Facebook confirms plan to take on YouTube with TV video app
Two weeks ago, the Wall Street Journal claimed that Facebook was working on creating a video app for television. The social network has now confirmed the reports in a company blog post. The application will initially be available for Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and Samsung smart televisions. Other television platforms will follow in the future. The app will allow users to watch videos shared by friends and pages they follow, as well as top live videos from around the globe. It will also recommend videos based on users' interests.
Facebook is indeed building a video app for television, the company said today. Confirming a Wall Street Journal report from two weeks ago, Facebook said the app would initially be available for Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Samsung smart televisions, with additional platforms to follow. “Our video app for TV is a new way to enjoy Facebook videos on a bigger screen,” the company said in a blog post. “With the app, you can watch videos shared by friends or Pages you follow, top live videos from around the world, and recommended videos based on your interests.”

You’ll also be able to save videos on your mobile device and them watch them on TV later, as well as re-watch any videos you’ve uploaded to Facebook yourself. Facebook did not give a timetable for the release, other than to say it’s rolling out “soon.” The company did not share any images of what the app looks like. But you will need a Facebook account to view videos on the app, it said.