or behind-the-scenes moments.
Reels marked “Not Interested” could quietly lose reach, so keep your visuals, captions, and hooks sharp and audience-focused.
3. Save-Worthy Content Wins
The upgraded Save feature shows that Meta rewards posts users want to revisit.
Think about creating Reels people will want to save – tutorials, how-tos, checklists, or motivational clips are great examples. Saves now signal that your content is worth keeping around.
4. AI-Powered Discovery = More Exposure Potential
AI-powered search suggestions mean your Reels could appear under new queries and related topics.
Optimize captions, hashtags, and text overlays with clear, searchable keywords. It’s like giving Facebook a little SEO boost so your content gets discovered more easily.
5. Friend Bubbles = Organic Reach Through Networks
When people see their friends liked your Reel, they’re more likely to check it out.
Encourage engagement in your captions. A simple “Tag a friend who’d love this!” can help your Reels travel further through these new social signals.
Beyond helping users and creators, the new Facebook algorithm change also reflects a bigger push toward giving users more control. In Europe, regulators have been urging platforms like Meta to offer more transparency, even pushing for algorithm-free versions of Facebook and Instagram.
While Meta hasn’t tied this update directly to these rulings, it’s clear that user control is becoming central. Instead of forcing a single algorithmic feed for everyone, Meta is giving people more options to personalize their experience.
