Facebook itself has been in the news as much as the videos it perpetuates.
In the wake of recent murders and injustices, the social media giant has just clarified its stance on censoring the violent nature of these uploads. In their statement released on Friday, it will continue to allow graphic video streams for both live and newsworthy events.
Facebook said: “If a person witnessed a shooting, and used Facebook Live to raise awareness or find the shooter, we would allow it.” They will not however allow such videos to be used “to mock the victim or celebrate the shooting.”
So Facebook has provided for freedom of expression as well as some built-in journalistic responsibility.
Chewy Mom
Facebook Live Video also captures the BEST of humanity. You can watch the video of the mom who treated herself to the “best gift ever” like three times and STILL wait in anticipation for the big reveal of her Chewbacca mask with its built-in sound effects and the ensuing hilarity. You will laugh out loud – every time.
Facebook Videos Overall
In general, chances are you have noticed the overwhelming amount of videos on your feed. What was once filled with pictures of your friends and family have been replaced with videos of pandas being chased by zookeepers, Donald Trump saying whatever comes into his head, and of course countless ads.
In fact, I just logged onto Facebook and the first four posts on my feed were videos. My favorite of which, FYI, being two lions eating a watermelon. Facebook has realized the increase in publishers’ content and is worried it is taking away from their goal of connecting people with their friends and family.
Facebook has found that users want their feed to be a source of entertainment and a way to stay informed. However, what may be informing or entertaining to one is not always the same for someone else. Personally, I could watch videos of pandas all day and I think if everyone did, the world would be a better place, but hey…to each their own.
So What Does This Mean for Facebook?
Well, the company is planning to adjust their algorithm so more personalized information will appear at the top of your feed. In other words, say goodbye to the pandas and hello to pictures of your friend’s tropical vacation that you keep telling yourself you’re not jealous about.
This also means referral traffic will most likely decline for some. According to a recent article in Adweek, 41.4 percent of all referral traffic to publishers’ websites comes from Facebook. That is more than Google.
If someone is getting traffic via Facebook comments, sharing, and liking and their post is a hit, then all is well. But if their post is seen as less interesting to Facebook users then it is likely their engagement will be low and so will their traffic, as it won’t be hitting the top of most Facebook users’ walls.
Videos on Facebook
However, videos have been on the rise over the past month even with Facebook’s algorithm adjustment. Videos are an easy way to engage users on-the-go for a minute or less and trigger a response out of them.
It is much more likely that a user who views a funny video will share it on their timeline as opposed to sharing a friend or family member’s funny photo. This is why videos are viewed, shared, and liked so many times on Facebook.
In addition, courtesy of the algorithm, when a multitude of your Facebook Friends interact with the same video, it is likely this will go to the top of your feed, as Facebook is going to see this as something in which you have interest. Kind of a reverse peer pressure!
Videos are important because they create so much engagement. But let’s be honest. When choosing between reposting a video of a fat, stumpy Corgi trying to jump over a fence and a photo of your recent family reunion, the Corgi will always prevail.
Leave a Reply