The social network Facebook has just launched Watch, a new service offering live or recorded videos, daily vlogs or even series, to compete with YouTube on its video service.
Facebook wants people to see the social network as a digital video platform comparable to YouTube, Netflix and Hulu. With Watch, the social network will offer original content from an interface accessible through a TV-shaped tab. Facebook explains its motives: ” On Facebook, videos are discovered by friends and bring communities together. People like the opportunity to discover videos in the News Feed, but they also want a dedicated place.
Facebook aspires to showcase original videos
Watch will be available within a mobile app, on its website and through its connected TV applications. The video service will be customizable so you can discover new videos or video series, categorized around what your friends and different communities on Facebook are watching. For example, you’ll find sections such as “Most Talked About”, which highlights content that generates discussion, and “What’s Making People Laugh”, which includes videos that get the most “Haha” votes. Finally, “What Friends Are Watching” will help you connect with your friends on the videos they regularly follow.
According to Facebook, user comments and reactions to a live video are as much a part of the experience as the video itself. When you watch a video, you’ll be able to view comments and connect with friends and other users while watching or participating in the video chat group.
Watch, the new video eldorado!
Watch is therefore a platform dedicated to all creators and publishers wishing to find an audience, build a community of passionate fans, and subsequently acquire a remuneration for their work. The social network believes that a wide variety of videos on Facebook can be successful if :
- Videos engage fans and the community,
- Live video connects directly with fans to communicate with them and answer their questions in real time,
- The videos follow a consistent narrative angle or theme,
- live video brings communities together
To keep users informed about the videos or events they follow, Facebook will offer a “Watchlist” tab. In fact, Watch will encompass a wide range of videos, from reality to comedy to live sporting events.
For now, Watch is only available to a limited group of people in the U.S. on desktop, smartphone and smart TV. Still in the early stages of launching Watch, Facebook is first testing it with a limited group of publishers and creators. The social network also funds some videos to help seed the ecosystem, gather feedback and inspire.
