Facebook takes on Youtube and Netflix with launch of ‘Watch’ channel inside the social network
Billionaire wants to bring about an era where we endlessly chat about films and TV shows, rather than watching them properly
FACEBOOK has launched a new video platform which will see Mark Zuckerberg try to wrest people's attention away from YouTube, Netflix and traditional TV networks.
Anyone who uses the social network will soon have a "Watch" tab on their feeds, where they can find a range of shows from comedy or reality to live sport.
Facebook is already funding the creation of its own shows, with a focus on "community-orientated" programmes including an original series by TV host Mike Rowe called Returning the Favor, a worthy-sounding show where he goes around America rewarding people who help out in their local areas.
At this stage, Facebook's programming is unlikely to give rivals like Youtube and Netflix much to worry about.
It's not known what sort of budget Facebook has set aside for content, so the quality of its content is probably not going to match House of Cards or many of the other original Netflix shows - for now.
Watch will also show sport and has signed a deal to broadcast Major League Baseball.
Zuckerberg is no fan of people taking time out from tech and appears to want to bring about an era where we all chat endlessly about stuff we're watching, rather than actually sitting alone and giving good art the attention it deserves.
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."
Partners who produce original content for Facebook will take home 55 per cent of ad revenue.
Watch has launched to a test audience in the US and will roll out across the world, although it is not clear exactly when.
Facebook’s Director of product Daniel Danker said: “Watch is a platform for all creators and publishers to find an audience, build a community of passionate fans, and earn money for their work.”
Users will be able to create "watchlists", see what their friends are watching, 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".
The new feature will be rolled out in the US to begin with, before being extended around the world.
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Basically, Zuckerberg wants to make sure we spend all our time on his omnipresent social network, so Watch is likely to evolve into a platform which competes with traditional TV networks as well as online services such as Netflix and YouTube.
His firm also wants to read human thoughts at 100 words per minute and there are rumours the billionaire is planning to run for President.
Soon, there may be no escape from Big Zucker and his all powerful social network.
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