Twitter unveils live streaming app Periscope

Forget about snapping and filtering still images to share with social media; these days it’s all about live streaming.

Twitter has got in on the act, unveiling its new live streaming app, Periscope, in the App Store.

Not only can you broadcast live from your phone, but you can also set up the stream for replay later so that viewers can watch after the event. Comments can be added to stream in real time, and the entire event can be shared to Twitter. Private events can also be limited to invited viewers only, and you can delete replays when you choose.

The app currently allows users to set notifications for those they are following, so you don’t miss a live stream.

A “Most Loved” list shows the most popular users on Periscope; you can send hearts as you watch live streams to bump your favourites up the list.

The launch comes after Twitter bought Periscope earlier this year for an undisclosed sum. The social network is in direct competition with Meerkat, which offers similar live streaming functions but doesn’t allow viewers to save or replay videos. That led to comparisons with messaging app Snapchat. Two weeks after it launched, Meerkat had signed up 100,000 users.