After Facebook
Facebook has partnered with media giants such as National Geographic and Time Inc. as well as pioneers in their respective fields like NASA and the NBA to produce original video content which includes original shows based on categories like "Most Talked About," "What's Making People Laugh" and "Shows Your Friends Are Watching." Watch would also entail recommendations for an eclectic mix of shows, while also including a 'watchlist', which basically allows you to track your favorite shows by providing a series of updates. Producers and viewers alike can share content on their news feeds to increase visibility. Moreover, people can scope out other fans through a link that connects shows to different groups created to gush about those very shows. It's all part of a large, interconnected network.
A small group of American users will get to experience the feature gradually as a target audience on different devices.
The biggest advantage for Facebook is the prospect for ad revenue. Facebook has attempted to increase its ad revenues through various methods: now it has found the perfect solution. Facebook's partners will glean 55% of the ad revenue, a hefty price that indicates Facebook expects Watch to be a big success; it's willing to accept less than half of the spoils.
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg wrote;
We believe it's possible to rethink a lot of experiences through the lens of building community - including watching video. Watching a show doesn't have to be passive . . . You'll be able to chat and connect with people during an episode, and join groups with people who like the same shows afterwards to build community.
Considering that Facebook users spend about 50 minutes a day on Facebook, Watch has the strength to garner a video-watching culture akin or even more than that of Netflix
This is the first time Facebook is stepping into the original content zone, this is accompanied by a host of risks principally, including Facebook losing a lot of money very quickly.
