Verified Facebook users interested in using Mentions must fill out an online form before they can download and use the app.

Previously, Facebook only allowed certain celebrities such as actors, musicians and athletes access to the app, which makes it easier for them not only to keep track of what fans are saying but also interact with them with features like live video. Journalists, in particular, have another platform where they can report from the scene using Live, or host Q&As.

Journalists and bloggers, who aren’t quite as high-profile as Serena Williams, now have the opportunity to further engage with followers on the social network. It is also available for download on Apple App store.We wanted to make Facebook a better experience for journalists whether it is used for newsgathering or better connecting with their readers or to drive distribution to their content, he said. If you are an admin of a verified Page, click here to directly request access to Mentions. The Mentions app is currently available only in the US, but the company plans roll out to other countries and verified Profiles in the coming months. While many celebrities are on Facebook, they mostly take to Twitter to share their thoughts or Reddit for the Q&A sessions. In order to help sustain its position in the social space, Facebook is trying every trick in the book. Verified users can create new posts and also host live Q&A sessions within the app. This timeline is also almost similar to the news feed you view. Facebook Mentions also shows a timeline of posts that reference the particular user. It will also help these people to respond more quickly and easily via the dedicated app. The whole deal is to make it simpler for people with verified pages to manage their Facebook account by viewing posts that mention them. 'If you get to use Mentions - which would mean that you are a “verified public figure,” someone with one of those blue check marks next to your name, with a “public page,” one of those pages that people can read but not comment on,' said a report on Re/code. Basically, it is aimed at helping celebrities manage their public figure pages on the social network.

Although anyone can download it, only Facebook-recognised/verified celebrities can use it. Facebook has announced a new app called 'Mentions' for iOS users.

Download facebook mentions