How to Schedule Facebook Reels via API
Publish short-form vertical videos as Facebook Reels using the PostFast API. Control content type and add collaborators programmatically.
Facebook Reels are short-form vertical videos that compete with TikTok and Instagram Reels. Using the PostFast API, you can schedule Reels by setting facebookContentType to "REEL".
On Facebook, all video content is now treated as Reels by default when using the mobile experience. However, explicitly setting the content type ensures your video gets full Reels distribution and appears in the dedicated Reels tab.
Key capabilities when scheduling Facebook Reels via API include algorithm optimization (Reels get priority distribution), collaborator tagging (invite others to be featured on the Reel), and cross-platform reach (Reels appear in Feed, Reels tab, and Watch).
API Parameters
| Parameter | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
facebookContentType | string | Type of Facebook content to create POSTREELSTORY |
facebookReelsCollaborators | string[] | Array of Facebook usernames for Reel collaboration |
Code Example
const response = await fetch('https://api.postfa.st/social-posts', {
method: 'POST',
headers: {
'pf-api-key': 'YOUR_API_KEY',
'Content-Type': 'application/json'
},
body: JSON.stringify({
"posts": [
{
"content": "Quick tip for better productivity! #reels #productivity #tips",
"mediaItems": [
{
"key": "video/b2c3d4e5-f6g7-8901-2345-678901bcdefg.mp4",
"type": "VIDEO",
"sortOrder": 0
}
],
"scheduledAt": "2025-01-31T10:00:00.000Z",
"socialMediaId": "aa0i2833-k7eg-86i9-f261-990100994006"
}
],
"controls": {
"facebookContentType": "REEL",
"facebookReelsCollaborators": [
"collaborator_username"
]
}
})
});
const data = await response.json();
Did You Know?
Tips
Use facebookContentType: "REEL" explicitly to ensure Reels algorithm distribution
Vertical 9:16 video is mandatory - horizontal videos will be rejected or poorly cropped
Add captions directly to your video file for better engagement (most users watch without sound)
Reels under 30 seconds tend to get more replays and better algorithmic distribution
Schedule Reels to Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok from one API
Common Pitfalls
If you use facebookContentType: "POST" for video, it uploads as a regular video post with less algorithmic reach than a Reel.
Non-vertical videos will either be rejected or appear with black bars, significantly reducing engagement.
Videos without audio perform poorly in the Reels algorithm. Add music or voiceover to your video file before uploading.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between POST and REEL for videos?
POST uploads video to your timeline as a traditional video post. REEL publishes to the Reels tab with full algorithm distribution. Reels typically get 2-5x more reach than regular video posts.
Can I add music to Reels via API?
No, the Facebook API doesn't support adding music from their library. You must include music in your video file before uploading, or add it manually in the Facebook app after posting.
Do Facebook Reels appear on Instagram?
No, Facebook and Instagram Reels are separate. To post to both platforms, create separate posts with different socialMediaId values targeting each platform.