Facebook’s Live Video feature is now available for iPhone users in the U.S. and will be releasing worldwide in the upcoming weeks. The feature was first launched in December for celebrities and verified pages.
Users looking to utilize the feature can do so by selecting “Update Status” and then tapping on the “Live Video” icon. Then, the user can customize their audience and enter a brief description.
During the stream, which can only last 30 minutes, the user will get updates about who is watching and what comments the live footage is receiving. After the streaming session is over, video footage will appear on the timeline similar to how a manually uploaded video appears. For users looking to stream without leaving a video record behind, there is an option to delete the footage.
“You can discover live videos from your friends and public figures you follow right in News Feed,” writes Facebook about its expansion. “While watching a live video, you can tap the Subscribe button to get notified the next time the broadcaster goes live.”
Users also have the option to block viewers. This can be done by tapping the profile picture next to a viewer’s comment and then selecting “ Block.” The block is not permanent so users can unblock people as well.
The Live Video feature is currently only available for iPhone app users of the social media platform. Facebook is “working to bring live video to people using Android phones soon.”
