Facebook is testing a new video feature for Android and it could be a game-changer
Facebook is testing a new feature which will allow you to watch videos on the go without eating precious mobile data.
The feature, called Instant Videos, works by downloading and caching Facebook videos to your phone while you're connected to Wi-Fi so you can watch them while commuting or in places with no access to internet connection.
"We can confirm that a test of Instant Video is currently taking place with a small group of Android users. We don’t have anything further to add on this one at this stage," a Facebook spokesperson confirmed to Mashable.
It's easy to see how the Instant Video feature could be appealing for publishers due to its similarities to the Instant Articles -- the publishing platform where articles are uploaded directly to the social network.
For normal users, Facebook basically wants you to enjoy its videos without worrying about mobile data.
The Next Web's Matt Navarra was among the first to spot the feature. As you can see from this screengrab, Instant Videos will have lightning bolt icons on it:
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The feature is part of Facebook's big video plans.
The company announced a $1 billion budget for original shows made by media partners exclusively for the social network, marking its official entry into the high-end online video world that already includes rivals Amazon, Netflix, Google, and Apple.
It also launched the dedicated Watch tab.
But the Instant Videos feature may also benefit people living in the developing world where iPhones and mobile data are not as widespread, and mobile Internet can be frustratingly slow.
