Facebook users can now view shows via "Watch," the social media giant's latest addition to the platform.
Facebook's director of product said in a release the new feature is designed to be a place for content creators to connect with community and build an audience. It has live shows, such as Q&A sessions with New York Times bestselling author Gabby Bernstein, and Facebook has a deal to air one live MLB game per week.
Director of Product Daniel Danker said shows on Watch will follow a narrative arc or have a consistent theme.
Watch is personalized and has a Watchlist where users can save shows and catch up whenever they want. Facebook says it is also funding some community-oriented shows, such as "Return the Favor" featuring host Mike Rowe. "Returning the Favor" will feature Rowe finding people doing extraordinary things for their communities.
Candidates for that show are nominated by Rowe's fans on Facebook.
Watch is being rolled out to select users and will soon roll out to all, Danker said in a news release.
Facebook is encouraging any creator or publisher to use Watch to create a show, and says shows will eventually be able to be monetized with Ad Breaks. Facebook has been testing Ad Breaks over the past several months.
