Facebook recently rolled out a new app that hopes to bring passionate fans and expert commentators together to experience live events in a new interactive way. Called "Venue," the app emphasizes live streaming and aims to provide an interactive screen experience for live events like how Twitter does, according to a Tech Radar report.
This is now the third app launched by Facebook within a week. The first is a collaborative music video creation app to compete against TikTok, and the other was a voice-only group call app.
The app was rolled out in time for NASCAR races earlier today, June 1. The race is among the first major sports to return in the US despite the lack of ability to host a live audience.
Facebook rolls out Twitter-like app 'Venue' for live events
Venue was created by Facebook's New Product Experimentation Team, but it is not meant to livestream the events, but instead serve as a platform where users can discuss them as they happen.
Users can also get real-updates and time notifications called "Moments," and they can engage with content from expert commentators like journalists, analysts, or ex-athletes during an event.
They receive alerts when a new "Moment" is created, so they can hop in and out of Venue if they want to. According to Facebook, fans can stop scrolling or searching to find the exact moment everyone is reacting to.
Live broadcasts offer rare opportunities for millions of people to consume content simultaneously. Facebook also added that while live broadcasts are drawing large concurrent viewership, they remain mostly a solo viewing experience.
Similar to Twitter?
Unlike in Twitter where everyone chips in during a live event, commentators and experts chosen for a given event hosted in Facebook Venue will wait for their queues. For today's NASCAR's races, social media personality, @nascarcasm hosted Venue.
In earlier research from Facebook, about 94% of viewers keep a smartphone on hand while watching live TV. This shows the importance of second-screening for live events, especially in sports.
As of now, Facebook seems to be ahead of most social platforms in carrying out a solution for this. With Venue, fans can then simultaneously watch between the on-going event and their phones, although a Twitter user said that the Venue experience was not at all flattering.
Venue can be easily downloaded both on iOS and Android devices. According to the app's description in the Google Play Store, the app turns any phone "into a second screen companion to the live race," allowing users to connect with other users whom they can chat and analyze the race within real-time.
While expert commentators host a Venue for each live race, users get to read their comments and share their opinions with other fans regarding what is going on and what may happen next.
Facebook'sVenue is perfect when watching the race alone, but also if you still want to connect with other fans and even experts.
Expert commentators host and facilitate Venue throughout the race while fans can join their preferred venue. They can start watching the commentaries of experts, as well as share their opinions with other users.
