After Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hotstar, FB to have TV shows

Facebook is gearing to launch a number of television shows around mid-June.

As per reports in Business Insider, the social media giant is working on shows in two different tiers – long, big-budget shows similar to Netflix’s ‘House of Cards’ as well as shorter 5-10 minutes shows that could also feature in Facebook’s new video tab. The new video tab is slated to roll out eventually on Facebook app.

Facebook has already given the green signal to a virtual reality dating show, where people will be made to go on their first dates in VR before they meet in real life, the report adds.

In addition, Facebook will focus on teen-centric shows as the company sees rival Snapchat as one of its main competitors in this space. Snapchat continues to attract young users thanks to its youth-centric show deals for Discover section.

“Facebook has tapped A-list celebrities to star in some of the shows, according to multiple people briefed on the plans,” read the Business Insider report.

Facebook will monetise its new premium service via advertisements that it’ll play in between videos, which will boost revenue, but with lower margins.