A man and woman have faced court in the US after live streaming the alleged rape of their 17-year-old friend on a social media site.

The court heard Marina Lonina, 18, and her unnamed friend were socialising with 29-year-old Raymond Gates on February 27 at his home in Columbus, Ohio.

View photos Marina Lonina. Photo: Facebook More

Gates allegedly raped the teen, while Lonina live streamed the act on social media app Periscope.

All three were believed to have consumed alcohol that night.

Police were notified after a friend of the victim, who lived out of state, saw the images.

Lonina and Gates were charged with rape, kidnapping, sexual battery and pandering sexually-oriented matter involving a minor.

View photos Raymond Gates. Photo: Facebook More

Lonina also faced an extra charge for filming the rape.

Her attourney, Josh Bedtelyon, said his client “categorically denies these charges”.

Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien said people need to think twice before pulling out their cameras.

"People need to know and understand that the use of a smartphone to video events can constitute serious felony crimes," O'Brien said.

View photos Marina Lonina. Photo: Facebook More

"They should think twice before they use their smartphones to either photograph or video anything that's of a sexual nature."

If found guilty, Lonina and Gates could each face up to 40 years in prison.

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