Facebook has announced it’s expanding live video to all iPhone users in the US. What was once a feature reserved only for the Facebook elite is now available to a large population of users in the United States.
Facebook first introduced live video in August 2015, at which time it could only be used by verified public figures. A month later, in September 2015, it was made available to all public figures whether verified or not. This past December Facebook began testing live video with US-based iPhone users.
With the feature being out for several months now, chances are you’ve already seen it in action, but now more people will be able to broadcast live video. To share a live video feed all you have to do is start creating a status update as you normally would. Now you will see a new icon at the bottom that enables live video, simply tap the icon to start broadcasting yourself.
The live video experience on Facebook is a lot like what you may be familiar with on an alternative like Periscope. Where it differs is in its privacy options. Anyone can jump in and watch a Periscope feed, for example, but you can limit the audience of live video feeds on Facebook
Broadcasters have the option to share the feed with only their friends, coworkers, customized groups of friends, or the entirety of Facebook if they wish. In addition, the broadcast will live forever on Facebook, unless you choose to delete it. Whereas a broadcast on Periscope can only be replayed for 24 hours.
You can try out the new feature yourself by updating your iPhone’s Facebook app to the latest version. The company says live video will be made available worldwide over the coming weeks.
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