In early August, Facebook unveiled a new platform for video content in the form of "Watch" accessible via mobile, desktop, and its Facebook TV apps. Having initially been released to a limited group of creators in the United States, the company began its global rollout of the service at the end of the month while also enabling the ability to monetize content through the use of "Ad Breaks" with creators receiving 55% of revenues.
Now, in an attempt to drum up awareness for its video platform, Facebook has joined forces with MTV to bring forth a reboot of The Real World, a television series that spanned a total of 32 seasons from 1992 up until last year. The news comes several months after Bunim-Murray Productions revealed that it had plans to target streaming video platforms and was in active talks with prospective services back in June. The series is expected to make its return in spring 2019 with additional Thailand and Mexico-based seasons also set for release the same year.
With respect to the revival of the reality TV show, Matthew Henick, Facebook"s head of content planning and strategy said:
"The Real World made history as the world’s first original reality show and trailblazing social experiment. We’re thrilled to reboot the show for today’s audiences — representing and amplifying the real life, real people, real places and real social tensions of each country."
Of course, it may likely take more than a single show to get people to make Facebook Watch one of their preferred outlets for streaming content but it does demonstrate that the business is willing to invest in such content to drive traffic and interest to its platform. Time will tell exactly how successful this strategy ends up being for social media stalwart.
Source: Mashable