X Factor introduces Facebook auditions

UK talent show The X Factor is to give potential contestants the chance to audition on the Facebook Live! Platform.

Show host Dermot O’Leary will record a Facebook Live message on the X Factor Facebook page telling potential candidates how to use the platform to audition today, kicking off the general call for applicants at 1pm.

Facebook Live! launched last year. To share a live video, Facebook users can tap on the update status button and select the live video icon.

Registration will be open until midnight on Friday May 27, with the auditions taking place with X Factor producers in closed groups on Sunday May 29.

Kirsty Hunter, acting MD, Shotglass Media, responsible for digital initiatives around the show, said, “Using Facebook Live will allow our team to see applicants who can’t make it to the existing auditions in person.

“It gives potential contestants a new way to be involved with the show using the latest technology from one of the most popular social media platforms. We are very excited to be working with Facebook to integrate live video in auditions and throughout the series.”

Mark Brittan, global head of commercial at the show’s producer, Syco Entertainment, said: “We are hugely excited to work with Facebook to make auditioning easier than ever before. Facebook Live is a brand new platform for us and we have high hopes that it will prove invaluable in unearthing new talent.”