Twitter apes Facebook and brings live video streaming to its mobile apps
Twitter is rolling out a new feature to iOS and Android users that enables users to broadcast live video from within the app. If this sounds rather familiar, it's because it's a feature copied from Facebook -- and something that is already offered by Twitter-owned Periscope.
But live video broadcasting on Twitter is not replacing Periscope, it is powered by Periscope. By moving live video direct into the app, Twitter acknowledges the importance that users place on the feature, something which has been proven by the popularity of Facebook Live videos.
Just as with standalone Periscope and live video in Facebook, there is a strong focus on interactivity. Viewers are invited to not only post comments in reaction to the live videos they watch, but also send hearts as a sign of appreciation. Twitter may not yet have the same range of reaction options as Facebook, but bearing in mind the amount of feature borrowing that's going on these days, it is surely only a matter of time before the heart is supplemented with more emoji.
Writing about the new feature in a blog post, Twitter says:
Starting today, you can create and Tweet live video from the Twitter app, powered by Periscope. To go live, compose a Tweet, then tap "LIVE" which brings you to pre-broadcast screen where you can frame your shot. When you’re ready, press "Go Live" to start broadcasting.
Once you're live, anyone on Twitter and Periscope can join your live video and participate in your experience. When you’re watching a live video, comment and send hearts by tapping the screen. Hearts show your support for the broadcaster.
Twitter says that the update is rolling out "over the coming days", so if you don't see the live option just yet, it's only a matter of time before it arrives on your device.
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