Facebook Live allows you to broadcast live video streams to your Facebook followers. While you can go live using the Facebook mobile app on your phone or tablet, you may want to stream from your desktop computer for a more professional setup with better video and audio quality.
Luckily, there are a few different ways to stream Facebook Live from your Mac or PC. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the steps to broadcast live on Facebook using a webcam or external camera connected to your computer.
Prerequisites
Before you can start streaming from your computer to Facebook, you’ll need:
- A Facebook account
- The latest version of the Facebook app or access to Facebook in your web browser
- A webcam or external USB camera connected to your computer
- A wired internet connection (recommended for stable streaming)
Setting up a high quality stream also requires:
- A dedicated graphics card
- At least 8GB of RAM
- A quad core processor
Streaming software can help provide an optimized broadcast, which I’ll cover later in this article.
Method 1: Using the Facebook App
The easiest way to go live from desktop is by using the Facebook app. Here’s how:
- Download and install the Facebook app for Windows or Mac from the official website.
- Log into the Facebook app using your account credentials.
- Click on the “Live Video” icon on the left sidebar.
- A window will pop up showing your webcam feed. Click “Go Live.”
- Your live video will now be broadcasting to your News Feed for your followers to see.
- When you are done, click “Finish” to end your live stream.
The Facebook app provides a barebones streaming experience, allowing you to go live quickly without any setup. But you have limited controls over your video feed.
Method 2: Using OBS Studio
OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is a popular free and open source software for video recording and live streaming. It’s commonly used by professional streamers, but also works great for streaming to Facebook.
Follow these steps to stream to Facebook Live using OBS Studio:
- Download and install OBS Studio on your Windows, Mac, or Linux machine.
- Launch OBS and click on Settings > Stream.
- Select Facebook Live as the streaming service.
- Input your Stream Key. To find this:
– Go to your Facebook Page
– Click on Publishing Tools > Videos > Live
– Click on Get Stream Key and copy the key - Paste the stream key into OBS.
- Under Sources, add your webcam and any other video/image sources you want to include.
- Arrange your sources and scene as desired.
- Click Start Streaming.
- Your OBS feed will now broadcast live to your Facebook page. Click Stop Streaming when you are done.
The advantages of using OBS for Facebook Live include:
- Ability to brand your stream with overlays, banners, etc.
- More control over video and audio settings
- Option to include multiple video sources and switch between scenes
- Streamlabs integration to view chat and alerts while streaming
OBS provides a full production suite for creating professional looking Facebook Live streams.
Method 3: Using a Live Production Switcher
For the highest quality multi-camera streams, consider using a live production switcher like the Blackmagic ATEM Mini.
Steps to set up an ATEM Mini for Facebook Live:
- Connect your webcam, professional cameras, and audio equipment to the ATEM Mini using HDMI or USB cables.
- Plug the ATEM Mini into your computer via USB.
- Launch the ATEM Software Control on your computer.
- Go to the Stream tab and select Facebook Live as the streaming service.
- Input your Facebook Stream Key.
- Open the Live tab to switch between your inputs.
- Click Stream when ready to broadcast your show.
A live production switcher like the ATEM Mini provides:
- Ability to mix multiple professional cameras and audio sources
- Video transitions and graphics overlays
- Advanced audio mixing capabilities
- A physical hardware control panel
This professional grade setup lets you mimic a live TV studio streaming experience on Facebook Live.
Method 4: Using a Mobile Device as a Webcam
If your computer doesn’t have a webcam, you can use your iPhone or Android phone as a webcam for streaming on Facebook Live.
Here’s how to set this up:
- Download the free OBS Camera app on your iOS or Android device.
- On your phone, open the app and select Camera Source.
- Open OBS Studio on your computer.
- Click on the + icon under Sources and select iPhone/iPod Camera.
- Select your iPhone from the Device dropdown.
- Your phone feed will now appear in OBS. Position it on your scene.
- Stream to Facebook Live as covered earlier.
Going live from your phone’s camera allows you to take advantage of features like:
- Multiple high quality built-in cameras on newer iPhones and Androids
- Camera accessories like gimbals, lenses, and tripods
- Easy mobility for streaming on the go
With apps like OBS Camera, you can leverage your phone’s camera capabilities for live streaming on Facebook, even without a webcam.
Streaming Software Options
In addition to OBS Studio, there are some other excellent pieces of streaming software with Facebook integration:
| Software | Platform | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Streamlabs OBS | Windows, Mac | Built-in integration with Streamlabs features like alerts and chat. Very customizable. |
| Wirecast | Windows, Mac | Advanced switching, graphics, playback, and audio mixing tools. |
| vMix | Windows | Modular live production and streaming platform. Lots of bundled tools. |
| Lightstream | Windows, Mac | Cloud-based live streaming studio. Easy multi-source mixing. |
Each streaming software has its own advantages and features. Try out different options to find one that best fits your live production needs.
Tips for Streaming Facebook Live from Computer
Here are some handy tips when streaming Facebook Live from your desktop computer:
- Use a wired Ethernet connection for maximum internet speed and stability.
- Position bright lighting in front of you to ensure proper exposure.
- Reduce background noise by turning off any appliances or using a noise suppressor filter in OBS.
- Interact with viewers by responding to comments as they come in.
- Have a charger handy for your phone in case you need to check comments.
- Prepare bullet points of talking points so you stay on topic.
- Promote your live stream on Facebook ahead of time to build up hype.
- Keep streams short and interesting. People have limited attention spans on Facebook.
Optimizing both your streaming gear and production approach will ensure an engaging, polished looking Facebook Live broadcast from your computer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stream copyrighted content on Facebook Live?
No, Facebook’s policies prohibit posting copyrighted material without permission from the copyright owner. This includes music, TV shows, movies, sports, branded products, etc. Use original content or content you have license or permission to use live when streaming.
Is there a time limit for Facebook Live streams?
As of 2022, Facebook allows unlimited streaming time when broadcasting Live. However, it’s best to keep your streams focused and under one hour unless you have enough engaging content to sustain audience interest.
Can I go live on Facebook without reaching the follower threshold?
In the past Facebook required users to have a minimum number of followers to unlock Facebook Live. However, now all users should be able to live stream regardless of their follower count.
Can I save my Facebook Live broadcasts?
Yes! Once your live stream finishes, the video will be saved to your timeline or page’s videos section automatically. You can then edit, download, or delete the video just like a normal video post.
How do I share my Facebook Live video on other sites?
When your broadcast ends, click on the three dots next to your video to bring up options to download, embed, or share the Facebook Live video. You can then re-upload or embed it anywhere else like YouTube.
Conclusion
Streaming live on Facebook is a powerful way to engage your audience in real time. With the right setup, you can broadcast professional, high-quality video from your desktop PC. The options covered in this guide provide everything you need to get started.
Try out Facebook Live from your computer using the Facebook app, OBS, a live production switcher, or your mobile device as a webcam source. Take advantage of streaming software tools to customize your broadcast. And optimize both your production as well as interaction with viewers.
Going live will make your Facebook content stand out, allow you to better connect with your followers, and open up new creative opportunities for interacting with your audience in real time.