Facebook today significantly expanded the capabilities of its Live Video feature by adding more ways to connect and share with viewers. First, users can now broadcast live video to small groups or schedule live video events in advance. Live video also gains reactions, replayable comments, and filters. The reactions work similar to those on Periscope, which means they pop up in real time while the video is playing. Moving forward, comments made during the live video will be re-published in order when the video is played back later. The filters provide videographers with more options to customize the appearance of their content. Facebook Live Videos makes it simple to invite friends to watch live content with a tool built directly into the viewer. Last, Facebook is making it easier to discover live video. A new section highlighting live video will appear in the mobile app to serve as a central spot for people to seek out content. Moreover, Facebook is adding a live map on the desktop so people can see where video is being shared. The service is expanding to 60 countries today. Facebook said these features will reach Android and iOS devices via updates over the next few weeks.


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