Live streaming as a new social media tool has become more popular since the launch of the apps Meerkat and Periscope.

Both apps broadcast live video streams straight from smartphones.

Meerkat launched in February and gained attention when it was used at the South by Southwest (SXSW) conference.

Periscope was launched by Twitter on March 26.

At first, Meerkat was promoted and supported on Twitter. Once Periscope came around, however, Twitter removed access to Meerkat as a way to promote Periscope.

These apps have been used by politicians, television shows, media outlets and by celebrities as a way to interact with fans. Ellen DeGeneres uses Periscope as a way to connect with her fans during her show and while backstage. Meerkat was used by political correspondent Kasie Hunt during a conference in the White House.

Increasing amounts of people are embracing these innovations and it’s easy to see why.

Before, artists would live stream through outlets like YouTube or Ustream. Meerkat and Periscope now make live streaming simpler since they only require a smartphone rather than a group of employees that were required to produce a streaming session before.

Meerkat is favored by those who like live chats with other viewers. You can view other’s avatars and can see their comments. Also, the app enables people to see other viewers of the same live stream session and interact with them.

However, Meerkat doesn’t allow users to see previous live streams. Disliked aspects include that the app has lost its access to Twitter.

Periscope provides a higher quality video, shows amount of viewers, performance stats and average viewing time. Live streams can be saved and will be promoted on Twitter if allowed permission. Another feature that people could use to interact with the broadcaster is the ability to tap the screen in order to send hearts.

Downsides of the app include older comments are deleted and the text box partially covers the screen.