Social media platform Facebook has said it will launch a video app for televisions as it continues to increase its focus on video content.
The new app, which will launch in the coming weeks, will initially be available in app stores for Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and Samsung Smart TV, with more platforms to follow.
Facebook said in a statement: “Our video app for TV is a new way to enjoy Facebook videos on a bigger screen. Last year we rolled out the ability for you to stream videos from Facebook to your TV, and today’s announcement expands this capability.
“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 can also catch up on videos you’ve saved to watch later, as well as revisit videos you’ve watched, shared or uploaded. We look forward to seeing how people use the app to enjoy Facebook videos in a new way.”
In December, Facebook said it had commenced talks over licensing video content in the sports sector. Earlier this week, the company struck a deal to stream selected live matches from US pay-television broadcaster Univision Deportes’ coverage of Liga MX, the domestic Mexican football top tier.
The games will be available via the Facebook Live service through the Univision Deportes Facebook page in the US. Coverage will begin on February 18 and the deal will run until the end of this year. Univision Deportes will stream 46 Liga MX matches this year, including play-off games. Facebook agreed the deal with Univision Communications, the parent company of Univision Deportes.
A Facebook spokesperson told the Recode website that the new app won’t include advertising “at this time.”