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Facebook recently announced that its Watch tab now attracts 1.25 billion users per month.
Image: Facebook via AFP Relaxnews.
They say that “all things come to those who wait,” and this adage takes on a particular meaning when it comes to Facebook Watch.
The social network’s dedicated video tab, launched in late 2017, has now attracted 1.25 billion users per month. It is a figure that could soon be comparable to the statistics of YouTube, which for now remains the undisputed leader in the world of video streaming services with more than two billion users per month.
After a shaky start, Facebook Watch stepped up partnerships to deliver innovative original content, news videos, sports entertainment, and creator and celebrity content to Facebook’s 2.47 billion subscribers.
Although less than half of the social network’s users watch videos with Watch, the platform saw its popularity rise during the lockdown.
Content related to religion and fitness was particularly sought after during the COVID-19 crisis and so were game videos. According to Variety, the number of hours viewed for videos in this category increased by a remarkable 75% between the first and second quarters of 2020.
Despite these encouraging numbers, Facebook Watch is still far behind YouTube, which remains the most popular online video streaming service with more than two billion users per month.
A burgeoning music video market
In view of this situation, Facebook has decided to mount a direct challenge to its rival by hosting music videos in its View tab.
As is, this feature is only available to users in the United States, Thailand, and India.
However, American star Katy Perry chose Facebook for the first release of the new video for her single “Smile.”
At the same time, Facebook Watch has also been equipped with a music recommendation system that gradually adapts over time to take into account the personal tastes of users.
“Over time, the experience will become more personalized to your tastes based on the artists you follow and the videos you interact with. The Music on Facebook Watch destination will be available on iOS and Android desktop computers and mobile devices, ”Facebook announced in a press release.
The race for original content
Not content to take on YouTube’s leading music video category, the social network also endorses a variety of original content designed to compete with shows on Google’s video platform.
Includes the new season of “Steve on Watch” with American comedian and host Steve Harvey, “Red Table Talk: The Estefans” by Jada Pinkett Smith and the documentary series “The Biebers on Watch” with Justin and Hailey Bieber, which is notably similar to the YouTube web series “Seasons”.
It remains to be seen whether “The Biebers” will attract as many viewers as its YouTube rival, whose first episode was viewed 32.5 million times in the week following its release. DC
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