Upload problems
Facebook reel not uploading or stuck? Save a draft, then fix it
Short answer
Facebook's own fix order for reels that won't share: use Wi-Fi or a strong cellular connection, keep the app open until the upload finishes, restart the app (save the reel as a draft first so you don't lose it), then update or reinstall. If one file keeps failing, export it to Facebook's recommended settings: H.264 and AAC in MP4 or MOV, 30 fps or below, no edit lists.
Key takeaways
- Facebook's fix order: a strong Wi-Fi or mobile connection, keep the app open until the upload finishes, save a draft and restart, then update or reinstall.
- Facebook recommends H.264 with AAC in MP4 or MOV, 30 fps or below, stereo 44.1 kHz, no edit lists, for edited videos.
- Reels can be any length or orientation now, so length is rarely the reason a reel fails.
- If one file always fails and others post, the file is the problem: re-export it to Facebook's settings.
- Reel drafts are your safety net: save before restarting or reinstalling.
Facebook's recommended video settings
| Setting | Facebook / Meta recommendation |
|---|---|
| Format | MP4 or MOV (Facebook accepts almost all video types) |
| Video codec | H.264 (Reels: H.264 or H.265; VP9 and AV1 supported) |
| Resolution | 1080p for Reels; no wider than 4000 px, divisible by 16 |
| Frame rate | 30 fps or below for edited videos; 24 to 60 fps for Reels |
| Audio | AAC, stereo, 44.1 kHz (Reels: 44.1 or 48 kHz, 128 kbps or more) |
| Container | No edit lists or special boxes |
Free tools:Compress a video for FacebookFacebook Reels codec support
Find your case
| What you see | What it usually means | Do this |
|---|---|---|
| Upload stops when you leave the app | The upload needs the app open | Keep Facebook open until done (step 1) |
| Stuck at the same point on mobile data | Weak connection | Switch to Wi-Fi or another network (step 1) |
| App freezes on the share screen | App glitch | Save as draft, restart, resume (step 2) |
| Only one video fails | File outside recommended settings | Re-export (step 3) |
| Fails on every reel | Old app version | Update or reinstall (step 4) |
| Draft won't load | App cache or an update in progress | Update the app, restart the phone |
| Uploads from phone fail, computer works | Phone storage or settings | Free storage, allow background data |
Fix it step by step
Strong connection, app open
Facebook recommends Wi-Fi, or a strong cellular connection; reconnect or switch networks if Wi-Fi is slow, and keep the app open until your content has finished uploading.
Save as a draft and restart
While editing, tap Save to keep the reel as a draft. Restart the app, then tap Add new → Reel and choose Continue editing, or open Drafts.
FeedAdd newReelContinue editing (or Drafts)
Re-export to Facebook's settings
H.264 video and AAC audio in MP4 or MOV, 30 fps or below, stereo 44,100 Hz, width no larger than 4000 px and divisible by 16, and no edit lists. Files straight from some editors include edit lists; a fresh export or a conversion removes them.
Update, then reinstall
Update the Facebook app; if problems continue, uninstall and reinstall it. Then use Report a problem if it still fails.
Check the format list
Facebook recommends MP4 or MOV and publishes the full list of accepted formats.
Facebook's recommended settings for an edited video
| Video / audio | H.264 video, AAC audio, in MP4 or MOV |
|---|---|
| Width | no larger than 4000 px, divisible by 16 · 1080 px wide works |
| Frame rate | 30 fps or below |
| Audio | stereo, 44,100 Hz |
| Container | no edit lists or special boxes |
Re-export a reel Facebook will accept
ffmpeg -i in.mov -vf "scale=1080:1920:force_original_aspect_ratio=decrease,pad=1080:1920:(ow-iw)/2:(oh-ih)/2,fps=30" -c:v libx264 -crf 20 -pix_fmt yuv420p -c:a aac -b:a 128k -ar 44100 -ac 2 -movflags +faststart out.mp4- The result matches Facebook's edited-video settings: H.264, AAC stereo at 44.1 kHz, 30 fps, MP4, no edit lists.
Phone settings that block Facebook uploads
- iPhone: Settings → Facebook → Cellular Data on; Background App Refresh on; Low Power Mode off while posting.
