Facebook now lets you stream videos to Apple TV and Google Chromecast

Facebook is bringing the videos you love to watch on its social network to a much bigger screen. Today, the company announced you can stream content through Apple TV and Google Chromecast devices, so you won’t be limited to huddling together in front of an 11-inch computer screen just so you can view the newest Star Wars Rogue One trailer.

Support for the Apple TV is now available, along with other AirPlay-enabled devices. If you have a Chromecast, you can now stream through your iOS device or your web browser — casting from an Android device will be enabled “soon.”

When you find a video on Facebook that you want to watch on a bigger screen, press the “TV” symbol located in the upper right-hand corner, select the device you want to stream to, and that’s it. You’ll be able to react and comment on your phone or computer as you’re watching, and you’ll see other viewers doing the same — another way for Facebook to capitalize on the second-screen experience.

All manner of videos can be streamed on your television, including those from Facebook Live. The process starts right from your mobile device, so if you see a video on the desktop, switch over to your iPhone, iPad, or Android device.

More than 100 million hours of videos are consumed daily on Facebook. This is a big deal for the social networking company, especially as it competes against the likes of Twitter, YouTube, and Snap for not only our attention but also the best content creators. Now that videos are shared on the bigger screen, could we see Facebook making a run at longer-form content, such as sports, original movies, and more?