Facebook Watch is a video service by Facebook that allows users to watch videos posted by individuals, Pages, and other organizations. It was first introduced in 2017 and has since expanded to be available across Facebook’s platforms, including in the Facebook app for Android TV.
Facebook Watch aims to offer users a dedicated place to watch video content separate from their main News Feed. Videos are organized into “Shows” that users can follow and subscribe to. The service is ad-supported, with Facebook inserting short ads before and during videos.
On Android TV, Facebook Watch provides an easy way for users to watch videos from their favorite creators or publishers directly on their TV. It has a customized interface optimized for the larger screen.
What Devices is Facebook Watch for Android TV Available On?
Facebook Watch is available on Android TV devices including:
- Sony Bravia Android TVs (2016 models and later)
- NVIDIA SHIELD TV
- Xiaomi Mi Box
- Google Nexus Player
- Philips Android TVs
- Sharp Android TVs
- Other TVs and set-top boxes running Android TV 5.0+
Essentially, it is available on most Android TV OS devices from major brands released from 2016 onwards. As long as the device is running Android TV version 5.0 or higher, it should support installing and using the Facebook Watch app.
How to Get Facebook Watch on Android TV
There are two main ways to get the Facebook Watch app on your Android TV device:
Install via the Google Play Store
If your Android TV has access to the Google Play store, you can install Facebook Watch by:
- Navigating to the Play Store app on your Android TV.
- Searching for “Facebook Watch”.
- Selecting the “Facebook Watch” app published by Facebook.
- Clicking install.
This will download and install the latest version of the app directly onto your TV.
Sideload via APK
If your Android TV does not have access to the Play Store, you can manually install the Facebook Watch APK file:
- On your computer or phone, download the latest Facebook Watch APK file from a reputable source like APKMirror.
- Connect your Android TV and computer/phone via a USB cable or use a tool like ES File Explorer to transfer the APK file.
- Use a file manager app on your TV to find the APK file and install it.
- Select “Open” when prompted.
This will manually install the app so you can start using Facebook Watch. Just be sure to only download the APK from trusted sources.
How to Use Facebook Watch on Android TV
Once you have Facebook Watch installed on your Android TV, using it is straightforward:
- Open the Facebook Watch app from your TV’s app drawer.
- If prompted, log into your Facebook account.
- You will see a customized TV interface with sections like “Recommended”, “Following”, and more.
- Navigate sections using your remote.
- Select a video to start watching it immediately.
- Use pause, play, and seek controls just like a regular video app.
Key things to note:
- You can browse videos from Pages and creators you already follow on Facebook.
- Use “Recommended” to discover new videos and Shows based on your interests.
- Video will start playing automatically when selected with no need to click play.
- Subtitles are available on some videos.
Features of Facebook Watch for Android TV
Some of the key features available in the Facebook Watch app on Android TV include:
Optimized Browsing
The app offers a TV-optimized interface with large thumbnails and menus designed specifically for the bigger screen. This makes finding and choosing videos quick and intuitive with a remote.
Personalized Recommendations
The “Recommended” section suggests new shows and videos you may like based on your interests and the Pages you already follow. This helps users discover new content.
Follow Shows & Creators
You can browse videos from creators and Publishers you already follow on Facebook. You can also discover and follow new Shows right in the app.
Works Offline
Videos can be downloaded for offline viewing. This allows you to watch your favorite shows even without an internet connection.
Closed Captions
Many videos include subtitles and closed captions. This makes content more accessible for hearing impaired users.
Video Quality
Videos play in high-definition quality up to 1080p where available. This takes advantage of your TV’s full resolution.
Cast from Mobile
You can cast videos and Shows directly from the Facebook app on your phone to your TV.
Pros of Facebook Watch for Android TV
Some of the key benefits of the Facebook Watch app on Android TV include:
- Easy access to Facebook video content – Watch videos from Pages and creators you already follow without having to cast from your phone.
- Slick TV interface – The app is designed solely for the TV viewing experience. Menus and content are neatly organized.
- Personalized recommendations – Discover new videos and Shows based on your interests.
- HD quality – Videos play in crispy high-definition up to 1080p resolution.
- Works offline – Download videos to keep watching during internet outage.
- Closed captions – Many videos have subtitles available.
For Facebook users, having Watch directly on their TV in an easy-to-use application makes it simple to both watch the content they already enjoy on Facebook as well as discover new content tailored to them. The TV interface also makes the experience feel much more immersive and engaging.
Cons of Facebook Watch for Android TV
Some potential downsides to note include:
- Requires Facebook account – You need an existing Facebook account to use it.
- Limited content library – Content relies entirely on what’s been posted to Facebook so selection less broad than dedicated streaming platforms.
- Mostly short form video – Videos tend to be short clips rather than full length movies or shows.
- Interruptive ads – Frequent ads can disrupt the viewing experience.
- No 4K support – Video maxes out at 1080p, no 4K streaming.
The need for a Facebook account and the smaller content library means it cannot fully replace services like Netflix or Hulu. The focus on short clips and ads also interrupt long form watching. Lack of 4K means it does not take full advantage of latest TV display technology.
Conclusion
Facebook Watch for Android TV provides a convenient way for Facebook users to watch video content from their favorite creators and publishers directly on their television.
The app offers an interface optimized for TV along with useful features like personalized recommendations, offline viewing, and closed captions.
While the content is more limited compared to subscription services and ads can be disruptive, it remains a free option that neatly brings Facebook video content to the TV screen. For those already active on Facebook, it can be a great supplemental app for casual viewing.
FAQs
Does Facebook Watch on Android TV cost money?
No, Facebook Watch is free to use. However, you need an existing Facebook account to log in and access content.
What kind of videos are available on Facebook Watch?
You can find all kinds of videos posted to Facebook including vlogs, comedy sketches, news clips, viral videos, and more. Video come from both individual creators as well as media publishers.
Can I watch Facebook Watch videos offline?
Yes, videos can be downloaded within the app for offline viewing when internet connectivity is limited.
Does Facebook Watch have ads?
Yes, Facebook inserts short ads before and during videos to monetize the content. These ads help fund the videos creators make.
Can I cast Facebook Watch videos to my Android TV?
Yes, you can cast videos and Shows from the Facebook app on your mobile device directly to an Android TV. This allows you to queue up videos from your phone.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy access to Facebook videos | Requires Facebook account |
| TV optimized interface | Limited content library |
| Personalized recommendations | Mostly short form videos |
| HD video quality | Frequent ad interruptions |
| Offline viewing | No 4K support |
| Closed captions |