Facebook Live is a feature on Facebook that allows users to broadcast live video streams to their followers. Since it was introduced in 2016, Facebook Live has become an extremely popular way for individuals, businesses, organizations and public figures to share live content with their audiences.
One of the great things about Facebook Live is that it’s built right into Facebook – so anyone with a Facebook account and the Facebook app can go live. However, many users want to be able to record their Facebook Live broadcasts so they can download and share or re-use the videos after they are finished streaming live.
Can You Record Facebook Live Videos Natively?
Unfortunately, Facebook does not have a built-in way to record your Facebook Live videos directly within the Facebook app. Once your live broadcast ends, the video disappears from your Timeline unless you choose to “Save” it. However, saving a Facebook Live video only saves it as a separate post on your Timeline – it does not actually allow you to download the full video file to your device.
So in order to fully record and download your Facebook Live streams, you need to use a third party app or software solution.
What Are Some Apps for Recording Facebook Live Videos?
Here are some of the top options for apps that allow you to record your Facebook Lives:
AZ Screen Recorder
AZ Screen Recorder is a popular screen recording app for Android devices that makes it easy to record your Facebook Live broadcasts. To use it:
- Download and install AZ Screen Recorder from the Google Play Store
- Open the app and enable permissions to display over other apps and record screen content
- Start your Facebook Live broadcast as usual from the Facebook app
- Open AZ Screen Recorder and select the red “Record” button
- A three second countdown will start, then AZ Screen Recorder will begin recording your Facebook Live
- When you finish your live stream, stop the recording in AZ Screen Recorder
- Your recorded video will be saved to your device’s storage
AZ Screen Recorder lets you record in high quality HD, and offers options like enabling front or rear facing camera overlays while recording. It’s free to use with optional in-app upgrades.
DU Recorder
DU Recorder is another free Android app that can be used to record Facebook Live videos. The steps to use it are very similar:
- Get DU Recorder from the Google Play Store
- Launch the app and allow the required permissions
- Go live on Facebook as usual
- Open DU Recorder and tap the red record button
- Countdown will start and recording will begin
- Stop recording when live stream ends
- Video will be saved to your device storage
DU Recorder also lets you enable options like a front-facing camera overlay, resolution settings, and more. The free version displays a watermark, but you can remove it with an in-app purchase.
Apowersoft iPhone/Android Recorder
Apowersoft offers recorder apps for both iPhone and Android. These apps allow you to record your phone’s screen, including Facebook Live streams.
To use Apowersoft to record Facebook Live on iPhone:
- Download and install Apowersoft from the App Store
- Open Apowersoft and allow required permissions
- Tap the red record button when ready
- Launch the Facebook app and start your live stream as normal
- Apowersoft will record your Facebook Live in the background
- Tap the stop button when finished
- The video will be saved to your iPhone’s camera roll
The Android version works the same way – download from Google Play Store, open the app, start recording, go live on Facebook, stop recording when done. Recorded videos are saved internally.
OBS Studio
OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) Studio is a free and open source screen recording program for Windows, Mac and Linux. It’s popular among gamers for recording gameplay footage, but can also be used to record Facebook Live:
- Download and install OBS Studio on your computer
- Open OBS and add a new Source – select Display Capture
- In the Display Capture properties, select the window that shows your Facebook Live broadcast
- Click Start Recording before you go live on Facebook
- When finished, click Stop Recording in OBS Studio
- Your video will be saved to your designated recordings folder
OBS Studio provides lots of advanced recording options like adding overlays, switching between multiple video and audio sources, and live streaming to platforms like YouTube and Twitch.
Other Facebook Live Recording Tools
Here are a few other options for recording Facebook Live sessions:
QuickTime Player (Mac)
On Mac computers, you can use the built-in QuickTime Player app to record your screen. Open QuickTime Player, click File > New Screen Recording, then select the Facebook window as your video source before going live. When finished, stop the recording and save the video file.
VLC Media Player
The popular VLC Media Player has a free screen recording feature built in. On Windows and Mac, open VLC, go to Media > Open Capture Device, select your display, then start recording. Launch your Facebook Live, stop VLC recording when done, and save the video.
Streamlabs OBS
Streamlabs OBS is a free streaming and recording program based on OBS Studio. Install it on your Windows or Mac computer, add a Display Capture source for your Facebook Live window, then click Start Recording before you go live. Stop recording when finished.
