Livestreaming on Facebook Mobile allows you to broadcast live video to your Facebook friends and followers directly from your mobile device. It’s a great way to share moments as they happen or do live Q&As, interviews, presentations, and more.
Livestreaming from your phone is easy and only takes a few taps. All you need is the Facebook app and an internet or mobile data connection. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the full process of going live on Facebook Mobile, from getting set up for your first broadcast to tips for creating engaging livestreams.
Requirements for Livestreaming on Facebook Mobile
To go live from your mobile device, you’ll need:
- The Facebook app for iOS or Android
- An internet connection (WiFi or mobile data)
- A Facebook profile, Page, or Group that you manage
The Facebook app allows any user to livestream, but you can only stream directly to your own Profile, Pages you manage, or Groups you manage. You cannot stream to a friend’s Profile or another Page/Group unless you are an admin.
Your Facebook and mobile device should also be on the latest version available to ensure you have access to all livestreaming features. Update the Facebook app and your device OS before your first broadcast.
How to Set Up for Livestreaming
Before going live, there are a few things you should do to set up your Profile and prepare your live video:
Enable Livestreaming on Your Account
Make sure livestreaming capabilities are enabled on your Facebook account:
- Go to your Profile on the Facebook app
- Tap the three-line Menu icon > Settings & Privacy > Settings
- Scroll down and tap the Allow button next to Live Producer
This turns on livestreaming from your mobile device. If you want to stream from a Page or Group, repeat this in the settings for each.
Check Your Streaming Software
The built-in Facebook livestreaming software works well for basic broadcasts. But for more professional, high-quality streams, you may want to use an external encoder app like Streamlabs or Switcher Studio. Test your chosen software ahead of time to work out any issues.
Get Good Lighting and Audio
Make sure the location you’ll be streaming from is well-lit so viewers can see you clearly. Position yourself near a window or lamp.
Audio is also key. If streaming indoors, pick a quiet spot without too much background noise. Use headphones with a built-in mic for better sound quality.
Let Followers Know You’ll Be Livestreaming
Post on your Profile or Page that you’ll be livestreaming at a specific time. Send invites to friends you want to tune in. Going live is always more fun with an engaged audience ready to watch and comment!
How to Go Live on Facebook Mobile
Once you’ve completed the setup steps, you’re ready to broadcast your live video. Follow these steps:
Open the Facebook App and Tap Live Video
- Launch the Facebook app on your iPhone or Android
- Tap the Live icon at the top of your News Feed. It looks like a video camera.
This opens the livestreaming screen.
Select Your Profile, Page, or Group to Stream To
You’ll now see a list of the Profiles, Pages, and Groups you manage that have livestreaming enabled.
Tap on the one you want to broadcast to. Most people stream to their personal Profile.
Enter a Title and Description
- Enter a title for your live video in the text field
- Optionally add a description with more details about your stream
The title and description will be displayed on your video and News Feed post. Be clear and descriptive to let viewers know what your broadcast is about.
Go Live!
- Tap Go Live
- Your video will count down 5 seconds then start broadcasting live!
You’re now streaming to your audience on Facebook! Keep reading for tips on engaging viewers.
Interacting With Viewers During Livestreams
One of the best parts of livestreaming on Facebook is being able to interact with your viewers in real time. Here are some ways to engage with your audience:
Invite Friends to Join Your Stream
As you broadcast live, you can send invites to friends on Facebook asking them to tune in. Tap the Invite icon and select friends to notify. They’ll get an alert that you’re live and can join with one tap.
Respond to Comments
Viewers can comment on your live video in real-time. Keep an eye on the comment feed and respond to questions or give shoutouts. This creates a two-way conversation with your audience.
Go Live With Friends
Add friends as a guest to your livestream for interviews, Q&As, or joint presentations. Tap the camera icon to bring someone else live into your video.
Pin Commenters to the Top
Engage viewers by pinning their comments so they stay at the top of the comment feed. Tap any comment then “Pin to Top.” This gives more exposure to viewers.
Ending and Sharing Your Livestream
When you’re ready to wrap up your broadcast, here’s how to end and share the video:
Tap Finish to End the Stream
Tap the Finish button in the bottom right corner to stop broadcasting live. This will conclude and post your video.
Share the Link on Your Timeline
Once your livestream ends, you can share a link to the recording on your Profile or Page for people who missed it. Tap Share then choose where to post.
Check Viewer Analytics
In the Facebook app, tap Insights on your live video post to see statistics like number of views, comments, and shares. This helps you gauge your livestream’s performance.
Best Practices for Quality Livestreams
Follow these tips and best practices for creating interesting and engaging livestreams on Facebook Mobile:
- Film horizontally not vertically so the video fills the screen
- Use a phone tripod or stabilizer for steady video
- Add graphics or logos using the Facebook Live filters
- Have good lighting so viewers can see you clearly
- Use headphones to avoid audio feedback and background noise
- Interact with viewers by responding to comments and adding co-hosts
- Promote your stream ahead of time to build an audience
- Keep broadcasts short and interesting, usually under an hour
Put effort into producing quality live content, and your followers will keep coming back for more videos.
Troubleshooting Common Facebook Livestream Issues
While livestreaming on Facebook is usually smooth, you may occasionally run into technical difficulties. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:
Stream Disconnects
If your broadcast cuts out, it’s likely due to a poor internet connection. Make sure you are broadcasting from a location with strong WiFi or LTE coverage. Restarting your livestream often fixesDisconnect issues.
No Audio or Video
Check your device settings to make sure the Facebook app has permission to access your camera and microphone. Re-open the app and restart your livestream.
Can’t Go Live
Your Facebook account needs to have livestreaming enabled. Go to your Profile’s Settings menu and toggle on the “Live Producer” setting. Also check your internet connection.
Live Video Freezing
Choppy or frozen streams are also caused by spotty connections. Change locations or use a device with a stronger antenna. Reduce video resolution in the Facebook Live settings if needed.
Notifications Not Sending
Make sure you have notifications enabled for the Facebook app in your device settings. Check that you tap the Invite button and select friends while broadcasting live. They will then get alerts.
Conclusion
Livestreaming on Facebook Mobile makes it easy to connect with your audience in real time wherever you are. Just launch the Facebook app, tap Go Live, and start engaging with viewers with interactive broadcasts. Use these tips to set up your stream, produce compelling content, troubleshoot issues, and take your livestreams to the next level. Put your personality on display and go live frequently to build a loyal following on Facebook.