Facebook Watch was a video service offered by Facebook that allowed users to view shows, live videos, and other content directly within the Facebook app. It was launched in 2017 as a way for Facebook to compete with YouTube and other video platforms by offering original programming alongside user-generated content.
However, in early 2022, Facebook Watch was discontinued and removed from Fire TV devices and the Firestick. This means Firestick users can no longer access or view Facebook Watch content directly on their Firestick through the Facebook app.
When and Why Was Facebook Watch Discontinued?
Facebook announced in September 2021 that Facebook Watch would no longer be supported on Fire TV and Firestick devices starting on March 3, 2022.
The reason given for this change was that Facebook wanted to focus its video efforts on its main Facebook app rather than maintaining a separate video destination. Essentially, Facebook Watch was not gaining enough viewership and engagement to justify the resources required to maintain it as a standalone video service.
Discontinuing Facebook Watch simplified Facebook’s video strategy and features to focus on Videos in Watch, Facebook Live, and Video in News Feed. Videos that were previously exclusive to Facebook Watch would now be available directly in the main Facebook app.
How Does This Affect Firestick Users?
With Facebook Watch no longer supported on Firestick as of March 2022, Firestick users can no longer:
– Access the Facebook Watch section or feed on their Firestick Facebook app. This section has been completely removed.
– Browse or search for Facebook Watch original shows and content on Firestick.
– Watch Facebook Watch exclusive shows that were not available anywhere else. Many of these shows are now unavailable with the discontinuation of Watch.
– View Facebook Watch Live content, premieres or shows on demand on Firestick.
Essentially, the discontinuation of Facebook Watch means a loss of access to exclusive video content for Firestick users. They can no longer use their Firestick to view any video content specific to Facebook Watch.
What Facebook Video Content is Still Available on Firestick?
While Facebook Watch is gone, Firestick users can still view other Facebook video content:
– Videos shared by friends, pages and groups in News Feed.
– Popular viral videos on Facebook.
– Live videos from friends, pages, or groups.
– Video ads within the Facebook app.
So standard Facebook video content that appears in the main app is still viewable on Firestick. It’s just the unique Shows, Live content and original programming from Facebook Watch that’s no longer accessible.
Alternatives for Watching Facebook Watch Content
If you still want to view Facebook Watch shows and content that’s no longer on Firestick, you have a couple options:
– Watch Facebook Watch content on your mobile device through the Facebook app for iOS or Android. Watch is still fully available there.
– Use Facebook Watch on your desktop or laptop browser at www.facebook.com. Access Watch shows and live videos there.
– View Facebook Watch content on other TV streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV or smart TVs if the app still supports it. Support varies by device.
– Some original Facebook Watch content may be available on the creators’ own Facebook Pages or YouTube channels. Search for clips or full episodes there.
So while you’ve lost easy access on Firestick, you can shift to mobile and web to continue viewing Facebook Watch shows you follow.
Will Facebook Watch Ever Come Back to Firestick?
At this time, it seems unlikely that Facebook will resurrect Facebook Watch for Firestick and Fire TV.
Discontinuing Watch simplifies Facebook’s video strategy to focus on its core app experience. Maintaining a separate video destination was likely too cumbersome with unclear reward or viewer benefit.
Facebook seems committed to enhancing video within its main app, based on CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s comments about focusing on “Short-form video” rather than a dedicated Watch experience.
So Facebook Watch returning to Firestick in its previous dedicated form is improbable. Firestick users will have to rely on the core Facebook app for video going forward.
Workarounds for Firestick Users
Here are some tips and workarounds if you want to keep enjoying video content on your Firestick without Facebook Watch:
– Use the YouTube app to watch content from creators you previously watched on Facebook Watch. Many creators distribute videos across platforms.
– Check if your favorite Facebook Watch shows are available on other services like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video or Peacock. Some content may have migrated there.
– Consider using a VPN service on your Firestick to access geographically restricted content from other streaming platforms.
– Screen mirror Facebook Watch from your mobile device to your Firestick using cable/wireless options like Chromecast or Miracast.
– Use the Silk or Firefox browsers on Firestick to directly watch Facebook videos on the web from your TV.
Will This Change Impact Other Devices Too?
It’s likely the demise of Facebook Watch could eventually impact other streaming devices too. However, as of now, it remains available on:
– Roku devices and Roku TV models.
– Apple TV.
– Some smart TV platforms like Samsung and LG TVs.
But Facebook could choose to discontinue support more broadly, so access may be limited on those platforms going forward as well. Users on other devices beyond Firestick should be prepared for potential changes.
Conclusion
The shutdown of Facebook Watch on Firestick devices reflects Facebook’s shift away from a dedicated video destination to focusing solely on its core app experience for both mobile and TV apps.
While inconvenient for Firestick users who enjoyed that exclusive content, there are still workarounds to access video on Facebook through mobile devices or web browsers. And standard Facebook videos remain available within the main Firestick app itself.
But the unique original programming and live content from Facebook Watch is now largely inaccessible for Firestick users given its discontinuation. The days of browsing shows and personalized Watch feeds on Fire TV platforms have come to an end as Facebook simplifies its video strategy.