Facebook Watch is a video service by Facebook focused on original and curated shows. It was launched in 2017 as a platform for video content separate from the regular Facebook News Feed. The Facebook Watch app provides a dedicated place to watch videos in a TV-like viewing experience.
Some key things to know about the Facebook Watch app:
Availability
The Facebook Watch app is available on various platforms:
– Smart TVs – The app can be downloaded on Samsung Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV devices, and Apple TV. This allows watching Facebook Watch videos directly on the big screen.
– Mobile – The Facebook Watch app can be downloaded from Google Play Store and Apple App Store. This provides access to Watch content on Android and iOS mobile devices.
– Web – Watch videos can also be viewed directly on facebook.com in the browser. There is a dedicated Watch section in the left sidebar menu.
So the Facebook Watch experience is available across TVs, mobiles, and web. The app provides a unified video viewing experience across these platforms.
Content
Facebook Watch features the following types of video content:
– Original episodic shows – Professionally produced exclusive shows across genres like comedy, drama, reality, and documentaries. Popular originals include Humans of New York, Red Table Talk, and Huda Boss.
– Adapted shows – Official adaptations of popular viral content from Facebook creators and publishers. For example, The Real World by MTV and Chicken Girls by Brat.
– Live shows – Live streaming programs produced specifically for Facebook Watch like Facebook Gaming streams.
– Popular videos – Curated playlists and trending videos based on existing videos shared across Facebook.
So the content mix includes Facebook-funded originals as well as existing viral videos from creators and publishers. The focus is on episodic shows rather than short viral clips.
Features
The Facebook Watch app provides the following features:
– Watchlist – Ability to bookmark videos and follow shows to keep track of new episodes. The watchlist works across devices.
– Personalized recommendations – Video suggestions based on your interests and favorites.
– Previews – Video trailers auto-play when browsing shows to preview content.
– Comments and reactions – Engage with videos by liking, commenting and sharing while watching.
– Full screen – Immersive full screen viewing mode minimizes distractions.
– Controls – Ability to pause, play, rewind or skip ahead when watching videos.
So the app aims to provide a complete video entertainment experience customized for each viewer.
How to Use the Facebook Watch App
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to start using the Facebook Watch app:
On Smart TVs
1. Install the Facebook Watch app if not already available by searching on your TV’s app store.
2. Open the app after installation.
3. Log in with your Facebook account credentials.
4. Use the navigation menu to browse sections like Trending, Discover, Gaming and saved Watchlist.
5. Select a video thumbnail to start watching.
6. Like, comment on videos and follow shows to add to Watchlist.
On Mobile
1. Download and install the Facebook Watch app on your Android or iOS device if you don’t have it already.
2. Open the app and log in with your Facebook account.
3. Tap on the Browse tab at bottom to view different sections.
4. Tap any video to play it in full screen.
5. To follow a show, tap the Follow button below the video.
6. Your followed shows will be available in Watchlist tab for quick access.
On Web
1. Go to www.facebook.com and log in to your account.
2. Click Watch in the left sidebar menu.
3. Browse different sections like Gaming, News, Music, Learning and Shows.
4. Hover over a video thumbnail and click Play icon to view it.
5. Click Follow below a show to add it to your Watchlist.
6. Your Watchlist is available in the left sidebar for easy access.
So the standard Facebook tools for liking, commenting, sharing and following work similarly on Watch across all platforms. The app provides a seamless way to watch Facebook videos on TV and mobile in a dedicated environment.
Pros and Cons of Facebook Watch
Here are some key advantages and disadvantages of the Facebook Watch app:
Pros
- Personalized recommendations based on your interests and likes
- Follow favorite shows to get notified of new episodes
- Available across mobiles, web and TV platforms
- Quality original episodic content not available elsewhere
- Same Facebook features to share and interact with friends
Cons
- Separate app interface can be confusing for some users
- Original shows may not appeal to all audiences
- Less content compared to YouTube or Netflix libraries
- Need a Facebook account to access content
- Limited controls for speed, captions, quality compared to other video apps
So the biggest pros of Facebook Watch are the personalized approach, quality originals, and multi-platform availability. But the content is still limited compared to other services and users may find the separate interface disjointed.
Top Videos and Shows
Here is a table of some of the current popular videos and original shows on Facebook Watch across genres:
| Genre | Popular Videos & Shows |
|---|---|
| Comedy | The Real World, BuzzFeed Unsolved, LOL Network videos |
| Reality | 90 Day Fiance Party, Couples Therapy, JoJo’s Juice |
| News & Politics | Anderson Cooper Full Circle, Red Table Talk, Today Show |
| Gaming | StoneMountain64, CORPSE, Disguised Toast |
| Sports | The Rush with Omar Raja, SteveWillDoIt Clips, The Undisputed |
This gives a sample of the diversity of content available. Facebook is licensing established shows while also funding new originals across formats.
How Facebook Watch Makes Money
Facebook Watch earns money through the following ways:
Advertising Revenue
– Pre-roll ads – Video ads play before Watch content starts.
– Mid-roll ads – Ads inserted in the middle of longer videos.
– Display ads – Banner and display ads surrounding the video player.
– Branded content – Sponsored shows or elements integrated within original programs.
Creator Monetization
– Ad revenue share – Creators earn a 55% share of ad breaks inserted in their videos.
– Paid online stars – Facebook pays creators for exclusive shows and content.
– Fan support – Viewers pay creators via Stars or monthly subscriptions.
Licensing Fees
– Media companies earn fees for existing content licensed to Facebook Watch.
– Syndication deals – Licensing popular shows from other streaming platforms.
So Facebook monetizes Watch video content through advertising, creator monetization programs, and licensing deals similar to other services. Original shows represent owned content that drives greater monetization.
Conclusion
The Facebook Watch app aims to bring social video viewing to the TV and mobile in a unified experience. It features original episodic shows along with curated trending videos personalized for each viewer. The ability to follow creators and shows makes it easy to keep up with latest content.
Watch still has room to grow its content library to compete seriously with Netflix or YouTube. But Facebook is leveraging user data and social graph to recommend relevant videos. For creators and publishers, Watch provides expanded reach and monetization opportunities.
The app is still finding product-market fit as an entertainment destination. But the built-in Facebook social layer gives it a unique angle. Facebook will likely continue investing in premium original content and creator relationships to drive more engagement on Watch.