Facebook Live gets new features to grow the platform

Facebook’s feature to share live video using Facebook Live may have been a late entrant to the market, but that is not stopping the social media giant from jumping right in. Shortly after launching Facebook Live for the Android and iOS apps, Facebook is adding several new features to make it even easier for users to tap into the power of live video events.

The first feature that Facebook Live is getting is the ability to go live in Groups and Events. Using this new capability means a user in a group can share a live video that is accessible just by the people in that group. This will be especially useful for closed groups where a user wants to share something not intended for the general public or others outside the group. Likewise, Events video will only be available to users who RSVP to an event.

When watching Facebook Live videos, users will find that they can now express Live Reactions that will pop up on the video. The available choices are the same ones users can access on the News Feed. When tapped, they will float across the screen and then disappear similar to what happens on Periscope.

In addition to the Live Reactions, users can comment on videos and interact with the broadcasters. To help viewers who may view a Live feed on replay, the comments will show up as they happened during the live broadcast. Facebook also plans to add some features like filters and the ability to draw on the video.

Facebook is helping users discover Live video feeds. If you are friends with someone on Facebook, you will find that you can send invitations to others to view a Live video. They will receive a notification to let them know you want them to join you.

Outside of invites, Facebook is adding a new tab in the mobile app where users can discover Live video. These might be broadcasts from locations or events from around the world. On the desktop, Facebook Live Map will display a map of Live broadcasts that are underway at any given time.