Yes, it is possible to put a background on Facebook Live. Facebook Live allows broadcasters to go live and stream video to their followers in real-time. While streaming, there are a few different options for customizing the look of your Facebook Live video with different backgrounds.
Using Facebook Live with the Facebook App
The easiest way to go live on Facebook is directly within the Facebook app on your mobile device. When broadcasting on the Facebook app, you have the option to add frames, filters, and other graphics to your live video.
Here are some ways to add a background on Facebook Live in the Facebook app:
- Frames – Facebook provides a selection of fun frames you can add to your video. Frames put a border around your video in different shapes and styles.
- Filters – Filters change the overall look and feel of your live video by altering the colors and adding graphics overlays.
- Green screen – If you have a green screen set up, you can choose custom backgrounds in the Facebook app that replace the green screen during your broadcast.
Frames and filters are easy to access when you tap the camera icon to start a Live video in the Facebook app. You’ll see options for frames and filters appear across the bottom of the screen before you go live.
Using Third-Party Apps for Facebook Live
In addition to the native Facebook app, there are third-party applications you can use to add backgrounds, graphics, and more customization options to your Facebook Live videos.
Some popular third-party apps that work with Facebook Live include:
- StreamYard – Provides professional overlay graphics and allows you to switch between different video and image backgrounds.
- BeLive – Offers backgrounds, overlays, emoji reactions, and the ability to go live to multiple platforms at once.
- YellowDuck.tv – Features an extensive media library and options like picture-in-picture and split-screen capabilities.
- Wirecast – A robust live production software that lets you incorporate multimedia elements, backgrounds, overlays and more.
These third-party apps give you way more customization options for your Facebook Live streams. They provide high-quality virtual backgrounds and graphics you can dynamically switch to match the content and branding of your live videos.
DIY Backgrounds for Facebook Live
You can also create your own custom backgrounds and effects for Facebook Live without any fancy software or green screens.
Here are some simple DIY ideas you can try:
- Hang a sheet or large piece of colored fabric behind you to create a solid, uniform background.
- Decorate the area behind you with props, signs, banners or anything visually relevant to your video content.
- Mount your phone on a tripod and position it to capture an interesting background in your location.
- Use poster boards or foam boards to construct basic backgrounds and customizable sets.
- Experiment with practical lighting and lamp placement to alter the look and mood of your DIY backdrop.
With a little creativity, you can produce quality backgrounds for your Facebook Live videos without expensive equipment. Try using household items, craft supplies, and inexpensive decor to customize your space.
Facebook Live Video Specs
When creating any kind of background or graphics for Facebook Live, you’ll want to keep the video specifications in mind:
- Minimum resolution is 720p HD
- Aspect ratio should be 9:16 vertical video
- Optimal frame rate is 30fps
- Maximum bitrate recommendation is 4,000 Kbps
- Audio codec support: AAC-LC
Design your background graphics and assets according to these specs for best results. Using the recommended settings will ensure maximum clarity and quality for your Facebook Live streams.
Tools to Create Background Graphics
If you want to create custom overlays, frames, banners, and other graphics for your Facebook Live background, you can use a variety of graphic design and editing tools.
Here are some easy tools for DIY background graphics:
| Tool | Details |
|---|---|
| Canva | Free online graphic design tool with tons of templates and stock media options. Easy to use even without design experience. |
| Adobe Spark | Create free graphics and short videos in minutes with Adobe Spark’s customizable templates. |
| Stencil | Stencil lets you quickly build custom graphics for social media and blogs with drag-and-drop images and text. |
| Snappa | Make graphics for social media, blogs, ads, presentations and more, with a huge selection of free photos and illustrations. |
| BeFunky | A free online creative platform with easy-to-use photo editing and graphic design tools. |
Using these intuitive design apps, you can easily create amazing backgrounds and assets for your Facebook Live videos in just a few clicks.
Optimizing Your Facebook Live Background
Once you’ve decided on a background for your Facebook Live video, make sure to optimize it for the best stream quality and viewing experience.
Tips for optimizing your background:
- Reduce clutter and distractions in the frame so the focus stays on you.
- Make sure your background graphics and text are legible on camera.
- Add lighting to eliminate harsh shadows or glare on the background.
- Choose colors that complement your content and branding.
- Frame up your camera shot to highlight important background elements.
- Preview your background and lighting from the viewer’s perspective.
Checking your background ahead of time will help you spot any issues and adjustments needed to make your graphics and effects look great during your actual live stream.
