DUBAI: MBC Group has announced an exclusive entertainment partnership with Facebook MENA to develop video content for Facebook Watch that will provide viewers with access to over 20,000 videos from some of the most popular shows across the region.
The one-year agreement will see MBC Group’s digital arm share over 20,000 pieces of content across its various Facebook Pages including MBC1, MBC2, MBC4, MBC MASR, MBC DRAMA, MBC The Voice, MBC The Voice Kids and Shahid. Content will include previews, special behind-the-scenes snippets and more from premium shows and exclusive titles, including Arabic TV series.
The collaboration will also include MBC’s Ramadan line-up for 2021, which includes 400 pieces of exclusive extra content from premium shows such as The Voice Senior, Scoop with Raya, Al Mirath, Family Feud and Trending, among others.
MBC Group currently runs 144 active pages that represent both linear and non-linear offerings, reaching more than 280 million fans to date.
“We have witnessed a shift in how audiences consume content over recent years; it is no longer TV in defined settings, but a whole host of content options consumed via various devices anytime and anywhere. There’s phenomenal value in partnering with Facebook because our joint campaigns can bring even more to our viewers, as well as expand on our reach and frequency. We look forward to this new milestone between both parties,” said Mofeed Al-Nowaisir, chief digital officer at MBC Group.
Every month, more than one billion people visit Facebook Watch. In its first month (July 21 – Aug. 21), MBC Group contributed to more than 5 million hours of watch time.
“Our goal at Facebook has been to support publishers with investments that enable them to experiment with new formats and build sustainable revenue streams on our dedicated Facebook Watch video platform. As an established member of the media industry in the Middle East, MBC is in a unique position to develop shows that resonate with viewers in our region and reach new audiences. We’re excited to see the breadth of content that this partnership will bring to the region,” added Moon Baz, strategic partner manager, Facebook MENA.
The broadcasting giant is a major digital player that has invested well in the online space. Earlier this year, it secured its first top-10 position for digital and social media video views in the world, ranking above large international conglomerates including BuzzFeed, BBC, ABS-CBN, and Fox Corporation.
