Yes, you can play music in the background while broadcasting on Facebook Live. When going live on Facebook, there is an option to enable or disable microphone audio. If you disable microphone audio, you can play external music or audio in the background that will be picked up by your broadcasting software and heard by your viewers. However, there are some limitations and things to keep in mind when playing background music on Facebook Live.
How to Add Background Music to Facebook Live
Here are the general steps to add background music or audio to your Facebook Live broadcasts:
- Setup your broadcasting software. Open the settings and disable microphone audio input. This will prevent your microphone from picking up any ambient noise.
- Add your background music track or audio file to the broadcasting software. Make sure it is set to loop if you want continuous playback.
- Adjust the music volume in the software so it mixes well with any voice narration from your microphone.
- Go live on Facebook as normal. In the Facebook Live producer, disable the microphone audio.
- The music or audio track should now be audible to your viewers on Facebook while your microphone is muted.
The specific steps will vary based on the broadcasting software you use, but generally involve muting microphone input and adding a media file for the background audio. Popular options like OBS Studio, StreamYard, and XSplit allow multiple audio tracks to be controlled independently.
Audio Considerations for Facebook Live
Here are some tips for getting the best audio quality when using background music for Facebook Live:
– Use an audio track or music file with high production value. Poor audio quality will be noticeable to your viewers.
– Adjust music volume so it sits behind your voice audio slightly. You want it audible but not overpowering.
– Consider audio ducking plugins that will automatically lower the music volume when you speak into your microphone. This creates a more seamless transition.
– Check your overall streaming bitrate and adjust as needed to maintain audio quality. Live video requires more bandwidth for smooth playback.
– Use headphones to monitor your broadcast audio and make sure the mix sounds good on your end. Your viewers will hear the same thing.
– Do some test broadcasts before going live widely. This will allow you to check levels and quality.
Copyright Considerations for Background Music
One of the major limitations around using background music for Facebook Live is copyright. Here are some important copyright factors to keep in mind:
– You can only use royalty-free or copyright-free music. Songs from popular artists typically cannot be broadcast.
– Review music licensing carefully before using a track for public broadcast. Sites like PremiumBeat offer clear licensing terms.
– Original compositions you create yourself offer the most flexibility, since you own the copyright.
– Cover songs may be subject to certain performance licensing like ASCAP or BMI. Research this before doing live covers.
– Facebook’s terms prohibit unauthorized sharing of copyrighted material and can mute audio or take down videos with infringing content.
– Consider partnerships with music providers like Soundstripe or Musicbed who offer tracks licensed for broadcast.
In general, avoid commercial music tracks with unclear copyright status. Safest options are to use royalty-free tracks, original compositions, or partner with a licensed music provider.
Potential Issues to Avoid
Here are some potential issues to keep in mind when adding background audio to Facebook Live:
Echo/Feedback
If microphone audio is not fully muted, it can pick up output audio and create an echo. Make sure mic input is disabled in software and test before streaming.
Distorted/Clipping Audio
Excessive music volume combined with processing in the streaming software can cause clipping or distortion. Do audio checks and turn volume down if needed.
Music Overpowering Voice
Background music that is too loud will make your voice narration difficult to hear clearly. Find the right balance between music and vocal audio volume.
Copyright Takedown or Muting
Facebook may automatically mute audio or take down video if its copyright audio detection identifies unauthorized commercial music. Stay within licensing guidelines.
Viewer Complaints About Music Choice
Some viewers may not enjoy your taste in background music. Consider your audience preferences when selecting tracks or ask for feedback.
With proper levels, an appropriate music choice, and attention to copyright, background audio can be an effective enhancement for your Facebook Live broadcasts. But monitor closely for any technical or quality issues.
Optimizing Facebook Live Audio
Here are some general tips for getting the best possible sound when broadcasting live on Facebook:
– Use a high quality microphone for narration audio. Avoid laptop mics or phone mics.
– Place microphone close to mouth and reduce surrounding ambient noise. Record in quiet spaces.
– Apply compression and normalization processing to boost vocal audio and even levels.
– Equalize for clearer voice tone and reduced harsh frequencies. A high-pass filter can help.
– Consider a limiter or audio maximizer effect to increase overall loudness. But avoid over-compressing.
– Use noise reduction, noise gates and de-esser effects to clean up unwanted background noise.
– Normalize audio output levels and do not allow peaks over -3dB. Leave some headroom.
– Test headphones and speakers to hear what your viewers will. Check different devices as audio profile varies.
– Do test broadcasts and recording sessions and re-listen closely to identify any adjustments needed.
How Viewers Hear Facebook Live Audio
When you broadcast live video on Facebook, viewers will hear your audio in different ways depending on their device and context:
Desktop Browser
Viewers on a desktop browser will hear audio through their computer speakers or headphones connected to the device. Audio levels can be adjusted with the on-screen volume control in the video player.
Mobile App
Mobile viewers hear audio through their device speakers or headphones. They can adjust volume using their device’s physical buttons or on-screen controls.
Background Play
If viewers navigate away from the video while it is playing, audio continues in the background but is often muted automatically after a few seconds.
Auto-Play
Videos set to auto-play as viewers scroll Facebook will typically be muted by default and require unmuting to hear audio.
