With over 2 billion monthly active users, Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms for connecting with friends, family, and followers. One of Facebook’s key features is Facebook Live, which allows users to broadcast video live to their Facebook followers. This provides a way to share experiences, announcements, discussions, and more in real time.
While the Facebook Live feature is integrated directly into the Facebook mobile app, it is possible to go live on Facebook without using the app. There are a few different methods that allow you to live stream on Facebook from other devices and platforms.
Methods for Going Live without the Facebook App
Here are some of the main ways you can go live on Facebook without using the mobile app:
Use Facebook Live from Desktop
The Facebook website has the same Facebook Live functionality built into it as the mobile app. As long as you are logged into your Facebook account on a desktop computer, you can access Facebook Live by clicking the “Live” icon on the left side of your News Feed.
This will bring up the Facebook Live producer where you can add a description, set privacy settings, and go live just like on mobile. One limitation here is that you can only broadcast your desktop screen and audio from your computer mic. There is no way to connect external cameras through the Facebook website.
Use a Third-Party Encoding Software
There are a number of third-party encoders and broadcasting software programs that allow you to live stream to Facebook from any camera source. Some popular options include OBS Studio, StreamYard, Wirecast, and XSplit.
These programs allow you to connect professional cameras, mix audio, add overlays and graphics, screen share, and more. You’ll just need to connect or log into your Facebook account in the software and select Facebook Live as your streaming destination.
Use a Hardware Encoder Device
Dedicated hardware encoders from companies like Blackmagic Design and Teradek allow you to connect cameras and other audio/video sources and encode the signal to stream directly to Facebook Live.
Most of these devices provide a built-in interface where you can log into your Facebook account and stream right from the device. This provides a portable all-in-one solution for higher quality live streaming without a computer.
Use an App Like Streamyard or BeLive
There are also mobile apps like Streamyard and BeLive that allow you to go live on Facebook without the main Facebook app. These apps provide tools to connect multiple camera sources, incorporate graphics and overlays, manage guests, and more.
You just connect your Facebook account and broadcast directly to your Facebook page or profile from the app. The apps handle all the encoding so you can use your mobile device’s camera to stream from anywhere.
Use a GoPro Camera
GoPro cameras have the ability to live stream directly to Facebook, no mobile device required. When you connect your GoPro to the GoPro app, you can initiate a Facebook Live broadcast from the camera itself. Just make sure to link your Facebook account in the GoPro app first.
This makes GoPro cameras a convenient option for streaming action footage and events hands-free to Facebook from new angles and perspectives. You can even add overlays and do multi-camera live switching with other GoPros.
Benefits of Going Live without the Facebook App
Why would you want to go live on Facebook without using the mobile app? Here are some of the benefits:
Higher Quality Streaming
Using third-party encoding software or hardware encoders allows you to connect professional cameras and audio equipment for higher quality live video compared to a mobile device. This results in a more polished, pro-level broadcast.
More Control and Customization
With multi-camera setups, overlays, graphics, virtual sets and more, desktop and third-party streaming tools provide much more control over the look and feel of your Facebook Live. The Facebook mobile app is limited in customization options.
Ability to Incorporate Remote Guests
Programs like Streamyard and BeLive make it easy to bring remote guests into your Facebook Live show via video chat. This allows for interviews, discussions, and collaboration across geographical barriers right within your stream.
Stream Anywhere with Portable Gear
Using portable hardware encoders or cameras like GoPro makes it possible to live stream on the go without relying on wifi or mobile devices. You can broadcast from all kinds of hard-to-reach places andunique angles.
No Phone Battery or Data Limits
Streaming from a power-supplied computer or hardware encoder eliminates concerns over draining your mobile device battery during long streams. You also avoid eating through your phone’s data plan minutes when streaming over cell service.
Limitations to Keep in Mind
While going live without the Facebook app opens up more possibilities, there are some limitations to keep in mind:
No Mobile Notification for Viewers
When you go live from the Facebook mobile app, your followers receive a notification that you’re streaming live. This doesn’t happen when streaming from other sources, so you’ll need to manually notify your audience.
Can’t Read Comments in Real Time
Viewing and responding to live comments is easy in the Facebook app. But most third-party streaming tools don’t provide a built-in way to monitor comments in real-time during your broadcast.
