Facebook opens up its Watch video service to all US users
- Friday, September 1st, 2017
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Facebook has begun rolling out its video section for original programming to users in the US, after introducing the feature to a limited number of people in early August.
Watch is available on mobile, desktop and TV, offering users a range of original content from the likes of BuzzFeed, ATTN, Vox, Disney’s ABC, A&E Networks, as well as live sport from Major League Baseball (MLB).
“Watching video on Facebook has the incredible power to connect people, spark conversation, and foster community,” said Daniel Danker, director of product at Facebook. “On Facebook, videos are discovered through friends and bring communities together. As more and more people enjoy this experience, we’ve learned that people like the serendipity of discovering videos in News Feed, but they also want a dedicated place they can go to watch videos.”
Under deals signed back in May, Facebook is paying up to $250,000 for 20 to 30-minute scripted shows, and between $10,000 and $35,000 for shorter scripted and unscripted five to 10-minute shows from the media companies involved on Watch.
The Watch tab hangs around under the News Feed and Messenger buttons on Facebook’s navigation menu, while sitting underneath the Search bar and next to the News Feed button on mobile. It’s also available within Facebook’s TV apps.
Although currently only available in the US, Facebook has plans to roll Watch around the globe, as it seeks to mount a significant challenge YouTube.