Video is definitely a huge part of social media right now. Facebook, Twitter and all the other players know this and that is why they have been trying new things to try and get people to share videos on their platforms.
Facebook Live is an option that allows users to broadcast events to their friends as they happen directly through the platform. Facebook isn’t stopping there as the company has announced that users can schedule broadcasts using the Live API. The company has announced that this feature is available to verified users at the moment but will be rolled out to other users very soon. Rolling it out to verified users means that Facebook is still testing the feature and that it is not ready to roll it out to the public.
In a statement, Facebook said, “This week we’re rolling out the ability for Verified Pages to schedule live broadcasts, starting with live videos published via the Facebook Live API. Verified Pages can visit their Publishing Tools section to get started scheduling a live video.”
The company says that people using Facebook Live are the ones who have requested the feature so that their followers can plan to tune in when they go live. This makes sense as most live broadcasts on Facebook tend to go up at random times when you don’t really have the time to sit and watch them. You are forced to get back to the video at a later time if you really want to watch it.
When you schedule a live video, the information will be published on your News Feed letting your fans know when the live broadcast will be and this helps build anticipation. Those who see your post will be able to opt in to receive a reminder when the broadcast is about to start.
Live broadcasts can be scheduled up to one week in advance. Once the broadcast is scheduled, you will be able to share the link or embed it on other websites or even your blog.
This new feature brings video lobbies that gives users a place to hang out and interact before the live broadcast begins. For those who have scheduled live broadcasts, their friends and followers will be able to join the lobby about three minutes before the live broadcast begins.
Limited to the Live API
As mentioned above, this feature is currently available for verified users. If you are not verified, you will have to wait as the feature will be available to you in a few weeks or so. The feature is also available for those who are using Facebook Live API, those using third party tools for streaming will not be able to use it.
Also Read: You Can Now Broadcast Live Facebook Videos Nonstop for Up To 24 Hours