Facebook test drives new video-centric features

Facebook has become much more than just a social network; indeed, networking is fairly low down on the list of priorities for many users. The site is increasingly used for gaming, news gathering, and video consumption. Today Facebook announces a batch of new video features in recognition of the fact that videos are what people are looking for.

A small-scale test with iPhone users to try out a video suggestion feature is set to extend worldwide, ultimately spreading to the web and Android. Facebook is also borrowing some ideas from the likes of YouTube, including the ability to build up video playlists.

While Facebook may be able to hold the undivided attention of some people, others would prefer to able to have the videos they find on the site playing in the background whilst getting on with something else. This is something that Facebook is testing, giving users the option of watching videos in a floating window.

The first time you hit Facebook in the morning, you probably stumble across a bunch of interesting videos. You may have time to watch a few, but the chances are that you have other things to do. Plans to come back and watch the clips later are all too easily scuppered by a busy timeline populated with even more content. Another test feature sees the introduction of a button to save a video for watching later on. These saved videos, along with any that have been favorited, can then be accessed through the Favorites section on the web, or via the Videos icon in the iOS app.