In case you haven’t heard already, Facebook launched Watch, its video service, to U.S. users today in a move to take on YouTube for advertising revenue.
As advertisers shift more dollars away from traditional channels to digital, digital video is seeing the most growth. Americans are spending over 73 minutes per day watching digital video, up more than 7 percent from last year, according to e-marketer data. In contrast, TV watching has dropped 2 percent from last year to 244 minutes a day, a trend that is expected to continue.
Facebook is reportedly paying content creators an handsome amount ranging from US$10,000 to US$250,000, told by Reuters in May.
Companies like Buzzfeed, Discovery, Vox, Walt Disney and sports like Major League Baseball was seen as a test earlier this month.
You will be able to watch your favorite shows with your friends on Facebook, see what they are watching and liking at the moment, follow channels like a page and much more.
55% ad revenue will also be shared with content creators as advertising will also kick in like YouTube right now.
It will interesting to see how YouTube and Facebook will complete at this new rivalry in upcoming months. YouTube have already changed its look and feel few days back and the new look feel flat and more white space is added.
Checkout the video below to see Facebook Watch button placement on your mobile phone. This video is made by Facebook as a promotional ad to see their new button.
Right now this service is ready to use in the US. Hopefully more countries will be added soon. For people who are looking to start a video channel can now rejoice as Facebook will make it easier to reach your already added friends and hence giving your brand more exposure.
Right now digital video space is highly inclined towards YouTube and people are watching videos on YouTube everyday.
What’s your say on Facebook’s new feature? Will be break down the popularity of YouTube? Will Facebook survive with their new functionality. Looking forward to your valuable comments on the same.