Facebook Live allows users to broadcast live video to their Facebook followers. This can be a great way to share events, engage with your audience in real-time, and boost your reach on Facebook. However, there are some limitations when it comes to using Facebook Live for private events.
Private vs. Public Events on Facebook
On Facebook, you can create events and make them either public or private:
- Public events – Anyone can see the event details, posts, and live videos.
- Private events – Only people who are invited can see the event details, posts, and live videos.
So if you want to live stream video from a private event, only invited guests would be able to view the live video. The general public would not have access.
Who Can Go Live in a Private Event?
Facebook places some restrictions on who can broadcast live video from a private event page:
- The event creator can always go live, regardless of whether they’ve been invited as a guest.
- Event co-hosts can go live, as long as they are marked as attending the event.
- General guests cannot initiate a Facebook Live from a private event page, even if they are invited and attending.
So in summary, only the event creator and co-hosts have the ability to live stream video from a private event. If you want guests to be able to broadcast live, the event needs to be public.
Going Live from a Private Group
If your private event is associated with a Facebook group, there is another option. Group members with permission to post in the group can live stream video, even if the event itself is private. The video would only be visible to group members.
To recap, these are the options for live streaming from a private event:
| User | Can Go Live From Private Event Page | Can Go Live in Associated Private Group |
|---|---|---|
| Event creator | Yes | Yes |
| Event co-host (attending) | Yes | Yes |
| Invited guest | No | Yes, if permitted in group |
Tips for Live Streaming Private Events on Facebook
If you want to live stream video from a private event, while limiting access to only invited guests, here are some tips:
- Create the event and guest list in advance, and mark the event as private.
- Add co-hosts who you want to help manage the event and broadcast live video.
- Inform guests ahead of time that only hosts can go live, but they can view the livestreams.
- Test your live streaming setup in the event space beforehand.
- Promote your event livestreams only to invited guests by sharing the links directly.
- Consider simulcasting your live video to a private Facebook group for broader guest viewing.
- Follow up with a recording of the livestream for guests who missed it.
Limitations of Private Event Livestreaming
While live streaming from private events is possible, there are some limitations to be aware of:
- Only a small subset of invitees can actually broadcast live video.
- Facebook Live stats and engagement may be lower without public visibility.
- Guests have to be vigilant not to share livestream links publicly.
- Technical requirements may limit live streaming based on event venue.
- Recordings can only be viewed by invited guests.
Depending on your goals, it may make more sense to live stream from a public event page or group. This allows all guests and followers to view and engage with your live videos. However, for privacy reasons, a private event livestream may be your only option.
Conclusion
Yes, you can live stream video from private Facebook events. However, there are limitations in terms of who can go live and how many people can view the broadcasts. Only event creators and designated co-hosts can initiate a Facebook Live from a private event page. To allow invited guests to view livestreams, they must be shared directly.
Alternatively, live streaming in an associated private group opens up more options for broadcasting and viewing. Overall, Facebook Live for private events works best when planned carefully around specific goals and audience access needs.
Some key takeaways on live streaming from private Facebook events:
- Only event creators and co-hosts can go live from a private event page.
- Livestreams are only visible to invited guests of the private event.
- Group members may be able to live stream video to an associated private group.
- There are limitations including lower reach and stats.
- A public event may be better if you want maximum viewer engagement.
With the proper set up and promotion, Facebook Live can still help engage your private event guests and share experiences in real-time. Just be sure to work within Facebook’s rules and limitations for private events and livestreaming.