Choosing Backgrounds Based on Your Goals
The background options for your Facebook Live videos will depend largely on the goals and purpose behind your content and brand strategy.
Consider your target audience and brand messaging when selecting backgrounds. For example:
- A virtual bookshelf or office could establish expertise and authority for a thought leader.
- Branded graphics reinforce brand identity and increase visibility.
- Fun themed frames appeal to younger audiences on social media.
- Neutral backgrounds minimize distractions for tutorials or product demonstrations.
Choose backgrounds that add context, improve branding, and enhance the overall experience for viewers based on what you aim to accomplish with your Facebook Live content.
Examples of Effective Facebook Live Backgrounds
To get ideas for your own Facebook Live backgrounds, take a look at some examples of effective backgrounds from top brands:
- Anthropologie uses stylized floral graphics that match their boho brand aesthetic.
- Gymshark displays their logo and slogans like “Legacy” on virtual backgrounds in their workout videos.
- Martha Stewart opts for solid colors or kitchen backdrops while cooking and crafting.
- NASA incorporates relevant mission photos and space imagery behind astronauts and experts.
- Purina features pets and natural settings when discussing pet care and their products.
Evaluate backgrounds that align with the brand image, content format, and overall vibe companies aim to achieve with their videos.
Integrating Backgrounds into Your Content Plan
Rather than random one-off backgrounds, work backgrounds into your broader content strategy for Facebook Live. Develop a content calendar that incorporates graphics, virtual sets, and themed backdrops paired with relevant topics.
Some ideas to integrate backgrounds into your content planning:
- Tie backgrounds into your content pillars, with graphics to match videos on each of your core topics.
- Use seasonal backgrounds to decorate for holidays, events, campaigns and more.
- Build backgrounds for your different show formats, like interview sets, tutorial zones, branded segments, etc.
- Create a monthly background calendar to schedule different graphics across your videos.
Think through backgrounds early on as you map out your Facebook Live content to help reinforce branding and messaging across each stream.
Background Ideas to Try for Facebook Live
The possibilities are endless when it comes to backgrounds you can use in your Facebook Live videos! Here are some fun and unique ideas to try:
- Relevant location footage – Stream from interesting venues that relate to your niche.
- Stock video clips – Overlay moving video like swirling particles for visual interest.
- Customer submitted photos – Display user-generated images sent in by your audience.
- Topical templates – Tie your background to whatever is currently trending or timely.
- Screenshares and slides – Share your computer screen or graphics for tutorials and presentations.
- Animated text and graphics – Use motion in your background elements to stand out.
- Mascots and props – Add branded items, decor, or costumes to bring your background to life.
Get creative with dynamic, textured, customized backgrounds that elevate your Facebook Live broadcast while supporting your brand and content.
Facebook Live Background Ideas for Businesses
For brands and businesses creating live content, the background offers a prime opportunity to reinforce your brand identity and values visually.
Impactful background options for business live streams include:
- Branded overlays with logos, colors and graphics.
- Relevant imagery like products, office, team, facilities.
- Text quotes that convey your mission and messaging.
- Stock photos that relate to your niche and content.
- Solid colors matching your color scheme and palette.
- Behind-the-scenes looks at company culture and operations.
- Templates for consistent branding across videos.
Business backgrounds should help tell your brand story while remaining professional and polished for audiences.
Facebook Live Background Tips and Tricks
Follow these handy tips and tricks for making the most of backgrounds on your Facebook Live videos:
- Add graphics as PNG images for crisp quality against real environments.
- Change up your backdrop regularly to keep content fresh.
- Use subtle background animations sparingly to avoid distractions.
- Make sure colors contrast well so text and graphics are clearly visible.
- Trim extraneous details with lower thirds and frames around key focal points.
- Use professional lighting and camera angles to get the full impact of your background.
- Remember less is more – don’t overcrowd the frame with too many elements fighting for attention.
With the right background strategies, you can take your Facebook Live videos to the next level visually and creatively!
Conclusion
Customizing the background for your Facebook Live videos is an excellent way to enhance branding, express creativity, and keep viewers engaged. With the native Facebook app, third-party software, DIY options and graphic design tools, there are endless possibilities for creating dynamic backgrounds that work for your brand.
Keep backgrounds purposeful and well-incorporated into your content strategy for the best results. Approach backgrounds thoughtfully and you can use them to maximize the value of your Facebook Live content.
Now get creative and start designing fun, functional backgrounds to make your live videos stand out on social media!