Yes, you can upload a video to Facebook Live. Facebook Live allows users to broadcast live video streams to their Facebook followers in real time. Instead of uploading a pre-recorded video, Facebook Live enables you to share moments as they happen live on Facebook.
There are a few different ways to upload and share live videos on Facebook. You can go live using the Facebook app on your mobile device or by using broadcasting software on your computer. The process is relatively straightforward once you connect your Facebook account.
Prerequisites for Going Live on Facebook
Before you can start broadcasting on Facebook Live, there are a few requirements:
- You must have a Facebook account in good standing. Live videos can only be posted by accounts in good standing that have not violated Facebook’s Community Standards.
- Your Facebook account must be set to public. Private accounts cannot broadcast live videos.
- You must install the latest version of the Facebook app if using your mobile device or have the required broadcasting software on your computer.
- You need a strong internet connection to maintain a quality video stream.
- Facebook suggests using the latest iOS and Android devices for optimal performance.
As long as your account meets these prerequisites, you can start broadcasting live on Facebook. The process differs slightly depending on whether you are using a mobile device or streaming from a computer.
Going Live on Facebook from Your Mobile Device
Uploading live videos directly from your iPhone or Android device is easy with the Facebook app. Just follow these steps:
- Open the Facebook app on your phone.
- Tap on the “Live” option at the top of your News Feed. It appears as a circle with a play arrow icon.
- Tap “Go Live.” You may be prompted to enable camera and microphone access for the Facebook app if you haven’t already.
- Your live video will instantly start broadcasting. The video stream will appear on your timeline and in your followers’ News Feeds.
- Tap “Finish” when you want to end your live video.
Once you are live, you can add filters, enable location tagging, add descriptions, and read incoming comments from viewers. The video will remain viewable on your Facebook timeline even after your live broadcast ends.
Adjusting Settings for Facebook Live
Before starting your live broadcast, you can adjust a few settings:
- Add a description and location tag so viewers know what your video is about.
- Choose who can view your live video – the default is public so anyone can watch.
- Disable comments if you don’t want viewers to interact.
- Select optimal video orientation and turn your camera to landscape or portrait mode.
Adjust these settings as desired to customize your live streaming experience on the Facebook mobile app.
Going Live on Facebook from a Computer
You can also live stream longer, higher quality videos on Facebook from your computer. This requires some additional broadcasting software. Some popular options include:
- OBS Studio – Free and open source software for live streaming.
- Streamlabs OBS – Free streaming software with more features and integrations.
- Wirecast – Paid professional live streaming production software (starts at $49.99/month).
- vMix – Live video mixing software with a monthly subscription (starts at $60/month).
These programs allow you to layer graphics, use multiple cameras, add overlays and more for a professional live stream. Here is an overview of the steps:
- Choose and install a streaming program on your computer.
- Configure your streaming software and connect a camera.
- Log into your Facebook account through the streaming platform.
- Set up your broadcast scene in the software – add cameras, graphics, etc.
- Schedule or start your live event and begin broadcasting.
- Interact with viewers and manage stream settings as it broadcasts live.
- End the live stream when finished.
Streaming software takes more setup but unlocks more customization options for your live videos on Facebook.
Facebook Live Video Requirements
To ensure a smooth streaming experience, Facebook recommends the following setup:
- Use a strong internet connection – upload speeds of at least 3-6 Mbps are ideal.
- 720p camera/webcam or higher quality for best video resolution.
- Use landscape orientation for wider field of view.
- Have proper lighting in room to brighten up video quality.
- Use a microphone for clear audio if broadcasting from a computer.
- Minimize background noise in room.
Following these best practices will provide the best results when live streaming on Facebook. Poor internet connectivity can disrupt and cut off live broadcasts.
Popular Uses for Facebook Live
Now that you know how to use Facebook Live, what types of videos should you broadcast? Here are some popular ways people and brands use Facebook Live:
Behind-the-Scenes and Events
Give your audience insider access to events or a “behind-the-scenes” look at your business or organization. Live video takes viewers right into the action as its happening.
Announcements and Official Statements
Share important announcements, statements or addresses through an official live broadcast. Being live conveys transparency.
Q&As and Interviews
Engage your followers by answering their questions live or interviewing guests. The live comments and reactions make for great interactions.
Tutorials and How-Tos
Educate your audience by showing how to do something live on video. Cooking demos, makeup tutorials, craft projects and DIY videos perform well.
Product Launches and Reviews
Promote a new product, release or service through a live launch event. You can also review and demonstrate products live.
