Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) is re-creating itself as a video platform, as part of which it is trying several new things. The next step it is taking is testing auto-play videos in news feeds with sound and observing users’ reactions to them, reports Mashable.
Testing videos with sound
Starting Tuesday, some users will find auto-play on all types of videos, be it ads or Facebook Live. There are two versions of the test. In the first, sound plays immediately at the beginning of the video, while in the other, the user will be able to turn sound on during the test session using an icon at the bottom of the videos, the report says.
A pop-up message will appear on the screen in the both cases guiding them on how the controls are to be used. There will also be an option in the Facebook settings with which the sound can be set to “always off.”
A Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) spokesperson told Mashable Australia, “We’re running a small test in News Feed where people can choose whether they want to watch videos with sound on from the start. For people in this test who do not want sound to play, they can switch it off in Settings or directly on the video itself.”
In a research study, Facebook found that when mobile video ads play loudly without warning, people get upset. This makes the trial run somewhat intriguing, Mashable notes.
Facebook (FB) app only for teens
Facebook Inc (NASDAQ:FB) has also come up with an app named “Lifestage” meant only for teens. The app, which is available only on Apple devices in the U.S., allows all members to upload pictures and videos based around their feelings, likes and dislikes. Later, they are turned into video profiles.
All the posts made are available to the public for viewing, and the user cannot restrict viewing. The idea behind the app is to connect members of the same school, but many believe the lack of privacy settings is a concern.
Once a school has 20 or more members registered on it, all the members of that school will be able to view each other’s profiles. TechCrunch reported that users age 21 or higher will be able to see only their profiles. The app does warn users that it cannot guarantee whether all its users are genuine or not.
It says, “We can’t confirm that people who claim to go to a certain school actually go to that school. All videos you upload to your profile are fully public content.”
