Facebook's new live video-streaming tool, which was first only open to celebrities, influencers and some non-verified users, has now extended its availability to verified pages as well. This means that brands will be able to display live-streams through their pages and actively converse with their audience.
The social networking giant said that various pages from sports teams, media companies and other verified pages will be able to use the service to "make announcements, share breaking news updates, take fans behind the scenes, host Q&As, and more."
Facebook Live is currently only available on Facebook for iOS, and the pre-requisite for a brand to use it is that they have to be verified, according to VentureBeat. Android support will be available at a later date.
The feature was first kick-started back in August through Facebook's Mentions app, which is a platform for those who are celebrities or have large followers that want to connect with their audiences live. Some prominent users of the feature were Ricky Gervais, Jimmy Fallon and Al-Jazeera, which has used the platform to live-stream news stories.
In the new expansion for pages, one can start a Live broadcast by clicking on the "Publish" button and then choosing "Live Video." Users who wish to follow these live broadcasts of the page can click the "subscribe" button and be notified the next time that a page or user goes live, according to Fortune.
During the live broadcast, one will be able to see the number of viewers - including the names of other verified persons or pages - as well as a real time stream of comments. Once the broadcast is completed, the full video will be published on the page's timeline, PC Mag reported.
"We've been excited to see all the ways Live has been used so far, and can't wait to see what's to come," product manager Vadim Lavrusik and engineering manager Dave Capra said.
