Facebook has launched a live-streaming video service to rival Twitter’s Periscope, but you can’t use it right now.
The new Facebook Live feature has been reserved for the site’s VIP users, such as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Videos are shot and streamed via the exclusive Facebook Mentions app for celebrities and public figures, but the millions (and millions!) of The Rock’s fans will be able to tune into live broadcasts via the News Feed.
In a post on the Facebook Newsroom blog, product manager Vadim Lavrusik wrote: “You can comment on, like or share the video while watching a live broadcast. You can also see when your friends or other public figures start watching.
“Live is an immersive and authentic way to connect with the public figures you care about, in real-time. If you don’t catch the live broadcast, you can also watch the video later on the public figure’s Page.”
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It remains unclear whether the company will ever wants live video streams from its billion-plus Regular Joe’s clogging up the bandwidth.
However, at least we can take comfort in knowing we might be able to tune in whenever Rock decides to lay the (impromptu) Smackdown on some jabroni’s candy ass.
Facebook’s strategy differs dramatically to companies such as Periscope and Meerkat, which have sought to open up live video streaming to as many users as possible.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.