Twitter has this week officially announced its new live-streaming option, which will enable users to add audio-only guests into their streams. 

First spotted in testing earlier this month, the new 'Live Guests' option will allow viewers to apply to take part in the conversation, with their avatar appearing on-screen (when permitted to join by the streamer), and their streaming audio available to all viewers.

As explained by Twitter:

"Conversations on Twitter can take place in many ways, and our latest update to live video brings another dimension to how you can discuss what’s happening. Starting today, your Tweets are going #IRL and now you can host a live video and invite up to three people as guests. Those you allow to join can be heard by everyone and can drop off at any time."

As noted, social media expert Matt Navarra first spotted the option a few weeks back, when he also shared screenshots of the set-up process.

But as we also noted at the time - and when Periscope announced the exact same functionality back in February - it seems to be a step behind other streaming platforms, with both Instagram or Facebook Live already offering split-screen video guests as an option within their tools.

Twitter doesn't offer video co-streaming as yet, but it is something it's looking into. Which is good, and definitely the addition of audio guests adds something more to your Twitter and Periscope streaming options. But it feels a little outdated, even from the outset. With the social media arms race heating up in the latest AR and Stories tools, audio-only guests feels a little underwhelming. Interesting, but not overly interesting at the same time.

It also begs the question - why even have Periscope? Twitter provides the capacity for users to go live direct from its main platform, as well as the option to create a new profile and stream on Periscope. But why? Why not incorporate all those users into Twitter, and increase engagement on its main platform, and help build its video content banks among its prime user base?

There's no doubt some internal logic, and it may well make perfect sense. But from an outside perspective, it doesn't appear to be overly beneficial to be running both platforms. 

If you're considering going live on Twitter with a friend, you can follow the specific process steps outlined here.