Facebook to take on YouTube, launches video platform for shows 'Watch'

Watch will be available on mobile, on desktop and laptop and in Facebook’s TV apps.
Facebook to take on YouTube, launches video platform for shows 'Watch'
Facebook to take on YouTube, launches video platform for shows 'Watch'
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In an apparent bid to take on Google-owned YouTube, Facebook has rolled out 'Watch' - a redesigned video platform for creators and publishers.

The social media giant last year launched 'Video' tab in the US which offered a predictable place to find videos on Facebook.

"Now we want to make it even easier to catch up with shows you love. We're introducing 'Watch', a new platform for shows on Facebook. 'Watch' will be available on mobile, on desktop and laptop and in our TV apps," Daniel Danker, Director of Product at Facebook wrote in a blog post on Wednesday. 

Shows are made up of episodes -- live or recorded -- and follow a theme or storyline.

"To help you keep up with the shows you follow, Watch has a 'Watchlist' so you never miss out on the latest episodes," she added.

The shows available include "Nas Daily", "Gabby Bernstein" and "Kitchen Little".

"Nas Daily" publishes a daily show where he makes videos together with his fans from around the world.

Gabby Bernstein, a New York Times bestselling author, uses a combination of recorded and live episodes to connect with her fans and answer questions in real time.

Tastemade's "Kitchen Little" is a funny show about kids who watch a how-to video of a recipe, then instruct professional chefs on how to make it.

Facebook has also signed a deal with Major League Baseball to broadcast one live game per week.

"To help inspire creators and seed the ecosystem, we've also funded some shows that are examples of community-oriented and episodic video series," Facebook said.

"We'll be introducing 'Watch' to a limited group of people in the US and plan to bring the experience to more people soon," it added.

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