Meta is overhauling Facebook Reels with major updates designed to bring it closer to the Instagram experience. The company is refining how users discover, share, and engage with short videos, all while enhancing personalization through smarter algorithms and AI-driven tools.
One of the most noticeable updates is the addition of friend bubbles. These small indicators show which Reels your friends have liked, making it easier to start conversations about shared interests. It’s a familiar feature for Instagram users, where Reels can already be sent directly through messages, but now Facebook is catching up.
Meta is also revamping its recommendations engine to deliver more relevant and timely content. According to the company, the system now learns user preferences faster and highlights newer Reels. In fact, it reportedly recommends 50 percent more videos published on the same day, ensuring fresher feeds for viewers.
The algorithm now adapts to each user’s viewing habits. If you often watch longer videos, you’ll see more extended Reels, and shorter ones if that’s your preference. To improve personalization even further, a new “Not Interested” button allows users to fine-tune what appears in their feed.
And because it’s 2025, AI is naturally part of the equation. Meta says the updated Reels will include AI-powered topic suggestions, helping users dive deeper into their favorite subjects. Whether it’s endless sports highlights or a marathon of Sopranos clips, Reels will now make those deep dives effortless and automatic.