Facebook Live is a feature on Facebook that allows users to broadcast live video streams to their followers. To stream to Facebook Live, you need some kind of streaming software or encoder that can take the video and audio input from a camera or other source and encode it into a stream that Facebook can ingest.
What are the requirements for streaming to Facebook Live?
Facebook has some minimum technical requirements that your streaming software needs to meet in order to broadcast to Facebook Live:
- Video codec: H.264
- Video bitrate: At least 600 kbps
- Video resolution: At least 360p
- Audio codec: AAC
- Audio bitrate: 128 kbps
As long as your streaming software or hardware encoder can output video that meets these specifications, it should be compatible for going live on Facebook.
What are some popular streaming software options?
There are many streaming software solutions available to stream to Facebook Live both for desktop computers and mobile devices. Here are some of the most popular options:
Desktop Streaming Software
- OBS Studio – OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) is one of the most popular free and open source software options for live streaming. It works on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
- Streamlabs OBS – Streamlabs OBS is a free streaming software based on OBS Studio but with added features for integration with Streamlabs and YouTube/Facebook Live.
- XSplit Broadcaster – XSplit is a paid live streaming software with advanced options like chroma keying, multi-scene switching, and built-in support for Facebook Live.
- Wirecast – Wirecast is professional live video switching, production, and encoding software from Telestream. It costs $599 for the standard version.
Mobile Streaming Software
- Facebook Live Producer – The official Facebook Live Producer app allows you to stream from iOS devices using multiple camera and audio sources.
- Streamlabs Mobile – Streamlabs mobile app makes it easy to go live on Facebook from your Android or iOS device.
- Larix Broadcaster – Larix is a popular paid mobile streaming app for iOS and Android.
- Switcher Studio – Switcher Studio is a multicamera live streaming production app for mobile and desktop.
What features should you look for in streaming software?
When choosing streaming software for Facebook Live, here are some key features to consider:
- Facebook Live integration – The ability to directly connect and stream to your Facebook account.
- Multiple video/audio sources – Software that allows you to switch between different cameras, video files, audio sources, etc.
- Scene switching – The ability to preset different scenes and switch between them during the live stream.
- Overlays and graphics – Options for adding overlays like logos, text, images and visual effects to your video stream.
- Virtual camera output – This allows using the streaming software as a video input for other apps like Zoom, Teams, etc.
- Video recording – Recording your live stream locally in case you want to download and edit it later.
- Mobile compatibility – Apps optimized for live streaming from iOS or Android devices.
Consider which features are most important for the type of content you want to stream on Facebook Live when selecting streaming software.
What are the best free options for streaming to Facebook Live?
If you don’t want to spend any money on streaming software, here are a few of the best free options:
OBS Studio
OBS Studio is the most fully-featured free streaming software available. It can capture desktop audio and video plus external video and audio sources. You can add overlays, switch between scenes, and configure advanced audio mixing in OBS Studio. It connects directly to Facebook Live for free streaming.
Streamlabs OBS
Streamlabs OBS is based on OBS Studio but adds integration options specifically for streaming to YouTube Live and Facebook Live. It includes themes, widgets, tips, chatbot integration and cloud storage for streams.
Facebook Live Producer
The official Facebook Live Producer app allows streaming from iOS devices. You can switch between multiple cameras and add overlays within the app before streaming to Facebook.
Streamlabs Mobile
Streamlabs Mobile makes it easy to go live on Facebook or YouTube from iOS and Android devices. It includes options for overlays, multi-camera switching, and streaming from the phone camera or screen.
What paid options work well for professional Facebook Live streaming?
For more professional, high-quality live streams, some paid options to consider include:
Wirecast
Wirecast from Telestream is considered one of the best professional live production and streaming tools. It offers multi-camera capture and switching, built-in virtual sets, professional overlays, and direct integration with Facebook Live. Plans start at $599.
vMix
vMix is a live video production and streaming software with advanced integration options for Facebook Live streams. The pro version supports up to 4K streaming, chroma keying, instant replay and more. vMix starts at $60 for the basic version.
Switcher Studio
Switcher Studio is optimized specifically for multicamera streaming from mobile devices. You can stream up to 4 mobile camera feeds at once while mixing in other media and graphics sources. Plans start at $20/month.
Larix Broadcaster
Larix Broadcaster is a popular mobile streaming app for high-quality streams from iOS and Android devices. It has options for multi-camera streaming, recording, and extremely low latency streams. Larix costs $20.
What hardware encoders work for Facebook Live?
Instead of streaming from a software app on your computer, you can use a dedicated hardware encoder to stream to Facebook Live. Some options include:
- Blackmagic ATEM Mini
- Epiphan StreamEez
- Magewell Eco Capture
- Teradek Vidiu
- Logitech Mevo Plus
These encoders connect to your camera or video source and encode the signal for streaming directly to Facebook Live. This offloads the encoding process from your computer for better performance and stability.