Embedding
If your live video is embedded elsewhere like a website or blog, the playback experience and audio control depends on that platform.
So test your live audio across contexts – desktop, mobile, embedding, etc. – to make sure levels and quality translate for viewers in all scenarios.
Using Multi-Track Audio Mixing
For more advanced audio control, consider using multi-track audio mixing:
– Import voice narration, background music, and any other needed audio sources as separate tracks in your broadcasting software or editor.
– Apply effects like compression, EQ, limiting selectively on each track as needed.
– Adjust the volume levels of each track independently during editing or broadcasting.
– Use track-specific effects like ducking background music only when voice is present.
– Pan or position tracks distinctively in the stereo field – e.g. voice center and music sides.
– Mixdown the final audio to a stereo track before encoding or streaming to Facebook.
Multi-track mixing gives you maximum flexibility and polish for the live audio experience. But it requires more tools and production expertise.
Recommended Background Music for Facebook Live
The optimal background music for your Facebook Live broadcast depends on your content and goals. But here are some generally recommended music genres and styles to consider:
Ambient Electronic Music
Downtempo instrumental electronic music can provide an unobtrusive sonic backdrop. Artists like Tycho, Bonobo, Emancipator.
Acoustic Instrumentals
Solo piano, acoustic guitar or string quartets give a lush, focused sound. See artists like Ólafur Arnalds, Johannes Motschmann.
Cinematic Soundtracks
Background scores from movies and TV evoke a sense of journey and rising action. Think composers like Hans Zimmer, John Williams.
Chillstep
Laid back beats and melodic bass characteristic of chillstep create an energizing vibe. Try Mr FijiWiji, Crywolf, Illenium.
Ambient Nature Sounds
Natural backgrounds like light rain, oceans waves or blowing wind relax listeners. Search nature sound effect playlists.
The music should suit the tone of your content while staying relatively unobtrusive. Let your voice be the primary focus.
Music Resources for Video Creators
Here are some recommended resources for finding background music and sounds legally approved for Facebook Live videos:
PremiumBeat
Website offering a large library of high-quality, royalty-free instrumental tracks for purchase from professional composers.
Epidemic Sound
Subscription service with 30-day free trial providing unlimited downloads of copyright-clear music and sound effects.
Storyblocks
Membership plan giving access to a catalog of music, sound FX, video footage and images licensed for broadcast usage.
Envato Elements
Creative assets subscription with thousands of audio tracks suiting genres like electronic, rock, hip-hop, and more.
AudioJungle
Marketplace for stock audio files from individual creators. Affordable prices with broadcast usage rights.
Doing proper research and only using authorized sources will help avoid any copyright issues when broadcasting with background music.
Licensing Background Music for Commercial Use
If you want to use commercial tracks from mainstream artists as background music on monetized Facebook Live videos, you will need to obtain proper licensing. Here are some options:
Obtain Direct License from Artist/Label
You can try to contact the rights holders directly to license a song, but this can be difficult for individuals to secure and negotiate.
Buy Synchronization License
A sync license allows you to use a song in video content like advertising or film. But they can be expensive.
Use Music Distribution Platforms
Services like Musicbed, Artlist, or Soundstripe offer some commercial tracks available for license at reasonable rates through their platform.
Join a Performance Rights Organization
PROs like ASCAP, BMI or SESAC allow access to large commercial catalogs for a membership fee plus usage royalties.
Use Royalty-Free Music Only
To avoid all licensing hassles, simply use music from royalty-free libraries without commercial licensing limitations.
Consult an entertainment lawyer if unsure of exact licensing needed for monetized videos with commercial background music.
Troubleshooting Background Music for Facebook Live
If you are having issues using background music for Facebook Live, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Issue: Audio clipping/distortion
– Lower track volume in broadcasting software
– Reduce any compression/limiting effects
– Make sure to leave adequate headroom
Issue: Music overpowers voice audio
– Reduce music track volume
– Use volume ducking and compression
– Bring microphone audio up in the mix
Issue: Echo or unfamiliar feedback
– Mute microphone input in software
– If using mic, position further from speakers
– Adjust audio device sample rate if mismatched
Issue: Viewers cannot hear background audio
– Confirm microphone input is muted
– Check track volumes in broadcasting software
– Make sure desktop audio is being captured
Issue: Audio goes out of sync
– Check audio sample rates and video fps match
– Raise audio buffer settings if software supports it
– Lower streaming bitrates if internet connection unstable
With the proper tools and setup, adding background music to Facebook Live broadcasts is an effective way to make streams more engaging. But monitor your audio mix closely and troubleshoot issues as needed.
Conclusion
Adding background music to your Facebook Live broadcasts can provide a richer, more engaging audio experience for viewers. However, copyright restrictions limit what commercial music you can use without proper licensing. Royalty-free instrumental music or your own original compositions are the safest options.
When mixing background audio, adjust levels appropriately so music sits under the voice narration in volume. Use multi-track editing and effects processing for best results. Perform thorough audio checks and troubleshoot issues like distortion or sync problems before broadcasting publicly. With the right approach, background music can greatly enhance your live streams without any technical headaches. Just be sure to choose music that suits the tone of your content and audience preferences.