Facebook prepares to spend big on original programming

Netflix has enjoyed great success with original programmes like Narcos. Can Facebook repeat the trick?

Facebook is preparing to spend big to realise its original programming ambitions. According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, the company has been offering Hollywood agencies as much as $3m (£2.4m) per episode for original scripted TV shows between 10 and 30 minutes long.

According to the report, Facebook plans to launch its original programming offer in the late summer, targeting audiences aged 13 – 34, with a particular focus on 17 – 30 year olds.

While it’s hard to see Facebook competing with the likes of Netflix in terms of the sheer volume and choice of content available, a few high quality original series could prove a vital weapon in retaining, or in some cases attracting back, its youth audience.