Video has been a form of media Facebook have been vehemently pushing to their users. The social media giant has continuously made upgrades to its video viewing service through its app, enabled live streaming, switched video formats to HTML5 and so forth. Now, the company is preparing to move into the TV streaming space and is reportedly developing a new TV app for streaming boxes.
According to the Wall Street Journal, who first reported on the news, the new streaming service will prioritise video content, rather than acting as a separate portal to view your news feed. Facebook is also reportedly in talks with various media companies to license a variety of long-form, TV-style content such as scripted shows, sports events and entertainment.
By stepping into this zone, Facebook is placing itself against other streaming services, such as Netflix, Starz Play as well as traditional Cable TV. However, unlike Netflix or Starz Play, viewers should expect to see ads, in the form of traditional TV advertisements pop up. This is due to Facebook’s need for alternate revenue sources other than ads on the default app or website.
As a result, Facebook would have to curate a solid amount of video content to entice potential users and it may have to create its own unique video content to maintain a foothold with its in-development TV app.
