Facebook Live allows you to broadcast live video to your Facebook friends and followers. It’s an easy way to share moments as they happen in real time. To watch Facebook Live videos, you just need a few basic things:
A Facebook account
To watch Facebook Live, you need to have a Facebook account. If you don’t already have one, you can sign up for free at www.facebook.com or by downloading the Facebook mobile app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure your account is set up and ready to go before trying to watch any live videos.
The Facebook app or website
You can watch Facebook Live videos either through the Facebook website on your computer or through the Facebook mobile app on your smartphone or tablet. The Facebook app is available for both iOS and Android devices. Just search for “Facebook” in your device’s app store.
If you prefer to watch on your computer, simply go to www.facebook.com in any web browser. You’ll need to log into your account to view any content.
A WiFi or mobile data connection
Since Facebook Live videos stream in real time, you’ll need an internet connection to watch them. If you’re on a smartphone, you can watch over your mobile data as long as you don’t exceed your plan’s limits. Connecting over WiFi is best whenever possible since it won’t use any of your plan’s data.
If you’re on a computer, you’ll need access to a WiFi network. Make sure you’re connected before trying to view any live videos. Without an internet connection, the videos won’t load for you.
Up-to-date software
To avoid any issues watching Facebook Live, make sure you have the latest version of the Facebook app or the latest browser version on your computer. The Facebook app regularly releases updates that contain fixes and improvements for Facebook Live.
Outdated browsers on your computer may struggle with smoothly streaming live video. Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge with their newest updates installed are your best options.
Notifications enabled (optional)
While not required, turning on notifications for Facebook can help alert you whenever someone you follow starts broadcasting live. You’ll get a push notification on your device when the broadcast begins.
To enable notifications:
– On the Facebook app, go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Notifications and turn on the option for “Live Videos”
– On desktop, go to Settings & Privacy > Settings > Notifications > Live Videos and turn notifications on
This way you’ll never miss out when one of your connections goes live!
Watching on Mobile
Watching Facebook Live video on your smartphone or tablet using the Facebook mobile app is quick and easy:
1. Open the Facebook app
Launch the Facebook app from your device’s home screen or app drawer. You may need to log into your Facebook account if you aren’t already.
2. Tap the “Live” tab at the bottom
You should see a row of icons at the bottom of the app screen. Tap on the one labeled “Live” – it will have “LIVE” in red text on a square with streaming lines.
3. Browse live videos
You’ll now see a feed of live broadcasts from people and pages you follow. Browse through and pick one you want to watch.
4. Tap on a video to expand it
Once you’ve picked a live video, just tap on it to make it go full screen. The video will start playing instantly so you can watch the live broadcast.
5. Tap comments to see reactions
While watching, you can tap the comments icon to see what other viewers are saying about the broadcast in real time.
You can also react with emojis or type your own thoughts to interact! The broadcaster will see when viewers react during the video.
6. Rotate to landscape for bigger view
If you want the biggest view of the video possible, just rotate your phone sideways to landscape orientation. The video will scale up to fill more of the screen.
Tap back to exit full screen and continue browsing other live videos!
Watching on Desktop
You can also watch Facebook Live videos right from the Facebook website on your computer. Here’s how:
1. Go to www.facebook.com
Open any web browser on your computer and navigate to the Facebook website. Log into your account if you aren’t automatically signed in.
2. Click “Live” in the left sidebar
On the left side of the Facebook site, you should see a sidebar with different options. Click on “Live” to go to the live video feed.
3. Browse live videos
You’ll now see a feed of live broadcasts from people and pages you follow, just like on mobile. Browse and select a video you want to watch.
4. Hover and click the video image
Once you’ve picked a video, hover your mouse over the video still image and click on it. This will expand the video into a larger view.
5. Use the volume and full screen controls
Your video will instantly start playing at full volume. Use the on-screen volume control in the bottom right corner to adjust sound. Click the full screen icon to make the video take up your entire display.
6. See comments and reactions
While the video plays, you can see all the comments and reactions from other viewers in real time on the right side of the video. Add your own thoughts to interact!
Now you know how to watch Facebook Live videos on both mobile and desktop. Following these steps makes tuning into a live broadcast quick and easy. Just open the app or website, find the video you want, and tap or click to start watching!
Finding Live Videos to Watch
Millions of live videos are available at any given time on Facebook. Here are some tips for discovering new and interesting broadcasts to watch:
Follow friends and creators who go live frequently
The best way to ensure you see lots of lives videos in your feed is to follow friends who broadcast live often, as well as creators like celebrities, brands, media outlets, and influencers. Their live videos will show up prominently when you check the Live tab.
