After live streaming video platform Twitch introduced Pulse in March 2017 to help streamers share and interact with their followers, the social stream was expanded four months later with personalized recommendations of live streams and videos to improve the users' chance of getting discovered. Now, Facebook wants in on that action.
Facebook announced that it recently began experimenting with a new video gaming hub where users can find gaming videos curated based on creators and games they follow as well as their liked pages and groups. The video gaming portal can be accessed through the short URL fb.gg, which leads to a streamlined destination page containing live and prerecorded gaming videos on Facebook. The hub also includes creators, esports, and gaming events.
While the new gaming destination is being tested, Facebook plans to add in more experimental features such as a discovery feed for gaming fans, improved recommendations, broader gaming video inventory in various languages, and an Instant Games tab on the mobile version to let viewers switch between watching and playing games.
Facebook also announced that it is rolling out a new monetization tool to emerging gaming creators over the next few months. Called Level Up Program, the initiative allows creators to receive tips in the form of virtual goods through a feature called Facebook Stars. The program also aims to help gaming creators gain the information and tools needed to grow their communities on Facebook and stream more easily.
Additionally, the social networking giant continues to add more partnered creators to its test initiative for a feature which allows fans to support their favorite creators with a monthly payment. In exchange, fans will receive exclusive content and a badge that highlights their status as a supporter.
Facebook plans to showcase more of its work that's focused on building a community for gamers at next week's E3 in Los Angeles, where the company is set to unveil several upcoming games and a redesigned visual brand identity for Facebook Gaming.
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