Screencast-O-Matic
Screencast-O-Matic is a simple web-based screen recorder. Use the free version to record 15 minute Facebook Live sessions. Just start your recording, launch Facebook Live, stop recording when done, then save your video.
How to Record Facebook Live on Your Computer
In addition to mobile apps, you can also record Facebook Live sessions directly on your Windows or Mac computer using some built-in tools and third party software:
Windows Game Bar
Windows 10 and 11 have a built-in “Game Bar” that provides screen recording capabilities. Open the Game Bar (Win + G), click the red dot icon to start recording, launch Facebook Live, then stop recording when finished. Your video will save to Videos > Captures.
QuickTime Player (Mac)
As mentioned above, QuickTime Player on Mac provides a simple way to record your screen. With Facebook Live open, click File > New Screen Recording in QuickTime Player. When your live stream ends, stop the recording. You can then save or export the video.
OBS Studio
Also covered earlier – OBS Studio is a popular free screen recorder for Windows, Mac and Linux. Add your Facebook Live display as a Source, click Start Recording, go live on Facebook, then stop recording when done.
FlashBack Express
FlashBack Express is a free screen recorder for Windows and Mac. Install it, open the app, configure your recording, then click Record. Launch your Facebook Live, stop recording when finished, then export the video.
How to Record Facebook Live on Your Phone
In many cases you’ll want to record your Facebook Live videos directly from your mobile device. Here are the best app options for recording Facebook Live on your iPhone or Android phone:
AZ Screen Recorder (Android)
As covered earlier, AZ Screen Recorder is a great free option for Android. Get it from the Google Play Store, enable permissions, tap record, open Facebook and go live, then stop recording when done. Videos save internally.
DU Recorder (Android)
Also mentioned previously, DU Recorder is another solid free screen recording app for Android. Similar process – install, allow permissions, open DU Recorder, tap record, start Facebook Live, stop recording when your stream ends. Video will be saved.
Apowersoft iPhone Recorder
To record Facebook Live videos on iPhone, Apowersoft iPhone Recorder is one of the top options. Download from the App Store, allow permissions, tap the record button, then open Facebook and go live. Stop recording when you finish your live stream.
Omlet Arcade
Omlet Arcade is a free IOS app originally designed for gaming, but which can record your device’s screen, including Facebook Live sessions. Download the app, allow permissions, tap Start Recording, open Facebook and broadcast live, then stop recording when done.
Tips for Recording Facebook Live
Here are some tips to help you get the best recordings of your Facebook Live videos:
- Test your setup first – do a quick test broadcast and recording to ensure everything works before your real event.
- Close other apps – close any unnecessary apps and tabs to maximize device performance during recording.
- Charge your battery – low battery during a Facebook Live can cause technical issues, so charge up to 100% beforehand.
- Enable Airplane Mode – turning on Airplane Mode can improve stability by avoiding interruptions during recording.
- Check your network – use strong WiFi or switch to mobile data if your WiFi is spotty to prevent dropouts.
- Frame your shot – position the camera effectively and check your backdrop to present yourself professionally.
- Use a tripod or stabilizer – this keeps your camera steady and video jitter-free.
- Monitor lighting – avoid harsh backlighting and use soft, diffuse light sources for the most flattering look.
- Pin your video – tap the “Pin” icon so your video remains visible as viewers scroll.
- Promote your stream – let your audience know about your upcoming Facebook Live in advance so more people tune in live.
Conclusion
Recording your Facebook Live streams takes just a few simple steps – download a screen recording app like AZ Screen Recorder or DU Recorder on Android, or use built-in tools like QuickTime on Mac or the Game Bar in Windows 10/11. With a reliable recording app, you can save, edit and repurpose your Facebook Live videos effectively.
Focus on creating compelling content, publicizing your broadcasts, and interacting with viewers in real time. With the help of the various apps and programs covered above, you don’t have to worry about missing or losing your Facebook Live recordings – you’ll be able to save every stream for future use. Just remember to let your viewers know you will be recording for your records.
Now you have all the information you need to choose the best recording options and confidently create engaging Facebook Live content that your audiences will love watching both live and after the streams end. So download one of these handy apps, start recording, and take your Facebook Live videos to the next level!