Yes, it is possible to share your screen during a Facebook Live broadcast. This allows you to display content from your computer or mobile device’s screen to your Facebook Live viewers.
How to Share Your Screen on Facebook Live
Sharing your screen on Facebook Live is easy to do. Here are the steps:
- Start a new Facebook Live broadcast from your Facebook Page or Profile.
- Tap the “Share Your Screen” button which looks like a monitor icon.
- Select the window or screen you want to share.
- Tap “Start Sharing” and your screen will now be shared live.
On mobile, you can share your full screen or just a specific app. On desktop, you can share your entire display or a specific window.
What You Can Share in a Facebook Live Screen Share
When sharing your screen in a Facebook Live broadcast, you can display:
- Your computer desktop
- Individual windows and apps like PowerPoint, Keynote, web browsers, etc.
- Your mobile device’s screen
- Individual apps on your mobile device
This allows you to present slides, demo products, browse websites, and more during your video. Viewers will be able to see exactly what’s on your screen in real-time.
Tips for Sharing Your Screen
Here are some tips for effective screen sharing on Facebook Live:
- Close other windows and tabs: Close any windows or browser tabs that you don’t want viewers to see. This keeps your screen clean and focused.
- Prepare your content: Have any slides, notes, or other materials ready before going live.
- Let viewers know you’ll be sharing: Mention at the start of the video that you’ll be sharing your screen so it’s not a surprise.
- Use screen share selectively: Don’t share your screen the entire broadcast. Mix it up with the normal webcam view.
- Check your mouse pointer: Make sure the mouse pointer is visible and easy to follow when screen sharing.
Benefits of Screen Sharing
Sharing your screen on Facebook Live has many benefits:
- Demonstrate a product: Show how a product works by demoing it live on your screen.
- Display presentations and slides: Share your PowerPoint or Keynote slides.
- Show tutorials: Walk viewers through a process step-by-step by showing your own screen.
- Promote blog posts or websites: Share your website or blog on screen to send traffic to it.
- Enhance engagement: Screen sharing gives viewers something dynamic to see, keeping their interest.
Examples of Screen Sharing on Facebook Live
Here are some examples of effective screen sharing during Facebook Live videos:
- A cooking show host shares a recipe by displaying the recipe steps on their screen.
- An artist creates digital artwork live by screen sharing their drawing app.
- A software company demos the new features of their latest product release via screen share.
- An ecommerce business owner shows off new products available in their online store through a screen share.
- A marketing expert analyzes a landing page or sales funnel using screen share to highlight key elements.
Technical Requirements
To share your screen on Facebook Live, you’ll need:
- An internet connection – A strong wifi, cellular or broadband connection is recommended for smooth streaming.
- Facebook app – Download the latest version of the Facebook app on your mobile device or use Facebook on your desktop.
- Screen sharing enabled device – Your computer or mobile device must support screen sharing over Facebook Live.
As long as you meet these requirements, you should be able to share your screen successfully on Facebook Live broadcasts.
Troubleshooting Screen Share Issues
If you are having problems with sharing your screen on Facebook Live, try these troubleshooting tips:
- Restart the Facebook app
- Ensure your device supports screen sharing over Facebook Live
- Check your internet connection and try on a different wifi or cellular network
- Update your device software and apps to the latest versions
- Close any other programs using your camera/microphone
- Switch to a different screen or window you want to share
- Log out and log back into your Facebook account
- Force quit and re-launch the Facebook app
The majority of screen share issues can be fixed by restarting the app, updating software, switching wifi networks, or selecting a different window to share. Contact Facebook support if issues persist.
Mistakes to Avoid When Screen Sharing
When sharing your screen on Facebook Live, be careful to avoid these common mistakes:
- Sharing sensitive/private information like emails, messages, photos, etc.
- Accidentally displaying tabs with inappropriate or offensive content
- Blocks or delays from too much screen sharing instead of mixing in webcam video
- Forgetting to prepare your content before going live
- Failing to check your mouse pointer is visible
- Not closing unnecessary windows and browser tabs
- Getting distracted and navigating away from the shared screen
Be selective about what you display and maintain control over the screen at all times. Test out your setup beforehand to avoid any embarrassing on-air mistakes.
Facebook Screen Share on Desktop vs Mobile
Screen sharing on Facebook Live functions a bit differently on desktop vs mobile:
Desktop
- Share your entire display or specific app windows
- See screen share preview before going live
- Requires Facebook app or browser access (no mobile app needed)
- Can switch between windows mid-broadcast
Mobile
- Share full screen or individual apps
- No preview available before going live
- Must use Facebook mobile app
- Can’t switch screens after starting screen share
In general, the desktop experience allows for more flexibility in what you share. But the mobile experience is quick and easy for full screen sharing.
Maximizing Viewership When Screen Sharing
Here are some tips for maximizing viewership when screen sharing on Facebook Live:
- Promote your live stream ahead of time so people know to tune in.
- Tag relevant people and pages so it’s shared with interested audiences.
- Engage with commenters by responding to questions and feedback.
- Keep sessions short and focused to maintain viewer attention.
- Mention when you’ll be switching to a screen share view so people don’t leave.
- Create eye-catching custom titles, thumbnails and overlays.
- Go Live during peak viewing times when more people are online.
An effective mix of promotion, great content, and audience interaction will maximize your viewership numbers and get more eyes on your screen.
Apps for Enhancing Screen Shares
Consider using these apps to enhance your screen sharing experience on Facebook Live:
Zoom/Magnification Tools
- ZoomIt – Zooms and highlights parts of your screen.
- Magnifier – Magnifies sections of your screen.
- Bigshot – Easily zoom and annotate on your screen.
Screen Drawing Tools
- Skitch – Annotate screenshots and screen recordings.
- Drawboard PDF – Draw, add text, and markup PDF documents on screen.
- Snagit – Capture screenshots and videos for easily sharing.
Screen Recording Software
- Camtasia – Record, edit and optimize screen recordings.
- Screenflow – Professional screen recorder and video editor.
- Screencast-o-Matic – Quick and easy screen recording and sharing.
These types of apps can enhance your Facebook Live screen shares by allowing you to zoom in, draw/annotate, and edit high quality recordings.
Conclusion
Sharing your screen is an impactful way to create dynamic and engaging Facebook Live videos. By displaying your computer or mobile screen right inside your video stream, you can showcase helpful information to watchers in real-time. Use the screen sharing tips in this article to take your Facebook Live broadcasts to the next level.