Facebook wants to turn video watching into a group experience

Facebook Watch PartyFacebook has begun testing a video experience that enables members of groups to watch live or recorded videos together in the same place at the same time.

With Watch Party, group admins and moderators can select any public video to share with group members. These members can then comment and react in real-time with others in the group – bringing elements of Facebook Live into the ‘party’ feature.

“As we think about video on Facebook, were focused on creating experiences that bring people closer together and inspire human connection instead of passive consumption,” said Fidji Simo, VP of product at Facebook, in a post on the social network. “Thats something Facebook can do better than anyone else, and its something Facebook Live has done from the start. We are excited about what might be possible when we bring the best elements of Live that people love to more video experiences like Watch Parties.”

According to Facebook, the test – which has begun with a handful of groups – is starting with groups because 1bn people use Facebook’s groups every month to connect with others about their passions and hobbies. Facebook has plans to expand the feature out to other areas, if the test is successful.