Facebook to introduce new video platform to rival Netflix and YouTube

CALIFORNIA: Facebook Inc said on Wednesday that it plans to redesign how people watch videos on the world’s largest social network and it announced plans for a slate of new exclusive shows covering subjects such as sports, travel and cooking.

Facebook said it would call the video platform “Watch” and would make it available initially to people in the United States using the network’s mobile app, website and television apps.

Facebook’s upcoming new feature will face competition from traditional TV networks, as well as online services such as Netflix and YouTube.

Users will also be able to create “watchlists”, see what their friends are viewing, and communicate with other people interested in the same videos.

There will be sections such as “Most Talked About”, which highlights shows that spark conversation, and “What’s Making People Laugh”.

Some of the shows will be funded by the social network, particularly if they are “community-orientated”.

In a post on his own Facebook page, founder and chief executive Mark Zuckerberg said: “Watching a show doesn’t have to be passive. It can be a chance to share an experience and bring people together who care about the same things.

“That’s why today we’re launching the Watch tab in Facebook – a place where you can discover shows your friends are watching and follow your favourite shows and creators so you don’t miss any episodes.

“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.”

The new feature will be rolled out in the US to begin with, before being extended.