Delhi: It's good news for broadcasters and even common people who want to host radio-style live streams without the camera being on.


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Book readings, interviews and news radio on Facebook has become simpler thanks to its new Live Audio feature which has been launched with a few publishers and authors.


It will be opening up next year.


Following are some key facts about it:


- It's a complement to Facebook's live video streaming and could bring audio-first content like podcasts to the news feed.


- The first publishers with access will be BBC World Service, LBC, Harper Collins and authors Adam Grant and Britt Bennett.


- Facebook Live Audio broadcasts will pop up in news feed similar to live videos do.


- If someone wants to keep browsing while listening, then Android users can close Facebook and use any other app while Live Audio keeps playing.


- As for iOS users, they can only browse the rest of Facebook with the stream running as opening another app will cut the sound.


- There will be a special option for broadcasters going live in areas with poor wireless service.


- On creating a stream, publishers can either use their Page’s cover image as the default Live Audio image in the news feed.


- Or they can upload a different one.


- Page’s Live subscribers will be sent notifications.


- Broadcasts will have a limit of four hours so radio stations can broadcast their programs, podcasters can find new online distribution for their episodes and authors can do live readings of their books.


- Moreover, celebrities can do a question and answer session and news anchors can broadcast audio from disaster zones or places where bandwidth may be overloaded for video streaming.


- Plus musicians can broadcast concerts or studio sessions.


-  To quote Facebook: "Though we alert the broadcaster if their signal is low, Live Audio presents another option for connecting with audiences in real time from low-connectivity areas. From interviews to book readings, we’re excited about the layer of interactivity that Live Audio brings to both the broadcaster and listener. Just as with a live video on Facebook, listeners can discover live audio content in News Feed, ask questions and leave reactions in real time during the broadcast, and easily share with their friends."