Facebook Challenges YouTube Channels With New Video Features

• Facebook is testing an array of features aimed at getting people to watch more videos

• The new tools are pose a growing challenge to YouTube

• Facebook has begun testing the suggested video feature on web browsers

Facebook said is testing an array of features aimed at getting people to watch more videos at the leading social network.

The new tools come in a growing challenge to YouTube, which would be sidestepped as viewers flit between videos at Facebook.

“Video has continued to grow on Facebook,” vice president of product management Will Cathcart said in an online post.

“It has become an integral part of how people around the world discover, watch and share videos they care about every day.”

A suggested videos feature being tested in Facebook’s application for iPhones displays rows of related snippets after someone views a clip from News Feed.

“We’re pleased with initial results, which show that people who have suggested videos are discovering and watching more new videos,” Cathcart said.

“We’ve now rolled out suggested videos to most people on iPhone globally, and are starting to test ads within the experience.”