Facebook has increasingly shifted its focus towards short-form content, driven by the growing popularity of platforms like TikTok and Instagram’s Reels. While this shift has brought some benefits, particularly for viral content creators, it has also alienated long-form content creators who rely on detailed storytelling, educational content, or in-depth discussions. This transition has impacted the way creators engage with their audiences and monetize their content, making Facebook a less favorable platform for long-form creators. Let’s dive into why this focus on short-form content is causing issues for long-form creators and what it means for the future of content creation on Facebook.

1. Prioritization of Reels Over Long-Form Content

In an effort to compete with TikTok, Facebook has heavily prioritized Reels and other short-form videos in its algorithm. This change means that Reels are given more visibility in users’ feeds, while longer videos, which used to perform well on the platform, are now harder to discover.

Example:
A Nigerian filmmaker who produces 15-minute documentary-style videos on social issues might find that their content receives far less engagement and visibility on Facebook compared to a 30-second Reel posted by a creator specializing in viral content. The platform’s algorithm now favors bite-sized, quick-to-consume content, leaving long-form creators struggling to maintain their reach.

Why It Matters:
For creators who have invested time and resources into producing high-quality, long-form content, Facebook’s algorithmic shift reduces the impact of their work. They now face an uphill battle to get their videos seen without having to adapt to a short-form format, which may not suit their storytelling style.

2. Declining Engagement for Long-Form Creators

Along with reduced visibility, long-form creators are experiencing a decline in engagement. Longer videos require more time and attention from viewers, and Facebook’s new algorithm prioritizes content that can be consumed quickly, which means fewer users are spending time on long videos. This decline in engagement directly affects creators’ ability to build and maintain a loyal audience on the platform.

Example:
An educational content creator who produces detailed tutorials may notice that their average watch time and engagement metrics are dropping. While these types of videos used to encourage thoughtful comments and deeper engagement, they now struggle to hold the attention of users who are accustomed to fast, entertaining content like Reels.

Why It Matters:
Creators whose content relies on engagement, such as educational channels, thought leaders, or activists, may find it more difficult to foster meaningful interactions with their audience. Without sustained engagement, these creators may also find it harder to monetize their content through ads or sponsorships.

3. Challenges in Monetization

Facebook’s focus on short-form content has not only impacted visibility and engagement but also monetization. Long-form creators typically rely on monetization models that reward longer viewing times and ad placements within videos. However, with the shift towards shorter videos, these monetization opportunities have diminished.

Example:
A creator who produces in-depth travel documentaries may find it challenging to generate significant ad revenue from their videos because Facebook’s algorithm is not pushing their content to the same degree it once did. As a result, they earn less from their videos, even if they maintain high production quality and consistent posting schedules.

Why It Matters:
Monetization is a crucial aspect of content creation for many long-form creators, and Facebook’s shift to short-form content puts them at a financial disadvantage. With fewer opportunities for ads and less time spent on their content, creators may turn to other platforms like YouTube, where long-form content is still valued and monetized effectively.

4. Limited Creativity for Long-Form Storytelling

Long-form content allows for more in-depth storytelling, detailed narratives, and complex discussions that cannot be captured in short videos. For creators who focus on documentaries, educational content, or storytelling, the format of short-form content limits their creativity and the scope of their work.

Example:
A content creator who focuses on social justice issues might produce a 20-minute video exploring the causes and impacts of a local environmental crisis. This type of content requires time to develop a narrative and provide context. However, on a platform that now prioritizes short, entertaining clips, this kind of content struggles to find its place.

Why It Matters:
The pressure to conform to short-form content formats can stifle creativity for long-form creators. These creators may feel forced to simplify their content or shift away from the topics they are passionate about to align with what the algorithm favors. This shift can dilute the quality of content on the platform and reduce the diversity of voices and perspectives.

5. Shifting to Other Platforms

As Facebook continues to prioritize short-form content, many long-form creators are shifting to platforms that are more supportive of their work, particularly YouTube. YouTube has long been a hub for long-form content, offering creators better monetization opportunities, stronger community engagement, and a platform that values in-depth content.

Example:
A creator who produces 30-minute documentaries on wildlife conservation may find greater success on YouTube, where long-form videos are not only encouraged but rewarded through the platform’s ad revenue sharing model. On YouTube, viewers are more likely to spend time on longer videos, and the platform’s algorithm supports content that attracts high watch times.

Why It Matters:
As long-form creators continue to leave Facebook for platforms like YouTube and even Patreon, Facebook risks losing a significant portion of its creator base. This shift could also result in a narrower variety of content on Facebook, with the platform becoming increasingly dominated by short, viral videos that prioritize entertainment over education, depth, and substance.

Conclusion

Facebook’s focus on short-form content is alienating long-form creators, leading to declining visibility, engagement, and monetization opportunities. For creators who rely on detailed storytelling, education, or in-depth discussions, the platform no longer offers the support and exposure it once did. As a result, many long-form creators are shifting to platforms like YouTube that still value and reward longer content.

Unless Facebook adjusts its algorithm to better support a diversity of content types, it risks losing long-form creators who have built loyal audiences and contributed valuable content to the platform. In the long run, this could reduce the platform’s appeal for creators and audiences alike, as the variety and quality of content diminish.