Facebook launching new broadcast feature – is it just one big ad though?

Facebook is launching a new live video channel called Facebook Live that will allow the social network to dip its toes in the world of broadcasting.

Facebook Live will provide a deeper, more interactive look into what’s happening at Facebook.

The video is powered by Livestream. The video player itself comes with options to share on Facebook or Twitter, as well as an embed option.

Users will be able submit questions to those featured in videos, which can also be used by celebrities to connect with audiences. America Ferrera and Wilmer Valderrama have already used the video feature last week to engage with viewers. There is also a chat option.

It appears that while there isn’t a live event going on, the channel just shows past broadcasts, while providing the following message scrolling across the bottom: “Facebook Live is currently off-air, but please feel free to explore our archived videos! Our most recent episode will be available shortly.”

It will be very interesting to see what kind of guests stop by the Facebook HQ to do interview and Q&As. It could be a great tool for celebrities in terms of PR, but getting the celebs involved cold prove difficult.

All of the content featured on Facebook Live will tie back to Facebook products, features or how people are using Facebook.

This could be a pretty useful feature for the site, so long as it doesn’t end up being one big ad for the site with a celeb face.