Concerts and Performances
If you are a musician or performer, live stream your concerts, shows and practice sessions for fans around the world.
The interactive nature of Facebook Live makes it highly engaging for viewers. Brainstorm creative ways to use live video to connect with your target audience.
Benefits of Streaming on Facebook Live
Why should you start broadcasting on Facebook Live? Here are some of the main benefits:
- Reaches a Large Audience Instantly – Your live video gets shown to your followers in real time, allowing it to gain huge exposure, especially if it gets shared widely.
- More Engaging Than Recorded Video – Viewers can comment, react and interact in real time, making for a lively discussion. You can respond directly to viewers during the broadcast.
- Appears in News Feed – Facebook Live videos are given high priority in the News Feed so your streams can get a lot of views.
- Builds Authenticity – Being live makes your content seem more authentic, raw and transparent to viewers.
- Flexible and Easy to Use – Facebook Live is free and accessible from both mobile devices and computers with minimal setup.
Leveraging these advantages allows you to connect with bigger audiences in real time. Analyze your performance data after each live broadcast to optimize future streams.
Challenges and Limitations of Facebook Live
While live video provides many benefits, it also comes with some challenges to be aware of:
- Technical Issues – Poor internet connections can disrupt and cut off live streams prematurely.
- Temporary Content – Live videos only persist on your timeline temporarily, unlike permanent posts.
- Less Flexible Editing – No post-production editing is possible with live broadcasts.
- Need Engaging Topics – Coming up with consistently interesting live video topics can be difficult.
- Short Shelf Life – Viewership of live videos tends to be highest for only a short time after your broadcast.
Being aware of these limitations lets you plan around them. Have backup internet options ready in case of disconnects. Also brainstorm engaging topics ahead of time rather than broadcasting randomly.
Facebook Live Video Privacy
As with any content you post on Facebook, it’s important to adjust your privacy settings appropriately for live videos:
- By default, live videos are visible to the public and can be shared by anyone.
- From mobile, tap the audience selector before going live to change who can view your broadcast.
- On desktop streaming software, update privacy settings before starting the event.
- Choose “Friends” or “Only Me” to limit your live broadcast to specific groups.
- Toggle comments on/off to control interactivity with viewers.
- Deleted live videos may still appear in News Feeds until refreshed, so be cautious of content.
Control your privacy as desired to limit any sensitive information being shared through your live streams.
Optimizing Your Facebook Live Videos
Follow these tips to create higher quality, more engaging live videos:
- Test your setup first – check video/audio quality before formally broadcasting.
- Use strong internet connection or hardwired ethernet if possible.
- Make sure lighting is bright, especially if indoors.
- Clean camera lens for best clarity and focus.
- Frame shots correctly: follow rule of thirds, center on key subjects.
- Enable strong microphone audio sources so voice is clear.
- Add graphics and visuals like logo overlays and text banners.
- Engage viewers by responding to live comments and reactions.
- Avoid distracting background noise.
Investing effort into video production quality and presentation pays off through higher viewership, engagement and sharing.
Best Practices When Going Live on Facebook
Below are some top best practices to employ when broadcasting live on Facebook:
Promote Your Live Streams
- Schedule videos ahead of time and promote on your page, in groups and via email.
- Send notifications to followers when going live so they tune in.
- Run ads on Facebook to drive viewership.
Interact With Viewers
- Respond to comments and questions in real time.
- Tag viewers by name to call them out in your broadcast.
- Encourage likes, shares and reactions.
Make It Mobile Friendly
- Keep streams short since mobile viewers’ attention spans are limited.
- Hold phone horizontally for best mobile viewing.
- Add text overlays so critical info is visible on small screens.
Highlight Exclusive Content
- Offer viewers access to inside info they can’t get anywhere else.
- Give “behind-the-scenes” looks at your products, services or team.
- Make announcements and reveal new products/news live first.
Using live video effectively takes experimentation. Analyze your data and refine your approach over time.
Conclusion
Facebook Live provides an exciting way to engage your target audience in real time. While setting up your first live broadcasts may seem intimidating, the process is straightforward once you connect your Facebook account and begin streaming through your phone or computer software.
Use live video to reveal exclusive content, host interactive Q&As, provide behind-the-scenes access and more. Promote your streams, optimize production quality and interact with viewers to maximize reach and engagement. Handle privacy carefully, troubleshoot technical issues and learn from each broadcast to improve.
When done well, streaming on Facebook Live can help you build authentic connections and authority with your niche. Just press “Go Live” and start broadcasting your next video!