I’ve spent a lot of time creating and experimenting with short-form videos lately, mostly Reels, and I kept running into the same question: What’s the real difference between posting to Facebook Reels and Instagram Reels?

They both come from Meta. They both feature vertical, bite-sized videos with music, filters, and text overlays. But as I dove deeper into both platforms, I realized that they’re actually quite different in the way they behave, who they reach, and what they offer creators like me.

So if you’re a business owner, a creator, or just someone looking to grow a presence online, let me break down what I’ve discovered about these two platforms, starting with Facebook Reels.

My Experience with Facebook Reels

I’ll be honest: when I first started uploading videos to Facebook Reels, I didn’t have high expectations. I thought of Facebook as kind of the “older” social platform, where your aunt posts cat memes and your high school gym teacher shares political rants. But I was wrong, Reels on Facebook are surprisingly powerful.

The Audience is Huge and Surprisingly Active

The biggest thing I noticed? Facebook’s user base is absolutely massive. I mean, we’re talking billions of users globally, and that diversity translates to your Reels reaching all kinds of people. Young professionals, stay-at-home parents, retirees, entrepreneurs… you name it.

The variety might sound random, but it actually works in your favor. If your content isn’t super niche, Facebook gives it the chance to land in front of people who didn’t even know they were looking for it.

Facebook Reels Get Serious Reach

What I love about Facebook Reels is how they’re set to public by default. You’re not limited to just your followers or friends list. If the algorithm picks up your video, and it often does, it can show up in the feeds of total strangers who would never have found you otherwise.

This has helped me get thousands of extra views I wouldn’t have earned on Instagram alone. I’ve even seen Reels take off a few days after posting, which tells me Facebook has a longer tail for discoverability.

The Tools Are Simple, But That’s Not Always Bad

Now, if you’re looking for fancy transitions and a huge variety of visual effects, Facebook Reels may not blow your mind. The editing tools are… basic. Trim here, add music there, drop in some text.

But if you’re someone who likes to get your content out quickly without falling into the perfectionist rabbit hole (guilty!), then Facebook’s simplicity is actually kind of refreshing. I find myself getting more content published here without overthinking every detail.

Monetization Is… A Bit of a Waiting Game

Now here’s where it gets tricky. Facebook used to have a Reels bonus program that paid creators based on performance, but they paused that in 2024. Currently, there’s a new invite-only monetization model rolling out, but not everyone has access.

For me, that means I’m not making direct income off Facebook Reels yet. I’m using it more for reach and exposure than revenue. If you’re counting on it for income right away, just know the doors aren’t wide open right now.

Cross-Posting Has Its Quirks

At first, I thought posting the same Reel from Instagram to Facebook would save me time, and it does. But there are some weird hiccups. For instance, if someone on Facebook wants to comment on an Instagram-originated Reel, they sometimes get kicked over to the Instagram app. That’s not a great user experience, and I’ve definitely seen that lower engagement.

Sometimes, I use a Facebook Reel downloader to save videos directly from Facebook so I can easily repurpose them for platforms like TikTok or Instagram.

My Experience with Instagram Reels

If Facebook Reels are the “wide net,” Instagram Reels are the fishing rod. It’s where I go when I want to be creative, on-trend, and connect with a younger, more style-conscious audience.

Instagram’s Audience Is Young, Trendy, and Fast-Paced

The first thing I noticed is that Instagram Reels has a completely different energy. It’s faster, more visual, and full of creators who know how to hook you in the first two seconds. Most of my engagement on Instagram comes from people aged 18 to 34, which makes sense because that’s the platform’s sweet spot.

If your content has a strong aesthetic, a relatable message, or taps into current trends, Instagram Reels is a goldmine. It’s definitely more competitive, but when something hits here, it really hits.

The Creative Tools Are Next-Level

This is honestly where Instagram shines. The Reels editor is full of filters, AR effects, green screen tools, music syncing, interactive stickers, and templates. It’s like having a mini production studio in your pocket.

I’ve had a lot of fun experimenting here, and if you’re someone who thrives on creativity, you’ll probably love it too. It allows you to add that extra polish that can make your content look and feel professional, even if you’re just filming in your bedroom.

Speaking of creative tools, I’ve got to mention the Instagram Reel Downloader by INDownloader.app. It honestly saved my butt more than once. It lets you backup your Reels quickly without needing to install any apps or extra software. Plus, they’ve got other handy tools too, like downloading Instagram photos, profile pictures, and more.

Instagram Is Built for Business (and Shopping)

What surprised me was how seamlessly Instagram blends content with commerce. If you run an online store or you’re an influencer working with brands, you can actually tag products in your Reels. People can watch, tap, and buy, all without leaving the app.

I’ve used this for affiliate links and to drive traffic to my own digital products, and it works shockingly well. People are already in the mindset to engage, so if you offer something valuable, conversions feel natural.

Discoverability Takes Work

Unlike Facebook, where Reels are pushed into anyone’s feed, Instagram’s discovery is a little more curated. Your videos need to perform well quickly, engagement in the first hour seems to matter a lot. If your Reel doesn’t catch on right away, it can easily get buried.

So while I’ve had more viral moments on Facebook, I’ve had deeper, more meaningful engagement on Instagram, especially with my existing followers.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, I’ve stopped thinking of Facebook and Instagram Reels as rivals. Instead, I treat them like different tools in the same toolbox. Facebook helps me cast a wide net and bring new people into my world. Instagram helps me create more polished, expressive content and build deeper relationships with a niche audience.

So, if you’ve been stuck wondering where to focus your energy, here’s my honest advice: use both, just don’t treat them the same. Learn the language of each platform, tailor your content to fit the vibe, and most importantly, stay consistent.

And if you ever feel stuck or want to fast-track your growth, services like this one can give you that extra push, whether you’re building brand awareness or boosting engagement across platforms.

The more you post, test, and refine, the more you’ll start seeing what works best for you, and that’s the secret to growing on either one.