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Video to lead way to future for Facebook

Mena has over 74 million people visiting Facebook per month and over 42 million daily, 65 per cent of whom are on mobile.

Smartphones and video feature prominently in Facebook’s future plans, the company revealed on the second day of the Abu Dhabi Media Summit (ADMS), which concludes today. With over one billion videos viewed globally per day by Facebook users — 65 per cent on mobile — online video consumption has risen by over 500 per cent in the last two years, fuelled by mobiles.

In 2013, mobile video viewing more than doubled globally to become over 25 per cent of all online viewing. Over 76 per cent of people who watch video online say Facebook is their top source of discovery.

“Our future will be built on connected devices, and the Middle East is leading the way as the most connected region on the planet,” said Nicola Mendelsohn, vice president, Facebook - Europe, Middle East and Africa. “As one of the most connected regions in the world, Mena has over 74 million people visiting Facebook per month and over 42 million daily, 65 per cent of whom are on mobile. Still, there is room to grow further, should Internet penetration and online connectivity increase.”

Mendelsohn predicted that once the 4.5 billion people currently cut off from the global knowledge economy are properly connected, the developing world would be the engine of economic growth.

“Facebook is looking to grow its ecosystem by enhancing consumers’ connectivity and crafting beautifully simple advertising content to maximise opportunities for business,” said Mendelsohn.

silvia@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE