Facebook Live Stream is going mainstream! Always one to stay on top of the latest trends, the social network has hopped on the live streaming bandwagon with its new video feature, Facebook Live. Here’s what you should know about Facebook’s newest feature…
WHO
Facebook Live is currently available to all iPhone users in the US as well as select iOS users in more than 30 different countries around the world. Android users in the US will also be joining the party in the coming weeks. Facebook plans to slowly roll out its streaming capabilities worldwide, giving people across the globe a fresh perspective, wherever they may be.
WHAT
Facebook Live allows users to share in-the-moment videos, giving viewers a real time look inside the lives of another. This could be a friend, family member, or even a celebrity! While streaming, you will be able to see the number of live viewers, names of friends watching, and a stream of live comments. Video streams may last up to 30 minutes. When you are done, the video can be found on your timeline and will be available for you and your friends to view unless you choose to remove it. To stream a video, just tap on ‘Update Status’ and click the ‘Live Video’ button. Choose your audience, add a video description, and voila! You are ready to go live.
WHEN
Make sure you have a strong 4G or Wi-Fi connection while streaming to avoid any connectivity issues. There are a few practices that can help you build a strong audience and improve viewer engagement. Start by telling your friends what time you will be going live and let them know what the video will be about. Your friends are more likely to tune in if they know when and what you will be streaming.
WHERE
Your friends’ live streams will be shown in your Newsfeed, as well as the live streams of any public figures you follow. Facebook announced its new algorithm will rank Live videos higher in the Newsfeed, making it more likely your content will be viewed while it’s still live. And don’t hesitate to hit that ‘Subscribe’ button! Facebook will notify you the next time that broadcaster goes live.
WHY
Live video streaming has become increasingly popular in the last year and is expected to be a major trend in the 2016 social media realm. In addition, Facebook shared on its blog “On average people watch a live video more than three times longer when it is live compared to when it is not live.” In a world of ever shrinking attention spans, content creators need all the help they can get. Live streaming has broadened our social networking horizons, giving individuals and audiences new and exciting opportunities to connect. And with Newsfeed prominence, Facebook Live could be the key to standing out among all that content clutter.
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