Facebook: Social network plans to start producing original shows - Tech update

The world's biggest social network Facebook has plans to fund original scripted shows soon.

Digital media website Mashable confirmed this early in the week.

Facebook in 2016 was focused on Facebook Live but now it has plans on creating original content for the video tab on the platform that was recently created.

"Earlier this year, we started rolling out the Video tab, a dedicated place for video on Facebook.

"Our goal is to kickstart an ecosystem of partner content for the tab, so we're exploring funding some seed video content, including original and licensed scripted, unscripted, and sports content, that takes advantage of mobile and the social interaction unique to Facebook. Our goal is to show people what is possible on the platform and learn as we continue to work with video partners around the world" said Facebook Head of Global Creative Strategy Ricky Van Veen in a statement.

The original video move is still in the early phase and talks have just started with potential partners.

In related news, Facebook will soon start flagging fake news on its site. This will be done in conjunction with external fact checkers. This development was announced on  Thursday, December 15, 2016.

After the US general elections, Facebook was blamed for helping spread fake news online. The social media giant pledged to do something about fake news stories after much criticism.