Facebook has expanded its Live Video feature to allow everyone on the world's largest social network to enjoy live streaming. The video streaming feature that is already popular on mobile apps such as Periscope and Meerkat will be available first for iOS devices, and Mark Zuckerberg's company will later add an Android version.
One key advantage over live streaming for other platforms is that Facebook's version will be built into the social network itself and only require the Facebook app. Users will not have to download a new app, according to Engadget.
Facebook fans just have to tap on the "Status" button located at the top of the homepage to access the live video streaming feature. The next step is to select the Live Video icon at the bottom right.
People will then have to give their video a title and choose their audience. Videos can then be broadcast live.
Facebook has been developing and tweaking Live Video for the past five months, according to Tech Crunch. It made the feature available to celebrities, then public figures and journalists through its Mentions app, followed by Verified Pages.
Like Periscope Live Video users can see the number of live viewers and new comments. An icon on the top right also allows people to switch from the front camera to the rear cam.
After making the video people can then upload it to their Facebook timeline. Another option is to save it to Camera Roll.
There the video can be shared in Facebook posts or added to blog posts. That differs from Periscope videos that vanish after 24 hours.
However, Facebook's live streaming feature has a few drawbacks compared to Periscope. For example, Live Video is mostly for friends and family who follow people, while Periscope's welcome page shows Periscope streams from worldwide strangers.
Another disadvantage is that Facebook users cannot see real-time hearts on the screen or view comments when watching the video later. Both features are available on the Periscope app.
Facebook's Live Video feature is easier to access than similar live streaming apps. However, its audience is also more limited so it is ideal for special moments users do not want to share with the entire world.