Facebook Launches Vertical Video Player to Compete with TikTok

Facebook ⁤Unveils New Fullscreen Video Player for⁤ Enhanced Viewing Experience

In a bid to⁢ provide users with a more ‍seamless‍ and engaging video experience, Facebook is rolling out ⁤a revamped, ⁤fullscreen video ​player on‌ Wednesday. The new player, initially launching in the U.S. and Canada, aims to ⁢deliver a⁤ consistent design and experience⁣ across ⁣various video formats, including short-form Reels, long-form videos, and⁢ live content, ⁤as stated in the company’s announcement.

Streamlined Video ⁤Watching and Sharing

The ⁢upgraded player seeks to simplify​ the process of watching and sharing⁤ video content on the platform. Notably, the player will⁤ default to displaying ⁢videos in vertical mode, similar to TikTok, while also enabling Facebook ‌to suggest the ⁢most relevant video to watch ‌next, regardless of⁣ its length or format.

Potential Impact on⁢ Key Metrics

This change could potentially influence crucial factors that creators and advertisers prioritize, such as ⁣watch time, view count, reach, and‌ more. For Facebook, an increase in video consumption ‌on the platform may lead to‍ longer‍ time​ spent on-site, as‌ well as higher advertising views ​and clicks, among other benefits.

Enhanced Video Recommendations

The improved video recommendations will extend beyond the⁢ player, appearing ​on the Facebook Feed and Video tab. Additionally, Facebook plans to showcase more ​Reels to users, acknowledging the growing demand for short-form audio content.

Image Credits: Meta

New Controls and Features

The upgraded⁤ player will ⁢introduce new controls, such as ​a fullscreen mode for⁤ horizontal ⁤videos and​ a ⁣slider for navigating through longer⁣ videos. Users will​ also be able to tap on the video to⁤ access additional options, ⁤like pausing and skipping forward‍ or backward​ by 10 seconds.

Image Credits: Meta

Capturing the ⁣Attention⁤ of Younger Audiences

While Facebook’s​ popularity among Gen ⁤Z‌ has ⁢waned over the past decade, as reported by⁤ NBC News, ⁤recent trends suggest‍ that young people are⁣ rediscovering ‌the platform for its⁣ Marketplace feature,⁣ as ⁢highlighted by The ​New York⁤ Times. This presents an opportunity⁣ for‌ Facebook to capture their attention ⁤through other means, such as Gen Z’s preferred ⁤social ​format: ​video.

Moreover, there are‌ indications that Gen Z is reviving ⁣old Facebook features, like the ⁢”Facebook poke,” ‍as reported by NBC News. In​ March, ⁤Facebook announced a 13x increase in pokes over the ‌previous month.

Potential Impact‌ of TikTok Ban

The introduction ‌of the ‌new video⁢ player comes at⁣ a time when U.S. lawmakers are considering a potential TikTok ban. If implemented, this could lead​ to an increase in video consumption‍ on alternative social platforms, making Facebook’s video player upgrade a timely move.