Facebook Introduces “Watch” Video Platform

Facebook has unveiled a new platform for original video content, Watch.

Watch will be available on mobile devices, desktops and laptops, and in Facebook’s TV apps. The content is grouped into “shows,” which are made up of episodes—live or recorded—and follow a theme or storyline. Watch will feature a Watchlist so that the latest episodes are easy to find. The service is personalized to help discoverability of new shows, organized around what friends and communities are watching.

Facebook is positioning the platform as a place for “all creators and publishers to find an audience, build a community of passionate fans, and earn money for their work.” This includes shows that engage fans and community, live shows that connect directly with fans, shows that follow a narrative arc or have a consistent theme, and live events.

“We’ll be introducing Watch to a limited group of people in the U.S. and plan to bring the experience to more people soon,” Facebook said. “Similarly, we’ll be opening up shows to a limited group of creators and plan to roll out to all soon.”