Facebook is expanding the potential of its social media platform by introducing Watch, a video app that contains a variety of live and recorded episodes for Facebook users to view. The app also has Watchlist, which helps users keep their tabs on the latest episode of their favorite shows, or suggested shows based on what they like.
https://www.facebook.com/facebook/videos/10156285678786729/
But before you would say that Watch will threaten NetFlix and YouTube in delivering original video content, here’s the thing: In an article by TechCrunch, shows from Watch will be produced by Facebook’s partners, with a 45/55 revenue share, with Facebook keeping 45% of the revenue.
Another reason YouTube and NetFlix should not worry about Watch for now? Its initial list of partners are not A-list caliber: these include Nas Daily, a live game of Major League Baseball once a week, a NASA science show, and a live National Geographic safari program. It seems that Facebook is playing it safe, but they might be doing this as part of their content strategy. To compete against Snapchat video content? To push publishers to join their walled garden, just like with their Instant Articles? This we have to see.
What do you think about Facebook’s newest product? Share to us your sentiments in the comments section below!
