London, Aug 6 (IANS): Celebrities now have another reason to connect with their fans on social networking site Facebook through a new live-streaming video service.

The new app, called Live, allows celebrities to host their own interactive shows to interact with fans while broadcasting live video, Daily Mail reported.

Viewers can comment on, like or share the video while watching a live broadcast, and see when friends or other public figures start watching.

"We are excited to introduce a new way for you to connect and interact with your favourite public figures on Facebook through live video," Facebook said in a statement.

"Public figures can share live video from Facebook Mentions, the app that makes it easy for athletes, musicians, politicians and other influencers to talk with their fans and each other."

The app will put Facebook against Twitter, which recently bought the Periscope live streaming app, which allows everyone to broadcast.