Facebook is testing video-streaming subscriptions for its Watch platform that will give users access to premium content for a price
- Facebook will begin offering paid subscriptions to some video content
- The move will start as a test for U.S. users and mark a first for Facebook
- Previously, content through Facebook’s Watch service has all been free
- A spokesperson says Watch will stay free and emphasized that the move is a test
An already bloated streaming sector might get just a little bit more crowded.
Facebook says it will now offer paid video-streaming subscriptions to both CollegeHumor as well as food and travel blog, Tastemade, in a test for users in the U.S.
Starting Thursday, Facebook users will be able to pay for premium videos through its on-demand video service, ‘Facebook Watch.’
The move marks a significant step for Watch, which has traditionally been free, monetized only though intermittent ad-breaks.
Facebook will offer subscriptions to some of its content purveyors’ premium videos, including Collegehumor and Tastemade
Though viewers have long been able to access both partners’ premium services elsewhere on the Internet — for instance, Collegehumor’s paid ‘Dropout’ videos are streamed on Twitch — Facebook says its own offering will blend elements of the social platform into the experience.
‘When a video subscription is purchased through Facebook, the content and conversation for fan-favorite shows can happen in one place, with opportunities to start or join Watch Parties or talk with other fans about episodes directly on the platform,’ said the company in a blurb.
In addition to being the first known instance of Facebook attempting to accept direct payments from users for its Watch service, it also positions Facebook as median between content creators and its droves of
As reported by ReCode, Facebook has yet to state exactly how much money it’s asking from services, but Larry Fitzgibbon, the CEO of Tastemade, told the outlet that the company is offering ‘similar economics’ to others like Apple who also sells its premium content.
Apple keeps around 30 percent of each monthly subscription.
Despite the shift, Facebook has been reticent to characterize the test as a move toward paid streaming. In a statement to Engadget, a spokesperson said Watch will remain a free service.
Facebook says its Watch service will remain free and that the test is not indicative of a new direction.
‘Our intention with exploring video subscriptions is to support a new business model that could help bring more great content to Facebook,’ the spokesperson said according to Engadget.
‘Watch will always be a platform supported by a range of business models, like Ad Breaks, and the vast majority of content in Watch is free and ad-supported.’
Though noteworthy, the subscriptions fall well short of previous reports that Facebook would offer users access to premium content from HBO or Showbiz from late last year.
Recode had previously reported that Facebook was in talks with HBO, Showtime, and Starz to offer subscription to their content through its watch hub.
The model would mimic a successful one launched by Amazon, which allows customers to watch popular shows from various networks.