Facebook is now rolling out its live streaming service to verified Pages, the company informed users on Thursday. The social networking giant has been growing Facebook Live as it believes the platform will eventually be taken over by videos.
Facebook gaining on rivals
When compared to rivals Meerkat and Periscope, Facebook Live made a late entry into the streaming arena. Despite that, the network has a wide built-in user base that makes it possible for brands to reach billions of people. Live streaming can be put to use for a variety of supplemental content, including backstage happenings and Q&As. By extending its Live feature, Facebook gets more clips to run lucrative video ads, and it will also make people check the platform more often in order to get up-to-the-minute content. This will help the social network in its ongoing battle with Twitter.
In August, Facebook launched its live stream feature called Live but limited its access to celebrities and public figures. Since then, it has been increasingly extending access to new groups. Twitter’s Periscope adopted a completely different strategy, and it was available to everyone at the time of its launch last spring.
Multiple verified Pages already had access to Facebook’s live-streaming feature even before this bigger rollout. Normal accounts are slowly gaining access as well. Initially, the feature will be available only through Facebook for iOS.
How video distribution works
Starting a stream is very easy, and all that Page owners need to do is tap the “Publish” button and select “Live Video.” They can include a description and begin filming as well. Page owners will get to see the number of viewers tuning in and also the names of other verified users or Pages watching their videos. Comments will also be enabled.
Video distribution will take place in a similar manner as it does for any other post on Facebook. People who like a Page will most likely get to see the post in their News Feeds or receive notifications. A “Subscribe” button is included in Live videos that enable notifications any time a live event is launched by a Page. Facebook has published a best practices hub which offers tips to manage the live events. The live broadcast will remain on brands’ Pages permanently, unlike with Periscope. It is possible to delete the post just like any other type of post.
