Facebook to introduce new video programming

Facebook plans to launch two dozen “TV-like” video programs in mid-June, Business Insider reports. The social network is reportedly planning programs in two tiers – longer, bigger budget shows, and less expensive shows of five to ten minutes that will be released daily.

You’ve probably noticed that Facebook has become more video-driven, from short cooking videos to your friends going live at concerts or political rallies. Facebook has delivered these videos to your screen, but it doesn’t own or control the content. That will change with its own programming.

As the video marketplace grows increasingly crowded, all video providers – from traditional TV-package providers to streaming services like Netflix and Hulu to, now, social media companies – are looking to provide unique programming that will draw the most viewers. More viewers means more advertising dollars. This model complements Facebook’s current business model: more users means more data means more advertising dollars.

This is the latest example of Facebook looking for ways to expand its customer reach beyond social media users. Last month, the tech giant announced that it’s testing high-speed wireless Internet service in San Jose, CA. Details of the technology are scarce, but the announcement shows that a provider of digital content is interested in building the network that carries its content.

Links:

Facebook wants to unveil its big attack on TV next month — here's what we know (Business Insider, May 5, 2017)

Facebook testing wireless Internet service in California (Speed Matters, Apr. 21, 2017)