In the opening paragraph, to quickly answer the question posed in the title – yes, Chromecast does support streaming content from Facebook Watch. Facebook Watch is Facebook’s platform for original video content, similar to YouTube or other streaming platforms. While Facebook Watch content cannot be directly cast from the Facebook mobile app, there are some workarounds to allow casting Watch videos to a Chromecast device.
Can I cast Facebook Watch videos to my Chromecast?
Directly casting content from the Facebook mobile app to a Chromecast is not currently supported. However, there are a couple of different ways to view Facebook Watch content on your TV using a Chromecast device:
- Use the Facebook Watch TV app – Facebook offers a Watch app for some smart TVs and streaming devices like Roku. If available for your device, you can browse and play Facebook Watch videos directly on your biggest screen.
- Cast from mobile browser – Open the Facebook Watch video in your phone or tablet’s web browser (Chrome or Firefox recommended), then tap the Cast button to send the video to your Chromecast.
- Use a third-party app – Some third-party apps like Web Video Caster allow you to enter a Facebook Watch video URL and cast the video to Chromecast. These apps act as an intermediary between your device and the Chromecast.
So in summary – while you can’t directly cast from the Facebook app, using the smart TV app, mobile browser casting, or third-party apps provide workable solutions for watching Facebook Watch on your TV with Chromecast.
How does casting from mobile browser work?
To cast Facebook Watch videos from your mobile browser to a Chromecast device:
- Open the Facebook Watch video in your mobile browser – this works best on Chrome or Firefox. The video should play directly in the browser.
- Tap the 3-dot menu icon in the top right and select “Desktop site” to view the desktop version of Facebook.
- Play the video, then tap the Cast button that will now be visible in the bottom right of the video player.
- Select your Chromecast device from the list when prompted.
- The video should begin playing directly on your TV or other Cast device.
Casting from mobile Chrome or Firefox essentially mirrors the desktop browser experience on your TV. This takes advantage of Chrome’s ability to Cast any browser tab. The desktop site enables the Cast button icon that is not present on the mobile interface.
Does screen mirroring from my phone work?
Screen mirroring apps that broadcast your entire phone display do provide another alternative for watching Facebook Watch on Chromecast. Options like Google Home or the Roku app allow mirroring your Android or iOS device to a compatible TV or streaming player.
The advantage of screen mirroring is it will work with any content on your phone, not just Facebook Watch. However, there are some disadvantages:
- Limited resolution – Screen mirroring maxes out at 720p HD quality.
- Performance issues – Mirroring can introduce lag or stuttering, especially for high-res video.
- Privacy concerns – Your entire screen is cast, not just the video app.
For the best experience, the mobile browser casting method is recommended over screen mirroring apps. But in a pinch, mirroring can get the job done.
What smart TVs have a Facebook Watch app?
Facebook has developed Facebook Watch apps for select smart TV platforms and streaming devices. Here are some of the major platforms that offer a dedicated Facebook Watch experience:
| Platform | Facebook Watch App? |
|---|---|
| Android TV/Google TV | Yes |
| Amazon Fire TV | Yes |
| Apple TV | No |
| LG webOS | Yes |
| Roku | Yes |
| Samsung Tizen | Yes |
| Vizio SmartCast | No |
The Facebook Watch TV app provides the easiest way to watch from your living room. You can browse videos, follow creators, and cast the app from your mobile device for quick access to Watch content on your TV.
What third-party apps allow casting Facebook Watch?
If your TV platform does not support the Facebook Watch app, your best Chromecast solution is likely a third-party casting app. Options like Web Video Caster, LocalCast, and Google Cast can cast Facebook Watch videos by entering the video URL.
Here are some of the top third-party web video casting apps to try:
| App | Platforms |
|---|---|
| Web Video Caster | Android, iOS |
| LocalCast | Android, iOS |
| Google Cast | Android, iOS |
| Videostream | Android |
To use these apps:
- Install the app on your Android or iOS device
- Open the Facebook Watch video in your mobile browser
- Copy the video URL from the address bar
- Paste the URL into the casting app and start casting to your Chromecast
The video should begin playing on your TV. These apps provide more Chromecast support than the Facebook app alone.
What about Facebook Live videos?
Facebook Live provides a way to live stream events, performances, discussions, and more to Facebook in real time. Like traditional Facebook Watch videos, there is no built-in option to Cast Facebook Live streams directly from the Facebook mobile apps.
However, the methods above can also work for Facebook Live videos:
- Cast from mobile web browser
- Use screen mirroring apps
- Use web video casting apps
The process is the same, except you will copy the URL of the live video stream instead of a recorded Watch video. This enables you to Cast the live Facebook content to your TV through Chromecast.
Can I cast Facebook Watch from my computer?
Casting Facebook Watch videos directly from your computer desktop browser to your Chromecast-connected TV is not supported. However, here are some options to consider:
- Use Chrome browser tab casting – You can cast any Chrome tab from desktop, but video performance may suffer.
- Set up Chrome Remote Desktop – View your computer on your TV screen by casting the remote desktop session.
- Use a third-party desktop streaming tool – Apps like Screencastify allow casting your computer screen to Chromecast.
While not as seamless as mobile casting, these desktop options turn your computer into a makeshift streaming source for Facebook Watch on Chromecast. But video playback performance is often better from a mobile device.
What are the best practices for casting Facebook Watch?
Here are some tips to get the best Chromecast streaming experience for Facebook Watch videos:
- Use the mobile Chrome or Firefox browser for casting – These browsers provide the smoothest Cast streaming and allow access to the desktop video player with Cast button.
- Connect your phone and Chromecast to the same WiFi network – Being on the same network improves playback stability and reduces buffering issues.
- Use an ethernet connection for Chromecast if possible – Wired internet provides faster and more reliable data transfer.
- Close other apps on your phone when casting – This prevents other processes from draining resources needed for casting.
- Upgrade to a newer Chromecast model if available – Newer generation Chromecasts have faster processors and stronger connectivity.
Following these best practices helps avoid technical issues when beaming Facebook Watch videos from your smartphone to the TV. While not completely seamless, the workarounds do provide feasible ways to enjoy Facebook content on the biggest screen in your home.
Conclusion
In summary, Chromecast currently does not offer native support for casting Facebook Watch content directly from the Facebook mobile apps. However, using the smart TV app where available, casting from mobile Chrome/Firefox, utilizing a third-party casting app, or even screen mirroring provide alternative solutions.
Each approach has trade-offs to consider, but overall, it is possible to access Facebook Watch video on your TV powered by Chromecast. As the platforms continue to evolve, hopefully native integration will be supported in the future.