Yes, it is possible to upload videos to Facebook Stories from a computer. Facebook Stories allow users to post photos and short videos that disappear after 24 hours. While Stories are primarily designed for mobile use, there are a few different methods you can use to upload videos to Facebook Stories from a desktop or laptop computer.
Using the Facebook Mobile Website
One of the easiest ways to upload videos to Facebook Stories from a computer is by using the Facebook mobile website. To access this:
1. Go to www.facebook.com in your computer’s web browser.
2. Click on the dropdown menu in the top right corner of the page.
3. Select “Switch to Mobile Version” from the menu.
4. You will now see the mobile version of Facebook’s website, which includes the Stories camera feature.
From here, you can click on the camera icon and either upload a pre-recorded video from your computer or use your webcam to record a new video. The video upload options are the same as you would see in the Facebook mobile app.
Once your video is uploaded, you can edit it, add filters, text, etc. and then share it to your Story from the mobile site. Your Facebook friends who view Stories will be able to see the video you uploaded from desktop.
Using Facebook Story Creator
Facebook offers a specialized tool called Facebook Story Creator that allows you to make video Stories using your desktop browser. To use it:
1. Go to https://facebook.com/story_builder on your browser.
2. Click “Get Started.”
3. Choose to create a new story or select images/videos from your Facebook library.
4. Edit and customize the story using text, stickers, filters and more.
5. Preview and share the story to your Facebook page.
Story Creator provides more editing and customization options compared to uploading via mobile site. This makes it ideal for creating polished, high-quality video stories from a computer.
Using Third-Party Apps
There are also some third-party apps and tools you can use to upload video to Facebook Stories from a computer:
- Scheduled – Social media management platform that allows uploading video to Facebook Stories.
- Buffer – Popular social media tool with video upload options for Facebook Stories.
- Hootsuite – Social media manager that supports video uploads to Facebook Stories.
Most of these tools connect to your Facebook account and allow you to natively upload videos to Stories the same way you would from mobile. They provide added scheduling and organizational features for managing your videos.
Uploading Videos from Desktop Site
Facebook’s desktop website does not have an obvious way to upload videos to Stories built-in. However, there is a workaround that allows you to use the upload tool from the desktop site:
- Log in to Facebook from your computer browser.
- Right click anywhere and choose Inspect or Inspect Element.
- This will open Developer tools panel. Click on the Toggle Device toolbar icon.
- Choose a mobile device like iPhone 6.
- Refresh the page. You will now see the mobile version of Facebook.
- Click on the Stories camera icon to upload videos.
Enabling the mobile view allows you to access the Story camera tool on desktop. You can then upload videos the same as you would on mobile.
Uploading from Facebook Pages
Users who manage Facebook Pages can also upload videos to Stories from a computer:
- Go to your Facebook Page from desktop browser.
- Click Publishing Tools below your cover photo.
- Choose Stories from the menu.
- Click Create Story and upload your video.
This will publish the video directly to your Page’s Story that followers can view. Only Pages have access to this Stories publishing option, personal profiles do not.
Best Practices for Uploading from Computer
When uploading Facebook Stories videos from a desktop, keep these best practices in mind:
- Use landscape orientation for wider videos.
- Trim videos to 15 seconds or less.
- Add text, stickers, and location to videos.
- Use high-quality videos for best results.
- Test videos before publishing to Stories.
- Publish consistently to build engagement.
Optimizing Videos for Desktop Uploading
To ensure your Facebook Stories videos look great when uploading from desktop, follow these optimization tips:
- Export videos in MP4 or MOV format.
- Use 720p or 1080p resolution.
- Reduce file size by compressing videos.
- Avoid letterboxing by exporting in 9:16 aspect ratio.
- Use simple video editors like iMovie or Premiere Rush.
- Add branding, stickers, filters using Story Creator.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you have issues uploading Facebook Stories videos from desktop, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Make sure you’re using the latest version of your browser.
- Allow browser access to your microphone and camera.
- Check Facebook site storage permissions in browser settings.
- Try a different browser if one isn’t working.
- Clear your browser cookies and cache.
- Disable any ad blockers temporarily.
Testing uploads on a different device can also help identify any device-specific problems. Contact Facebook support if issues persist across devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What video formats can I upload to Facebook Stories?
Facebook supports uploading MP4 and MOV video formats for Stories from desktop. Avoid uploading in other formats like AVI, WMV, etc. which may not be supported.
What video editor is best for Facebook Stories?
On Mac, iMovie provides an optimal balance of usability and Story-friendly export options. On Windows, Movie Maker or Premiere Rush work well. Most modern video editors allow exporting videos optimized for social media.
Can I upload videos longer than 15 seconds?
No, Facebook Stories limit video length to 15 seconds maximum. Any videos longer than 15 seconds will be automatically truncated when uploaded.
Do I need any additional software?
Not necessarily – you can upload videos to Facebook Stories from desktop using just your browser and built-in webcam. Optional tools like video editors and publishing apps can provide more creation and management options.
How do I add filters, text, etc. to my desktop videos?
Facebook’s Story Creator desktop tool provides the most options for editing and customizing videos with overlays, text, filters and more before uploading them.
Comparison of Desktop Upload Methods
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Website | Simple, easy uploading | Limited editing tools |
| Story Creator | Robust editing options | Requires separate tool |
| Third-Party Apps | Added features like scheduling | Requires app signup and login |
| Desktop Site Workaround | Uses existing desktop access | More complicated setup |
| Facebook Pages | Built-in publishing to Page Stories | Only available for Pages |
Conclusion
Uploading videos to Facebook Stories is straightforward from the mobile app, but also achievable through a few different methods using a desktop computer. The mobile site provides the simplest option, while Story Creator gives you more creative control. Third-party tools add publishing and scheduling options. With the right browser settings, you can even access the mobile upload flow directly on the desktop site.
Optimizing your video files themselves before uploading can improve their appearance and performance in Stories as well. While the experience works best on mobile, you have plenty of alternatives to choose from to upload video to Facebook Stories from your computer.