Could Facebook Watch Help Your Small Businesses Build a Following?

Facebook announced Wednesday it is launching a new video platform called Watch. Technically a redesigned video tab, Watch is comprised of shows that are made up of episodes, either live or recorded, that follow a theme or storyline.

With its 2 billion users, Facebook has an advantage over other video platforms, such as YouTube, when it comes to sharing capabilities. Video is the preferred medium of advertisers and social media users alike, and the new Facebook platform provides another way for influencers to connect with audiences through sharable social content. Because users are more likely to share and engage with content that includes video, Watch could help your small business build a following and provide a new stream of content to a bigger audience.

Creators can share everything from video series, daily vlogs, or a set of videos with recurring characters or themes to keep audiences continually engaged. According to Facebook, Watch is intended to connect people, spark conversation, and foster community. Watch will organize and suggest shows for users based on what their friends are watching, and users can follow their favorite shows through Watchlist to ensure they never miss episodes.

The platform is initially available only to a limited group of publishers and creators in the U.S. on Facebook’s mobile, desktop, or TV app, but will roll out to more users over the coming weeks. If you’re a small business owner looking for another way to promote your small business, an event, or a product release, register your interest with Facebook here.

In conjunction with Watch, Facebook has released Show Pages, which act as a homepage for a show and allow users to publish new episodes and viewers to connect with communities that have formed around a show. Facebook has also planned Ad Breaks, which will eventually allow users to monetize their shows, and Facebook has already funded some community-oriented content and episodic video series of its own.