Facebook hopes its new platform will entice people to consume more video content through Facebook. Facebook Watch is a place for episodic shows that will be available on mobile, on PCs, and in Facebook's TV apps. Facebook says the service is personalized to help people find new content, sometimes based on what users' friends and communities watch. People will be able to leave comments on shows in order to connect with friends and others. Shows may offer dedicated Facebook Groups for more in-depth discussions. Facebook says Watch is a platform for creators and publishers seeking to find dedicated audiences, similar to the way YouTube stars have created their own niches. The company has high hopes that creators will put together daily episodes, live shows/events, and even shows that follow a narrative arc. The company has funded a small collection of original programming in order to get Watch on its feet. Facebook will be testing Watch with a limited number of people in the U.S. first. The social network expects to roll it out to wider audiences over time.


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