- Android: Settings → Apps → Facebook → Mobile data → allow background data; battery use Unrestricted.
- Keep a few GB free: the app converts the video on the phone before upload.
Basic Facebook fixes, in the order that works
- Update Facebook from the App Store or Google Play, and update your phone's system.
- Restart the phone, not just the app.
- Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data; turn Airplane mode on for 10 seconds and off again to reset the connection.
- Turn off any VPN for the test.
- Turn off Data Saver in the Facebook app while posting a large reel.
- Android: Settings → Apps → Facebook → Storage → Clear cache (keeps your login and drafts).
- iPhone: Settings → General → iPhone Storage → Facebook → Offload App, then Reinstall App (keeps the app's data).
- Still failing for everyone you know? Check whether Facebook is having an outage before changing anything else.
Upload a reel from a computer
If the app keeps failing, upload the video on facebook.com from a computer on a wired or strong connection. All videos posted to Facebook are shared as reels, so the upload ends up in the same place. Use an MP4 with H.264 and AAC at 30 fps.
Check your file
Extension and MIME type are labels, not proof of the container. Dimensions and duration come from this browser's media reader. This does not detect codecs, bitrate, corruption or platform upload compatibility. Files and measurements are not sent anywhere.
Frequently asked questions
Why won't my reel upload to Facebook?
Usually the connection or leaving the app during upload. Save a draft, restart, use Wi-Fi and keep the app open. Re-export the file if only that one fails.
How do I keep my reel when the app crashes?
Tap Save while editing to store it as a draft, then resume from Add new → Reel → Drafts.
What video format does Facebook want?
MP4 or MOV with H.264 video and AAC audio, 30 fps or below.
Why is my Facebook reel not uploading today?
If nothing posts on any account, Facebook may have an outage: wait and retry. If only your reel fails, check the connection, keep the app open and re-export the file to Facebook's settings.
Why is my Facebook reel draft not loading?
Update the Facebook app and restart the phone. Drafts are stored on the device, so do not reinstall until you have saved the clip elsewhere.
Is there a length limit for Facebook reels?
Facebook now shares all videos as reels of any length or orientation, so a long video is not refused for length.
Why does my Facebook reel fail to upload on iPhone?
Keep the app open until the upload finishes, make sure Facebook may use cellular data, free storage and turn off Low Power Mode. If one file always fails, export it again as H.264 MP4 at 30 fps.
Why is my reel not sharing to Facebook from Instagram?
Check that sharing to Facebook is turned on for that reel and that the Instagram and Facebook accounts are still linked. Then share again on a stable connection, or upload the original file to Facebook directly.
Why is my Facebook reel uploaded but not showing?
Processing can take a few minutes after upload. If it still does not appear, check the reel's audience setting and whether it was held for violating Community Standards.
Why are Facebook reels not loading on my phone?
Facebook's own steps: reconnect or switch networks, switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data, update the app, and restart the phone.
Why are Facebook reels not loading on PC or Chrome?
Use the latest Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Edge, restart the browser and computer, and disable extensions; Facebook's help suggests a different browser on Windows 7 or earlier.
Why does my Facebook reel say upload failed?
The connection dropped or the app closed during upload, or the file is outside Facebook's settings. Save a draft, retry on Wi-Fi with the app open, then re-export as H.264 MP4 at 30 fps.
What video formats can I upload to Facebook?
Facebook supports almost all video file types and recommends MP4 or MOV, with H.264 video and AAC audio.
How do I upload a reel to a Facebook Page?
Switch to the Page, then create a reel from the Page's profile or the Create menu. You need permission to post on that Page.
Sources
- Facebook Help (iPhone): Troubleshoot sharing a reel on Facebook (official, checked 2026-10-05)
- Facebook Help: Settings recommended when adding an edited video (official, checked 2026-10-05)
- Facebook Help: What video file formats can you upload (official, checked 2026-10-05)
- Meta Business Help: Requirements for Facebook Reels (official, checked 2026-10-06)
- Facebook Help: Unable to view or play reels on Facebook (official, checked 2026-10-06)
Reviewed 2026-10-06. Steps not attributed to a source are general video practice or computed above.