Given Netflix’s growing success in televised content, other equally important companies are considering doing the same. And it is in a spirit of competitiveness that after Amazon and Hulu, Facebook also decided to launch its VOD (Video On Demand) service. Mark Zuckerberg wants to produce television series, the latter occupying a non-negligible place in the consumption habits of the majority of households.
A Facebook TV project to attract more advertisers
It seems that Facebook TV is the next project of billionaire computer programmer Mark Zuckerberg. Indeed, after the controversy of the fake news, he had to start again on the right foot. Last year, it was only rumours, but today it is confirmed. Like the giant Netflix, he intends to launch into the production of television content and targets especially young people from 14 to 34 years. If he wants to capture a part of the audience, it is because he knows that this sector is currently growing. Moreover, it has a major advantage: he can rely on the two billion Facebook users to be his fervent spectators. It is also an effective way to attract advertisers who want to make their brand more visible through its internal advertising network.
In addition to the series, Mark Zuckerberg also plans to launch various TV content:
- Game shows
- Reality TV
- Documentary films
A young public able to participate in the project
Like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, YouTube and Apple, the firm decided to produce television content and make it its trademark. According to the Wall Street Journal, the prestigious company would be currently looking for common ground with Hollywood production studios and actors agents. Facebook would also have partnered with a small group of creators for a long-term partnership. They are currently experimenting with programs that make it possible to create diverse communities of interest. The goal is to launch original TV programs for a young audience. Over the long term, the entity will accompany many amateur creators in the launch of their videos. This approach will be funded by an income sharing system similar to Ad Break.
The cost of the project is not a concern for Mark Zuckerberg
It is a very costly project and one asks objective questions about its profitability. However, this does not seem to worry in any way Mark Zuckerberg who displays absolute confidence. The founder of Facebook plans a colossal budget of 3 million dollars per episode. He will be supported in the realisation of this great project by the vice-president of the company. He told the investors during the presentation of the financial statements of the first quarter of the social network. The first productions will, in principle, be unveiled online before the end of this summer. Since Facebook had already invested in the game show Lazy State Standing and the Strangers series, we are expecting a most captivating program for its debut.
Full transparency and increased publicity to stay on top of TV ratings
Agence France Press (AFP) tried unsuccessfully to find out about the identity of the Facebook company’s partners, but Mark Zuckerberg did not provide any answers and does not wish to make any statements on the subject. It seems that the modalities of this innovative platform are the opposite of those of Netflix. Indeed, Reed Hastings, creator of the latter, does not offer the opportunity to its founders to advertise, unlike Facebook that uses advertising to fund the platform as well as the series. The service may be very inexpensive, which would set it apart from its competitors. The issue of cost-effectiveness once again arises but does not appear to be a major concern. Indeed, the more the company will be visible, the more advertisers’ partners will be for its financing. The primary objective is incentives for consumption and dependence.
Topics covered will take care of its young audience
Two formats were studied concerning the videos and their contents: one of 30 minutes and one of 10 minutes. The subjects will be rather neutral and will not, therefore, fall under the themes of nudity, discrimination or politics. They will instead imitate the cult series of young people such as Pretty Little Liars and others.
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