Twitter has launched its live-streaming application Periscope on iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch devices, Digital Spy reports.

The Meerkat rival allows users to broadcast real-time footage over the social network for others to watch and rate in their browser.

Periscope differentiates itself from live-streaming competitor Meerkat with the inclusion of replays, allowing users to view footage they missed.

The service will exist as a standalone app for now, but Twitter has been tipped to integrate Periscope into its core platform after acquiring the startup this month.

Periscope allows users to tag streams they are enjoying with either one or two 'Hearts'. Videos with the most Hearts will feature on a 'Most Loved' list.

An Android version of Periscope will be released in the near future.