Apple TV+ makes Facebook Watch look like a joke

Apple flexed its wallet today in a way Facebook has scared to do. Tech giants make money by the billions, not the millions, which should give them an easy way to break into premium video distribution: buy some must-see content. That’s the strategy I’ve been advocating for Facebook but that Apple actually took to heart. […]

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Facebook Watch failed to take off in 2018, but some of its creators have found success

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You’ve almost certainly come across Jay Shetty’s inspirational videos on Facebook. 

The former monk has grown from around 2 million followers at the beginning of the year to more than 20 million followers just 12 months later. 

“My highest viewed video this year was 360 million views on one video,” said the Facebook video creator when we spoke on the phone in December. “I have about 10 to 15 videos, over 100 million views each.” 

When it comes to revenue via Facebook, Shetty’s stats are equally as impressive. 

“I’ve been monetizing now for the last 5 to 6 months. And it’s been incredible for me,” Shetty explained. “To give you a few overalls, for me, I’ve been doing more than 6 figures per month, more than 7 figures over about 6 months. It’s been been really, really powerful for me.” Read more…

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View More Facebook Watch failed to take off in 2018, but some of its creators have found success

Facebook is secretly building LOL, a cringey teen meme hub

How do you do, fellow kids? After Facebook Watch, Lasso, and IGTV failed to become hits with teens, the company has been quietly developing another youthful video product. Multiple sources confirm that Facebook has spent months building LOL, a special feed of funny videos and GIF-like clips. It’s divided into categories like “For You”, “Animals”, […]

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Facebook Watch is finally growing as payouts get spread thin

Both Facebook Watch and Instagram’s IGTV have yet to become superstar video platforms, leaving Facebook at risk as more people seek streaming entertainment instead of status updates. So today Facebook is trying to build some buzz for Watch with new stats and rollouts. The free video hub that combines original content, sports, and cult favorite […]

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Facebook adds free TV shows Buffy, Angel, Firefly to redefine Watch

Facebook hasn’t had a hit show yet for its long-form video hub Watch, so it’s got a new plan: digging up some deceased cult favorites from television. First up, Facebook is making all episodes of Joss Whedon’s Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Angel, and Firefly free on Facebook Watch. There’ll be simultaneous viewing Watch Parties where […]

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Facebook launches Watch Party for all, tests Live PiP commentating

Facebook Watch has failed to capture viewers with its content, so it’s hoping to differentiate through the company’s core strength: social. Today Facebook fully launches Watch Party, its co-viewing feature where users can see and comment on the same video at the same time, to all profiles and Pages around the world. Watch Party had […]

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Why IGTV should go premium

It’s been four months since Facebook launched IGTV, with the goal of creating a destination for longer-form Instagram videos. Is it shaping up to be a high-profile flop, or could this be the company’s next multi-billion dollar business? IGTV, which features videos up to 60 minutes versus Instagram’s normal 60-second limit, hasn’t made much of […]

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MTV’s Real World will be revived with interactivity on Facebook Watch

The world’s first hit reality show “The Real World” is being reimagined for Facebook Watch 26 years after it debuted on cable. Come Spring 2019, fans will get a chance to vote on who’ll join as the final cast member and connect with the housemates through Facebook Watch Party’s synchronized viewing chat rooms as they […]

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Facebook reboots ‘The Real World’ to draw people to its video platform

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MTV’s The Real World is set to make a comeback — on Facebook.

The social network is teaming up with MTV to launch a reboot of the famed reality show for its video platform, Facebook Watch.

Facebook is likely hoping that rebooting the longtime MTV favorite, which originally debuted in 1995, will draw new viewers to its Watch platform. Watch, which launched globally at the end of August, has had buy-in from a number of publishers (including Mashable) but hasn’t yet produced big hits

But having a popular long-running series make its comeback on Watch could help move the needle back in Facebook’s favor.  Read more…

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Snapchat becomes the mobile HBO with 12 daily scripted Original shows

Snapchat needs reasons for teens to come back every day as it struggles to grow amidst competition from Instagram, so it’s capitalizing on its Los Angeles roots. Today Snapchat unveiled its fall slate of a dozen “Original” video shows including its first scripted programs from top producers like Keeping Up With The Kardashians creator Bunim/Murray and […]

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Facebook continues to go after YouTube with new video ad options

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It’s increasingly clear that Facebook is viewing YouTube as a major competitor.

In a blog post today, Facebook once again demonstrated its focus on video, with an announcement concerning the rollout of more video ad options. It’s a response to advertiser demand for even more control over where video advertisements are shown, the company said. These new options borrow heavily from some of YouTube’s very own video advertising models.

The first new video ad option coming from Facebook is called In-Stream Reserve, which will “allow advertisers to reach people watching video from a selection of the most engaging, highest quality publishers and creators.” Basically, Facebook is allowing advanced ad space buyouts from only its best performing video makers. The audiences for these video ads are U.S.-based and are verified by Nielsen.  Read more…

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View More Facebook continues to go after YouTube with new video ad options