Facebook launches gaming video hub to take on Twitch

Facebook is going after those eyeballs on Twitch.

The social network has launched fb.gg, a hub which makes it easier for people to find gaming content that's been streamed on the platform.

Front and centre in the hub are primarily popular titles such as Fortnite, PUBG and FIFA 18, as well as a selection of recommended streams.

If you're already following a streamer, they'll appear on the sidebar, and you can also view streams that your friends on Facebook have recently watched too.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Facebook is also making its monetisation scheme a fixture in its Level Up Program, which it trialled earlier this year.

Now dubbed Facebook Stars, the program aims to lure gaming creators with incentives like in-game tipping.

Once you meet Facebook's criteria for the program, which requires a minimum of 100 followers and four hours of streaming in the last 14 days, creators can make money from viewers who purchase virtual goods, which can be sent to them during live streams.

If you care, there's also early access to beta features, as well as what appears to be a direct line to Facebook if you require support.

While too early to tell if Facebook's gaming efforts will have any effect on Twitch or YouTube, the platform has made its intentions known by signing up prominent streamers including MelonieMac, Darkness429, MissesMae and StoneMountain64.

With younger audiences (especially teens) leaving Facebook in droves, gaming, along with lip syncing tools, is just one way the company hopes they'll stick around, especially given that's who advertisers want.