Credit: https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/25/17611888/facebook-watch-party-launch-stream-videos-together-group
Facebook has given birth to a new feature in renewed drive to make watching videos on its platform more exciting and fun-filled. ‘Watch Party’ will let you and your friends watch videos together at the same time. Your friend’s streams will be synchronized so it will be possible for them to post comments and reactions while you as the host add videos to the watch queue and control playback.
According to The Verge, multiple users can play host to the Watch Party, which of course is an avenue to choose videos to add. Meters can suggest videos, though, they are not allowed to play them.
It is a nice move from Facebook considering the fact that rival companies like Spotify and Netflix are yet to add such feature to their offering to users. It, however, remains to be seen if people would want to come together on Facebook to watch videos.
The social media behemoth launched “Watch” last August with programs exclusively produced for the platform by partners who are expected to earn 55 percent of ad revenue while Facebook takes the remaining 45 percent.
Shows and programs from the new platform will start rolling out to a small set of people in the US from tomorrow on mobile, desktop and Facebook’s TV apps.
Per revenue, Watch presents Facebook a huge opportunity to generate and improve the company’s revenue base. 45 percent off total revenue generated from ads will be kept by Facebook, especially since it will be hosting original programs.
Watch has been personalized to help everyone discover the latest shows. Pioneering sections include “Most Talked About,” which highlights shows that spark conversation, “What’s Making People Laugh,” which includes shows where many people have used the “Haha” reaction, and “What Friends Are Watching,” which helps you connect with friends about shows they too are following.
Among programs and shows that made their debut on Watch when it was first launched include:
- Daily episodes of Nas Daily where viewers will be able to watch videos made by Nas.
- Gabby Bernstein, a New York Times bestselling author, motivational speaker, and life coach, uses a combination of recorded and live episodes to connect with her fans and answer questions in real time.
- Tastemade’s Kitchen Little, a funny show about kids who watch a how-to video of a recipe, then instruct professional chefs on how to make it. Each episode features a new child, a new chef, and a new recipe.
- Major League Baseball—Facebook will broadcast a game a week, enabling people to watch live baseball while connecting with friends and fellow fans on the platform.
- The Dodo’s “Comeback Kids: Animal Edition” that will feature determined animals facing difficult conditions or challenges meet people who refuse to give up on them.
- National Geographic’s “We’re Wired that Way:” – Mini-documentaries about weird quirks of humanity like songs you can’t get out of your head.
