Facebook introduces video viewing platform

Watch, a rival to YouTube, will be available on mobile, desktop, laptop and in Facebook’s TV apps. 

Programmes available on Watch will be made up of live and recorded episodes and will follow a theme or storyline. The platform is personalised, allowing users to discover new programmes based on what friends and communities are watching.

It also offers the opportunity to discover videos from outside Facebook feeds more easily, and will also offer some original content. 

"Watching video on Facebook has the incredible power to connect people, spark conversation, and foster community," said Daniel Danker, Facebook’s director of product, in a post on the company’s blog.

"On Facebook, videos are discovered through friends and bring communities together. As more and more people enjoy this experience, we’ve learned that people like the serendipity of discovering videos in News Feed, but they also want a dedicated place they can go to watch videos." 

Watch is currently being introduced to a limited group of people in the US.