Live streaming on Facebook is becoming an increasingly popular way for people to earn money online. With over 2 billion monthly active users, Facebook provides a massive potential audience for your live streams. While becoming a successful Facebook live streamer does require consistency, creativity, and some technical know-how, the financial rewards can be well worth the effort.
What is Facebook Live?
Facebook Live allows users to broadcast real-time video to their followers or the public. Live videos appear at the top of followers’ News Feeds and notifications are sent out when you go live. Viewers can comment, react, and interact with you and others watching the live stream in real time.
Facebook Live can be accessed via the Facebook app on mobile or through Facebook.com on the computer. All you need to get started is an internet connection and a phone or webcam.
Ways to Earn Money from Facebook Live
There are several potential ways to monetize your Facebook live streams and earn money from your audience.
1. Native Facebook Monetization
Facebook offers some native monetization options for live streamers who meet eligibility requirements, including:
- Facebook Stars – Viewers can purchase and send virtual stars to show support during your live videos. You earn 1 cent per star received.
- Ad Breaks – You can insert short ads during your videos. Facebook will place these ads and you will earn a 55% revenue share.
- Subscriptions – Fans can pay a monthly fee of $4.99 to get special badges, exclusive content, and more.
- Badges – Viewers can purchase badges during your live streams as another way to show support. You get $0.01 – $0.20 per badge sold.
To be eligible to earn money directly from these Facebook tools, you need at least 10,000 followers and must meet other requirements.
2. Affiliate Marketing
Affiliate marketing allows you to earn commissions promoting other brands and products. This is a great option to monetize live streams without needing millions of followers.
Simply share affiliate links or promo codes for relevant products in your video descriptions or verbally reference them during your broadcasts. For example, a cook could mention the brands of kitchen tools and appliances they use. When viewers purchase through your affiliate links, you get paid.
Popular affiliate programs include Amazon Associates, Shopify, Clickbank, Shareasale, and more.
3. Sponsored Content
You may be able to collaborate with brands who pay you to promote their products or services during your live streams. Give shoutouts to sponsors, use their products on camera, do branded unboxing videos, or create other sponsored content.
The amount you can charge depends on factors like your follower count and average live viewers. Brand deals often pay several hundred to several thousand dollars or more.
4. Paid Channel Memberships
With Facebook paid channel subscriptions, you can offer exclusive content and perks fans can access by paying a monthly membership fee. Fans must pay the fee through your website.
Perks like behind-the-scenes footage, bonus videos, special giveaways, chat rooms, and the ability to play games with you can entice fans to subscribe. You determine the monthly price point, which often ranges from $1 to $20 per month.
5. Donations
The most straightforward option is to simply allow fans to donate directly during live streams. Display your PayPal, Venmo, Cash App or other payment info on screen so viewers can voluntarily send tips.
Graciously thank fans who donate to acknowledge their support. Don’t demand donations, but politely asking for tips if viewers are enjoying your content is reasonable.
6. eCommerce
Selling your own physical or digital products is a lucrative live streaming monetization strategy. You can promote and demonstrate your products during live broadcasts. For example, an artist could paint and sell their work.
Have a clear call-to-action guiding viewers where to buy. You can list your products or online store on screen or in your video descriptions.
Make sure to follow Facebook’s rules regarding promoting and selling products through its platform.
Tips for Earning More Money Live Streaming on Facebook
Follow these tips to maximize your earning potential from Facebook live streaming:
Go Live Consistently
Building a loyal audience that generates reliable income requires regularly scheduled live stream broadcasts. Let fans know when they can expect to watch you live each day or week.
Interact with Viewers
Reading comments and having conversations makes live streams engaging. When viewers feel heard and valued, they are more likely to support you financially.
Choose the Right Streaming Software
A dedicated streaming app like Streamyard provides overlays and tools that make your broadcasts look professional. Going live straight from your phone can seem amateurish.
Multi-stream to Increase Reach
Simultaneously stream to Facebook and other platforms like YouTube and Twitch using multi-streaming software. This expands your potential audience and donations.
Offer Exclusive Experiences
Unique experiences like one-on-one video chats and private messaging can entice fans to pay monthly subscriptions. Offer perks they can’t get just watching free live streams.
Collaborate with Other Creators
Team up with other popular streamers in your niche. Cross-promote each other to tap into new audiences and increase views.
Promoting Your Facebook Live Streams
While live streaming provides instant access to your followers, you still need to promote your broadcasts to attract viewers in the first place.
Leverage Your Existing Platforms
Make announcements about upcoming live streams on your other social media profiles. Share the links where followers can tune in.
Run Targeted Ads
Use Facebook ads to promote your page and live videos to interested users. This can help quickly grow your audience.
Collaborate with Influencers
Getting shoutouts from popular influencers, or even hosting them as guests on your live streams, exposes you to new followers.
Send Notifications
Remind subscribers about your broadcasts with emails, push notifications via mobile apps, and text messages if appropriate. These should provide direct tune-in links.
Go Live Consistently
A regular live stream schedule trains your audience to know when to watch you. They will be less likely to miss the action.
Analyze Metrics
See what days and times result in the most live viewers and highest engagement. Use this to optimize when you broadcast.
Case Studies
Plenty of people have managed to build a full-time income from Facebook live streaming. Here are some real-world examples and case studies.
Michelle Khare
Michelle Khare is a fitness influencer who live streams workout challenges and other fitness content to over 3 million Facebook followers. She brings in over $1 million per year from a mix of native Facebook monetization, brand sponsorships, affiliate promotions, and selling her own branded merchandise.
Ryan Scribner
Entrepreneur Ryan Scribner live streams himself working and creates videos about business. He generates over $75,000 per month between Facebook and YouTube. Scribner monetizes with ads, affiliate marketing, donations, channel memberships, and his own online courses and ebooks.
Kayla Buell
Makeup artist and influencer Kayla Buell transitioned to Facebook live streaming full time in 2016. She uses a multi-platform restreaming service to reach her combined 400,000+ followers. Buell earns money through the native Facebook monetization tools, brand sponsorships, a cosmetics line, and selling merchandise.
Common Concerns
Some common concerns when starting to live stream on Facebook include:
Low Viewer Count
It takes consistency and promotion to build an audience. Don’t get discouraged by low viewer numbers when starting out. With time and effort, you can grow your live stream following.
Technical Issues
Bad connections or equipment problems can disrupt live streams. Use wired internet, test your setup beforehand, and have backup tech. Being prepared prevents most issues.
Trolls
As on any public platform, you may encounter negative commenters. Use Facebook’s moderation tools to delete or report abusive comments. Don’t engage trolls, stay calm, and refocus on your supporters.
Sales Resistance
Some viewers may be reluctant to pay for subscriptions or donations. Make your value proposition clear. Provide consistent value and perks that fans can’t get anywhere else.
Conclusion
Facebook live streaming presents a tremendous opportunity to engage audiences and monetize that engagement. While becoming a full-time streamer requires work, the financial upside can be well worth it.
Leverage native Facebook tools, affiliate promotions, brand sponsorships, ecommerce, fan donations and subscriptions to start earning. With consistent, high-quality, interactive live content, you can build a sustainable income on Facebook.
What tips do you have for earning money from Facebook live streams? Let me know in the comments!