Live streaming might become the main thing you do on Facebook

When you think of Facebook, you probably think of status updates and photo comments — Not livestream video. But according to a new report, video broadcasting is Facebook’s next step towards social media domination. A handful of celebrities were given access to a new feature called Facebook Mentions Live, with which they made Q&As, announcements and just generally chatty videos for their fans to enjoy.

This new service comes on the heels of new apps like Periscope and Meerkat, two apps that allow for live video broadcasting straight from users’ phones. The apps are popular, but not exactly viral. However, the launch of Facebook Mentions Live was huge success, so much so that Facebook has rolled out the feature for all verified users.

Dwayne Johnson, one celebrity given this privilege, live streamed his red carpet premiere. Serena Williams and Michael Buble were also some of the first to try out the new feature. Fans ate it up, excited to have the chance to interact with their idols in a whole new way.

It seems that Facebook Mentions Live is specifically for facilitating celebrity-fan relationships. Their website even describes it as “a better way for actors, athletes, musicians and other influencers to stay in touch with their fans and the people and things they care about.” This might be the key to its success. Live streaming isn’t as interesting to normal people because we can achieve the same thing through texting and Skype, but Facebook Mentions Live gives us a glimpse into the real-time life of a celebrity who we normally only follow through tweets and Instagrams. Will Grumpy Cat get access to this feature? I’d watch that for hours.

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