Browse personalized recommendations
Facebook’s algorithm will suggest live videos for you based on the types of content you already watch and follow. Check the recommended section on the Live tab for potential videos you’ll like.
Look for the red “Live” indicators
Whenever someone you follow starts broadcasting live, you’ll see a red “Live” indicator on their post. Tap it immediately to jump right into the live stream!
Search for topics or events of interest
Trying searching for relevant terms like “cooking,” “news,” “concerts,” or any topics you want to watch live video of. You’ll see search results of current broadcasts about the subject.
Browse categories and channels
Check sections like Gaming, Music, News, and more to discover popular live videos in specific categories. Follow your favorite channels to always see when they go live.
See notifications when someone you follow broadcasts
As mentioned earlier, turn on notifications for Facebook Live videos to get alerted whenever a connection starts streaming. This ensures you never miss a must-see live moment!
Interacting with Live Videos
The fun of Facebook Live is that it allows you to interact with broadcasts in real time. Here are some ways you can engage:
Comment your reactions and thoughts
You can comment on a live video just like a regular post. The broadcaster will see your comments come in live! Let them know what you think or if you have any questions.
Like or react with emojis
Use Reactions below the video to “like” it or react with applicable emojis like “love,” “haha,” “wow,” “sad,” or “angry” to share your experience. The broadcaster sees reactions in real time too.
Share to a watch party
If you want to watch with friends, you can share the live video to a Watch Party. This lets you sync it to all your chosen friends and react together as you view.
Go split screen with Messenger
On mobile, swipe up from a live video to open Facebook Messenger without exiting the video. Now you can message friends while continuing to watch.
Buy Stars to support creators
Fans can purchase Stars during live videos to support creators they love. The broadcaster then earns a portion of the Stars value as income, at no extra cost to you.
Requirements for Broadcasting
If you want to broadcast your own Facebook Live videos, there are a few minimum requirements:
A Facebook profile or page
To go live, you need an individual Facebook profile or a Facebook Page representing a business, brand, organization, or influencer. Make sure your profile is complete before broadcasting.
The Facebook mobile app
Currently, Facebook Live is only available directly from the Facebook mobile app on iOS and Android devices. You can’t yet broadcast live straight from desktop.
A strong internet connection
You’ll need a solid WiFi or mobile data connection to maintain a quality video stream. For best results, use WiFi whenever possible or broadcast where you have the strongest mobile signal.
Optional: Additional audio/video equipment
While you can broadcast live from just your mobile device, accessories like external mics, lighting, stabilizers, and cameras can improve production value.
Follow community guidelines
Review Facebook’s rules around prohibited content and behavior. Broadcasting inappropriate or harmful content risks suspension or ban.
Ready to reach your audience live? Just open the Facebook app, tap “Live” and start your broadcast! Have fun and engage viewers in real time.
Troubleshooting Live Video Issues
In some cases, you may run into problems watching or broadcasting live video on Facebook. Here is some troubleshooting advice:
Can’t connect to a live video
If you can’t load a live video, the issue is likely on your end with your internet connection. Try troubleshooting steps like:
– Relaunching the Facebook app
– Switching from WiFi to mobile data or vice versa
– Rebooting your router if on WiFi
– Moving closer to your WiFi router
choppy playback and buffering
Choppiness and frequent buffering often also indicate a weak internet connection. Try the same troubleshooting steps above to restore smooth playback. Consider upgrading your internet plan if issues persist.
Error when trying to broadcast
If you get an error trying to start broadcasting, first close and re-open the Facebook app. Also confirm you have a strong internet connection via WiFi or mobile data. There may be a temporary issue with Facebook’s servers. Trying again later often helps.
Poor video or audio quality when broadcasting
To improve quality while streaming live:
– Broadcast from a place with the strongest internet connectivity
– Use optimal camera positioning and settings
– Add extra lighting if video seems dark or grainy
– Consider getting an external microphone for better audio
Notifications not working as expected
Check your notification settings for live videos and make sure they are enabled. On mobile, reinstalling the Facebook app can often fix notification issues.
Conclusion
Facebook Live provides an exciting way to watch and broadcast real-time video to your friends, family, and followers on Facebook. Simply having an account, the app or website, and some form of internet connection is all you need to start watching. Interacting through comments, reactions, and other features makes the experience even more engaging.
Going live yourself is also easy right from your mobile device. With strong connectivity and proper preparation, anyone can share live broadcasts through Facebook. Troubleshoot any playback or streaming issues that arise using the tips above.
With its massive built-in audience, Facebook Live offers a huge opportunity to share moments and connect in real time. Download the app, get set up, and start watching or streaming today!