Yahoo launched its previously-reported Livetext app, stating that it “blends the convenience and ease of texting, with the immediacy and vividness of live video, but without the audio – so you can use it in any context”.

The company said that it has been rolling the app out gradually, beginning with Hong Kong, Taiwan and Ireland, and now adding US, UK, Canada, Germany and France.

“Every platform shift leads to new forms of communication, driven by our desire to connect and interact in richer ways,” said Adam Cahan, SVP of video, design and emerging products at the company.