Late last week, Facebook made a big a move to further disrupt the online video space with the introduction of its new video platform, Facebook Watch. This new online streaming hub marks Facebook’s entry into the high-end video scene and will feature long-form original programming, financed by Facebook, alongside video content from everyday creators. If successful, Facebook Watch has the potential to pose a major threat to other online video giants like YouTube, and Twitter by stealing valuable advertising dollars and top creators. As Facebook Watch continues to roll out, catch up on the details about this new video platform and how you can get your content featured on it.
What is Facebook Watch?
Facebook Watch was designed to connect content creators with their audiences while simultaneously boosting ad revenue from top brands. Although Facebook’s video consumption has exploded over the past two years, the only way users could view videos was through their native News Feed, which has been oversaturated with advertisements. In an effort to clear the clutter from the New Feed while continuing to generate new revenue from advertisements, Facebook Watch will replace the “Videos” tab and will offer higher quality content with premium mid-roll advertisements.
How it Works
In order to improve its user experience and attract even more viewers to its video content, the new “Watch” tab will offer an extremely personalized experience for each user that will look very similar to Netflix. Facebook Watch will be divided into two different sections: “discover”, which suggests new videos for users to watch, and the “watchlist”, which users can collect videos to watch at a later time. The videos themselves are broken down into different categories based on users’ likes, what is trending, and what their friends are watching. The watchlist feature ensures that users never miss their favorite shows by encouraging them to follow a specific show or creator. Whenever a creator releases new video content, it will automatically appear within the user’s watchlist.
Facebook will also be playing up the social aspect of the Watch tab as its major competitive advantage of this new video platform. As Daniel Danker, leader of product management for video, states, “You discover videos through your friends. You often find yourself discussing videos with friends. Video has this amazing power to bring people together and build community.” Taken from the success of Facebook Live, comments and reactions will be as big a part of the watching experience as the actual video. Every show will have a comment section and there will even be associated Facebook groups where fans can comment and connect with other viewers as they watch the show.
How You Can Get Involved
The shows featured will be live or recorded and will follow an episodic structure, that will “air” at the same time every week while having a basic storyline, similar to those on traditional television. Facebook Watch will feature premium programming from major networks like A&E Networks, Hearst, National Basketball Association, Business Insider, Mashable, National Geographic, Brit & Co. and other outlets. The social media giant has also struck a deal with the MLB and will showcase one live baseball game a week.
In addition to premium programming, Facebook is also looking to back individual creators, to generate original content exclusively for the Watch platform. Initially, creators will be able to monetize their content with mid-roll ads, however, Facebook may be looking to pay creators upfront if the platform is successful. If you are interested in getting your show on the Watch platform, you can apply here.
Facebook Watch will be available on both desktop and mobile devices but is currently only available to a select number of users. As this new video platform continues to expand, make sure you let us know what you think, by connecting with us on social media!