Live streaming is hot in Silicon Valley, and many social networking platforms have been integrating the feature. The internet is fast enabling all its users to broadcast what's going on with their everyday lives as if the day to day posts and updates are not enough. Well, for some users, like actors, athletes and journalists, being able to broadcast is integral to their positions. As such, Facebook now enables such personalities to do just that.
Last year, the social networking giant has launched the Mentions app. The app has been made available to specific users that belong to the "influencers" bracket. At that time, however, most of those who have gotten to use the app were celebrities. According to Wired, Mentions enables its users to post live in the social networking site when news breaks, to give behind-the-scenes accounts in events and to hold question and answer sessions with their followers.
Journalists, in particular, will be able to maximize these features. The live streaming function has just arrived on the app last month. Qualified to get the app are those who are verified to be actors, sports personalities, journalists, experts and other similar public figures. The social giant has not elaborated further in its page on how to apply to get Mentions, but to verify, IDs should be shown to Facebook and a form must be filled up.
By opening the Mentions platform to more people, Facebook users may be able to see a more content-rich newsfeed. Facebook's Mentions may push live streaming to be a mainstream function for social networking platforms. The app is already being used by some big names in the world. The list includes Serena Williams, Lester Holt and Ricky Gervais.
The app is available for verified users who use iOS as of the moment. Facebook indicated, however, that it will be bringing the app to Android users soon. Facebook allows its verified users to choose who gets to see whatever they share on the site. With over one billion users every month, Facebook's new live streaming function may open doors for other platforms to also integrate the feature and in turn make their sites effective tools for both the personalities and their followers.
Twitter already has a live streaming function with Periscope, which it acquired last year. Youtube is also working on expanding the same feature for its users.
