Facebook Expands its Live Video Functionality

Allison Howen
by Allison Howen 29 Jan, 2016
Facebook Expands its Live Video Functionality

Facebook started testing the ability for people to share live video on its platform at the end of 2015. Now the social network is expanding this functionality to all U.S. iPhone users, with plans to roll it out to the rest of the world in the coming weeks.

To share live video, iPhone users simply need to tap on "Update Status" and then select the "Live Video" icon. From there, users can write a description and choose the audience that they want to share their broadcast with before going live. During the broadcast, users will see the number of live viewers, the names of friends who are tuning in and a real-time stream of comments. Then, when the broadcast is ended, the video will be saved to the user's Timeline.

It is important to note that Live is also available to public figures and verified Pages, which means that this functionality will likely start being used by more brands as a content strategy. What's more, Facebook notes that it is working on bringing live video to people using Android phones soon.

Allison Howen
Allison Howen
I'm a creative and adaptable journalist with experience in both print and digital media. Some of my best attributes include my social media management, writing and video editing skills. Skills: • Managing social media accounts with tools like HootSuite and Sprout Social • Creating and marketing content for print and digital media • Editing videos with software like Avid Media Composer • Composing articles with Adobe InCopy • Strong knowledge of AP Style • Skilled at interviewing and writing • Able to work on a deadline and produce quality results • Organized and detail oriented • Innovative problem solver