This is a super quick post. Nona Jones (Head of faith partnerships at Facebook) just announced that Facebook is working on new functionality that will allow people to dial into Facebook live.
As it is in beta, I understand it it will only be available for 200 churches based in the US for this Easter weekend.
Here is what Nona said:
“Our team at Facebook is working on new functionality to support your churches as you navigate this new online-only territory, recognizing that not everyone has access to the internet or the ability to stream video due to connectivity challenges. Although we don’t normally open our betas for application, we would like to make a new feature available to about 200 or so churches around the US to test this weekend.”
Public Dial-In Feature Request Application || Deadline Tomorrow (4/9 at 5:00pm)
Our team at Facebook is working on new functionality to support your churches as you navigate this new online-only territory, recognising that not everyone has access to the internet or the ability to stream video due to connectivity challenges.
Although we don’t normally open our betas for application, we would like to make a new feature available to about 200 or so churches around the US to test this weekend.
WHAT IT IS
Adding a dial-in number will make it possible for people who do not have web or mobile data access to listen to your live broadcast from any telephone. There is a phone number and access code that people will need to dial. NOTE: This feature is currently limited to live video (either true live or scheduled live) and cannot be used with Premier.
If your application is approved, you will be able to enable a call-in number and create a new access code when setting up a Live or scheduled Live broadcast in order to secure it up to 7 days before your broadcast. The feature is not available for broadcasts originating from a mobile phone and cannot be enabled for broadcasts with audience restrictions (age or geographic restrictions).
It will be up to you to promote the existence of the phone number and access code to your audience. The phone number will not appear on Facebook automatically during the broadcast. All calls are muted and cannot be un-muted, listeners cannot be heard. IMPORTANT: Numbers will not be toll free in this initial test.
HOW TO APPLY
Simply click the following link (https://bit.ly/34nmguk) and submit your information no later than tomorrow at 5:00pm EST. You will be emailed if your application is approved and your Page will be whitelisted. Questions welcome.
Your Thoughts?
I love the idea that this new feature, although in beta will be rolled out and lots of people who may not be able to figure out Facebook Live can still listen in. I’d love to hear from you what you think.
