Autoplaying videos on Facebook have always started with their sound muted unless a user clicks or taps on them. When autoplaying videos rolled out three years ago this made total sense. Sound would annoy users, and seeing video on the News Feed would be a terrible thing. It still makes total sense. So, we are now wondering why Facebook is testing autoplaying videos with their sound on.
If you like our stories, there is an easy way to stay up to date:
Follow @wersm
According to a recent report by Mashable, Facebook is currently testing autoplaying video with sound on its mobile apps in Australia. And apparently the sound only comes on if the user has their sound activated on their device. So, if your phone is muted, sound will not play. And that’s great! Another group of users are seeing a mute/unmute button on one corner of the video. A Facebook spokesperson confirmed latter to Mashable Australia,
[quote]We’re running a small test in News Feed where people can choose whether they want to watch videos with sound on from the start. For people in this test who do not want sound to play, they can switch it off in Settings or directly on the video itself.[/quote]
Video has become a huge part of content on Facebook, whether it’s live or prerecorded. It’s currently the most engaging form of content on the platform, and so Facebook should be protecting its ability to show it to people and not annoy them. So, I wouldn’t imagine that the company will turn sound on by default. Either way, it seems like the test is more about seeing how many users would be open to such an eventuality.
If you like our stories, there is an easy way to stay up to date:
Follow @wersm
You might also like
More from Facebook
Facebook Revamps Access Your Information On iOS And Android
Facebook has announced a revamped version of its Access Your Information tool, making it easier for users to find and …
Facebook Bans Ads Promoting Weapon Accessories Ahead Of Inauguration Day
Facebook has announced a ban, on its platforms, of ads promoting weapon accessories and protective equipment - at least through …
Facebook Bans Donald Trump Indefinitely From Its Platforms
Following the recent events in Washington DC, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has announced an indefinite ban on Donald Trump from …
New Facebook Pages Come Without A Like Button
Facebook is rolling out a new design for Facebook Pages. It comes with new features, but without a Like button.
New Year’s Eve 2020 Sets New Records For Use Of Facebook Apps
Facebook was expecting a traffic spike on its apps over New Year's Eve, but this year broke all previous records …
Facebook Attacks Apple With Full-Page Newspaper Ads
Facebook is running newspaper ads newspapers criticizing Apple for its policy giving iOS users the choice of whether they want …
New Facebook Collab App Lets You Create Music With Friends
Facebook Collab is a new experimental music-making app available in the US, that lets you create music with friends.
Facebook Expands Brand Collabs Manager To Public Groups
Facebook is rolling out it s Brand Collabs Manager to public groups this week, giving them a new opportunity for …
The US Government Is Taking Legal Action To Break Up Facebook
Forty-eight attorneys general and the Federal Trade Commission say Facebook Needs To Sell Instagram And WhatsApp.
