"We've heard from some people that they'd like to watch videos while they scroll through News Feed. We're running a small test where you can create a smaller floating screen which continues playing the video while you scroll through your News Feed." A spokesperson of social network giant, Facebook, said on Huffington Post.
Now, Facebook users do not have to stop scrolling on their feed while watching videos. The new feature being tested by the social media company seems to be doing the trick for its users. One can point on a video on his feed. He then clicks on a square icon on the bottom of the screen, second from right. A small screen version of the video pops up on the left side of the screen. The person continues scrolling, while the video plays.
The feature is said to be available to Facebook web as of the moment. Not everyone cas access it as of yet, mainly because it is still being tested.
The 'floating' video is similar to that of Youtube's miniature screen. Youtube videos automatically show on a miniature screen, also on the left side of the computer screen, when the user browses the site for other topics to watch. The feature is accessible to all devices where Youtube is used.
Recently, Facebook has a dramatic increase in online video viewership. In December 2014, the social media site has overtaken Youtube's number of views. It is a 400% increase, proving that Facebook Videos has come so far from starting off as almost nonexistent.
The steps Facebook is currently taking for its online video platform appear to be heading towards Youtube's direction. A few weeks ago, the social giant has announced monetizing its videos. Most recently, it is in talks with major music labels, possibly for music video licensing deals.