Higher Learning Curve
There’s definitely more involved in setting up and configuring a multi-camera streaming setup versus simply clicking “Go Live” in the Facebook app. Be prepared for a steeper learning curve.
More Opportunity for Technical Issues
The more moving pieces involved in your streaming setup, the more potential points of failure. Make sure to test and troubleshoot your encoder, cameras, audio, and internet connection for a smooth show.
Step-by-Step Guide to Going Live without Facebook App
Ready to ditch the Facebook app and elevate your live streams? Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started:
Step 1: Choose Your Streaming Method and Gear
Decide whether you want to stream from a desktop encoder like OBS, dedicated hardware like a Teradek, or an all-in-one mobile app like Streamyard. Select your live streaming cameras, microphones, lighting, and any backdrops or physical sets.
Step 2: Set Up and Configure Your Encoder/Software
Download and install any necessary software. Connect and configure your video and audio sources. Set up your scenes, transitions, graphics overlays, and virtual backgrounds if desired. Test your equipment. Familiarize yourself with the interface and controls.
Step 3: Log into Your Facebook Account
In your encoder software or hardware interface, log into your Facebook account. Some require a stream key which can be generated from your Facebook creator studio. This authenticates you and allows streaming directly to your Facebook profile or page.
Step 4: Schedule or Initiate Your Broadcast
Schedule your live stream in advance or manually start streaming instantly. As long as you’re logged into the correct Facebook account, your broadcast will appear live to your followers.
Step 5: Engage Your Viewers
As your stream gets rolling, try to monitor comments from a second device or laptop. Shout out viewers, answer questions, and encourage them to share your stream with others to keep that engagement high.
Step 6: End the Broadcast and Save
When you’re ready to wrap things up, stop the live stream on your end and thank your audience. Don’t forget to download or save a copy of the full broadcast video for repurposing later.
Best Practices for Going Live
To maximize your reach and get the most out of streaming on Facebook without the mobile app, keep these best practices in mind:
Promote Your Stream Ahead of Time
Let your audience know when you’ll be streaming and what you’ll be covering to build anticipation. Send event invites, post on your other social media channels, send emails, etc.
Optimize Video and Audio Quality
Use the best cameras and microphones available to you and adjust the encoding settings for your platform to get the highest quality stream possible.
Engage with Viewers Frequently
Greet your audience, answer questions, and react to comments to foster engagement and viewer loyalty during your streams. Appoint someone to monitor comments if you can’t.
Consider Paid Promotion of Your Streams
Use Facebook’s advertising tools to promote your live streams to broader audiences beyond just your current followers for maximum reach.
Reuse Content from Streams
Download your streams and repurpose clips or highlights into shareable social media videos, podcasts, or other on-demand content later. Don’t let them disappear!
Common Questions about Facebook Live Streaming
Still have some outstanding questions about taking your Facebook Live game to the next level? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Is Facebook Live streaming free?
Yes, Facebook provides the ability to live stream for free to your followers without any limits. You don’t need a paid account to go live.
Can I go live on a Facebook Page without admin rights?
No, only admins of a Facebook Page can initiate live streams from that Page. However, admins can add you as a streamer to bring you into their broadcasts on a Page.
Is there a limit to Facebook Live stream length?
No, Facebook doesn’t impose a limit on how long your live streams can run. You can stream for as long or short as you like.
Can I connect multiple cameras to a stream?
Yes, with multi-camera capable encoder software like OBS Studio or Wirecast, you can seamlessly switch between different cameras and angles in a single stream.
How do I add graphics and overlays to my Facebook Live?
Encoder programs like Streamyard allow you to easily add customizable overlays, lower thirds, logos, images, text, and other graphics to your live stream.
Conclusion
While Facebook Live helps you easily broadcast video to your followers right from the mobile app, you’re limited in stream quality and customization options. Streamlining your workflow with multi-camera desktop encoders, dedicated hardware, and third-party mobile apps allows you to take your Facebook streams to the next level.
With the proper gear, setup, promotion tactics, and best practices, you can unlock professional live video capabilities without the Facebook mobile app. This gives you the power to live stream truly engaging content from any source imaginable right to your audience on Facebook. The possibilities are endless!