Facebook launches new personalised video platform

Facebook has introduced a new video section called Watch, which will allow users to discover content from outside their feed, create watchlists and follow their favourite artists and brands.

The personalised platform – which pits Facebook against YouTube and TV networks – enables users to watch shows organised around what their friends are watching through sections such as “Most Talked About”, “What’s Making People Laugh” and “What Friends Are Watching”.

Users will also have the opportunity to join dedicated Facebook groups for particular shows, seeing other people’s comments and connecting with friends and viewers whilst watching.

“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,” said Daniel Danker, US director of product, Facebook.

“Watching video on Facebook has the incredible power to connect people, spark conversation, and foster community. 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.”

Facebook hopes its new platform will give users more reason to spend extra time on the social network, enabling it to show more ads and increase its already eye-watering revenues.

The platform launches in the US this week.