Facebook is launching various features to make live streaming more lively and accessible. COVID-19 and its resulting social distancing measures have inspired lots of people to live stream, so Facebook says it’s going to launch various features over the next couple weeks to make Facebook Live more accessible and easy to use, particularly for people who might not have a lot of mobile data. The updates will be global. It’s also giving people various ways to access a stream outside of Facebook, including logged-out support, which means people without a Facebook account can still tune into content. This accompanies Public Switched Telephone Network support, allowing streamers to generate toll-free telephone numbers so viewers can call into the audio of a live broadcast.

The staff is launching an audio-only mode, in addition to computerized closed captions. It’s additionally giving individuals numerous methods to entry a stream exterior of Facebook, together with logged-out assist, which implies individuals with out a Facebook  account can nonetheless tune into content material.

Other new features are more directed toward the people hosting live events. Different new options are extra directed towards the individuals internet hosting stay occasions. The corporate’s Stars operate, which permits creators to earn money over streams, is increasing to musicians and cultural establishments. Up till now, it’s principally been utilized by avid gamers. The enlargement is clearly a nod to different streaming platforms, like Twitch, the place artists have been internet hosting stay, donation-based streams.

Additionally, Facebook is providing partners, mostly faith-based and education organizations, with mobile phone accessories to help them go live. It’s also launching a “live producer” feature for more professional setups that require a connected camera and software encoder. The company says this feature will make managing live streams easier and includes tools like comment moderation, overlays, and clipping.