Facebook is finally bringing live streaming to everyone

 By 
Karissa Bell
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Facebook just flipped the switch on its live streaming feature in its iOS app.

The social network is expanding its live streaming capabilities to all of its iOS users in the U.S. The company first began experimenting with live video last year but Thursday's update marks the first time Facebook has made the feature widely available.

[seealso URL= "http://sale-online.click/2015/10/13/new-facebook-video-features/"]

The new feature, which Facebook is calling "Live," now appears in the "update status" menu next to the check-in pin that allows you to share your location. Live videos on Facebook work similarly to Periscope broadcasts: you can begin a live stream with a brief description, and once you're live, viewers can comment on streams in real time. When you're finished, you have the option to save the video and share it on your timeline.

Additionally, you can subscribe to a person or Page's live videos so you can get a notification each time they start a new broadcast.

Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Facebook's Vadim Lavrusik said the company is working to bring the features to Android users "soon" and the the rest of the world "in the coming weeks."

The company first began experimenting with live video in August, but the feature was limited to to people who use Mentions, Facebook's app for celebrities and other public figures.

Facebook has been ramping up its video efforts over the last year, and bringing live streaming to everyone could help the social network see even more engagement with its video features. According to the company, users are already watching upwards of 3 billion videos a day -- a number that will likely only increase as the social network makes videos, including live streams, increasingly prominent on its app and website.

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!