Synopsis of the App Periscope is Twitter's new live streaming app that allows you to watch anything from street performers in Central Park to a live cooking demo as it happens from anywhere in the world.
RDN Score
4 out of 5
Platform and Price
Free: Apple and Android.
Pros
Simple user-friendly design.
Broadcast live from anywhere directly from your mobile phone.
Automatically send a tweet to announce the start of each broadcast.
Option to limit broadcasts to a private audience.
Save broadcasts to your camera roll to share in other ways, such as YouTube or Instagram.
Save broadcasts for replay within 24 hours, or immediately delete broadcasts you don't like.
"Heart" or like broadcasts with one tap to show appreciation to the presenters.
Interactive! Get immediate feedback by chatting live with your audience as they send comments and hearts your way.
Follow your favorite Periscope users to get notifications when they start a new broadcast.
Login with your Twitter account so there's no need to create a new account or name. Use your phone number to sign up if you don't have a Twitter account.
Browse live and recent broadcasts.
Broadcasts can be watched live on the web or via the app.
Reach a global audience 24/7.
Cons
Requires Twitter or surrendering a phone number to use.
Limited search functionality.
Replays are only available for 24 hours at present.
Some broadcasts are "spammy" or irrelevant for professional use.
Though you can easily block offenders, the app is rife with trolls who interrupt popular broadcasts.
No way to fast-forward or rewind replays.
The app needs more options to customize notifications. At the time of this review, you either get all notifications or none.
No way to comment on replays.
It's addictive.
Bottom Line
Get on it! Periscope is a fun and easy way to broadcast live to the world. With more and more people joining every day, this app may be a social media game-changer. If you want to start vlogging, Periscope is a great way to share your nutrition knowledge, fitness routines, cooking demos and more with an eager live audience.
Marisa Moore, MBA, RDN, LD, is based in Atlanta and specializes in culinary nutrition, communications and consulting. She blogs at marisamoore.com. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter.
