Facebook’s Identity Crisis

As you’ve probably noticed on your digital frames for the past few months, Facebook have rolled out a campaign to improve its transparency on fake news, ads etc. The campaign was titled “Here together”. In this ad, Facebook attempts to draw viewers in to the roots of Facebook and why we, as users, initially created an account. It was a crying effort to help identify Facebook as it once was. A community based company.

It was a crying effort to help identify Facebook as it once was. A community based company. Whether the ad was genuine or if it was a spark of brilliance from marketers to get Facebook back in the spotlight has been debated – however their latest move complicates things even more…

Welcome “Facebook Watch”. A platform where content creators are able to monetise videos with the addition of ad revenue slotted into the content. Facebook take 45% of revenue, while creators take 55%. In my eyes, Facebook have made just made a foggy stance in “reclaiming its identity”. It’s push to be the answer to effectively monetising video content has further pushed them into the entertainment industry. However it can be argued that Facebook is helping its community create sustainable income where they can be sure the content is organic and of quality.

What do you guys think? Is this Facebook Watch initiative the right way forward for Facebooks mission to regain its identity?

Additional Question: How do you think Facebook Watch will compete with other monetising video content communities such as youtube?