New York, Mar 23 (IANS): Facebook users can now go live directly from their desktops using their webcams and also broadcast gameplay from their computers.

According to a Facebook blog post on Wednesday, Facebook live on desktops was earlier available for pages only, but now the status update composer will feature a Live button also.

Facebook also added a new feature that makes it easy to use streaming software or external hardware when going live from a computer.

"With this update, people can seamlessly share their screens, insert graphics, switch cameras, or use professional equipment in Facebook Live videos," the social media giant said.

With this update, it is easier to stream your PC gameplay to friends and followers and engage with them while you play.

"Opening up on desktop takes Facebook Live beyond Twitter and Periscope's options, and brings it into competition with longer-running services like YouTube," TechCrunch reported.

The report quoted Facebook as saying that the desktop streaming could be useful for activities like Q&As and vlogging where holding phone in hand could be inconvenient.

"While the content on Live might not be great yet, and there's been some troubling broadcasts of violence that Facebook promises it's working to prevent, it's still early for the medium," the report added.