Can you go live on Facebook from a webcam?
Yes, you can go live on Facebook just using the webcam on your computer without any additional software. Just go to your Facebook Page or Profile and click the “Live Video” button to start broadcasting from your webcam.
However, your streaming options will be very limited using only a webcam. You won’t be able to switch to different scenes or video sources. The video quality also may not be very high depending on your webcam model. Dedicated streaming software gives you many more options, even when using a webcam as one of your video sources.
What internet speed do you need for streaming on Facebook Live?
To maintain a quality video stream on Facebook Live, you need a relatively fast, stable internet connection:
- 1080p streams: 5-8 Mbps upload speed
- 720p streams: 3-5 Mbps upload
- 480p streams: 1-2 Mbps upload
Testing your actual upload speed will determine what video resolution you can reliably stream at. Keep in mind wireless connections may have more variability so a wired Ethernet connection is ideal if possible.
Can you use a DSLR camera for Facebook Live streaming?
You absolutely can use a DSLR camera to stream professional looking content to Facebook Live. You have a few options for connecting your DSLR to streaming software:
- HDMI output – Use a capture card to pass the HDMI feed into your streaming software.
- USB webcam output – Some cameras can output a webcam feed via USB which you can add as a source.
- RTMP – Cameras like the Canon XA11 have IP streaming via RTMP which you can use.
Using a DSLR provides the professional image quality, depth of field, and lens options like using it for normal video recording. With the right capture setup, your audience will see that high quality video when you stream live on Facebook.
What are the best microphones for Facebook Live streaming?
Having high quality audio is just as important as video when streaming live. Here are some of the best microphone options:
- Lapel mic – Clip a lapel mic to your shirt for clear voice pickup.
- Handheld mic – Hold a handheld dynamic mic for flexible audio capture.
- Shotgun mic – Boom or mount a shotgun mic to isolate audio.
- Lavalier mic – Wireless lapel mics allow you to move freely.
- USB mic – Simple plug-and-play USB mics work great for desktop streaming.
- Audio interface – Use an external audio interface for XLR mic and mixing options.
Testing different mics to find one that fits your streaming situation will ensure your live streams sound as good as they look.
Can you use a phone or tablet for streaming on Facebook Live?
You can absolutely stream to Facebook Live directly from your phone or tablet camera. The Facebook Live mobile apps for iOS and Android make it very straightforward to go live from mobile devices.
Things to keep in mind when streaming from your phone:
- Optimize phone settings – Turn off notifications/auto-lock to avoid interruptions.
- Stabilize your shots – Use a tripod or smartphone gimbal for steady video.
- Enhance audio – Use an external mic for better sound quality.
- Manage battery life – Have a portable charger on hand if streaming for a long time.
- Consider an app upgrade – Third party apps like Streamlabs offer more features.
While mobile streaming is very convenient, using a desktop setup typically allows for higher quality video and audio capture and more flexibility.
What are some tips for a professional Facebook Live stream?
Here are some tips to follow in order to produce a polished, professional live stream for Facebook:
- Use a dedicated streaming setup – Have proper equipment like a good camera, audio, lighting, and streaming software or hardware.
- Make graphics and overlays – Show your brand with logos, graphics, animations, etc. included on the stream.
- Monitor your stream – Keep an eye on the broadcast to make sure nothing goes wrong.
- Promote ahead of time – Let your audience know when you’ll be streaming on Facebook.
- Interact with viewers – Engage with live comments and respond in real-time.
- Have a cohost or moderator – Someone who can monitor comments and be a second host.
- Optimize video and audio – Do tests beforehand to configure settings for quality streaming.
Putting in preparation before you go live will help your Facebook streams look smooth, sound great, and keep viewers engaged and watching.
How can you record your Facebook Live stream?
There are a couple options to record your Facebook Live stream locally as you are broadcasting it:
- Streaming software recording – Software like OBS Studio, Wirecast, and others allow live stream recording.
- Capture cards – Using a capture card records the HDMI output from your camera.
- Facebook Live API – Download the stream file from Facebook after your broadcast using the Live Video API.
Recording your stream lets you download and edit it after the fact before uploading it elsewhere. But keep in mind you need the proper authorizations from anyone appearing in your stream.
Can you re-stream a Facebook Live video?
You cannot re-stream an already completed Facebook Live video using streaming software. However, there are a couple options for re-sharing Live videos:
- Download the video – Use the Facebook Live API to download the broadcast video file and re-upload it.
- Share the permalink – Share the unique URL for the completed Live video on your own feed or page.
- Embed the video – Facebook provides embed code to add the Live video to websites.
Just keep in mind that downloading and re-uploading videos requires the proper permissions from the broadcaster and anyone appearing in the video.
Can you live stream copyrighted content on Facebook?
No, according to Facebook’s Rights Manager, you cannot live stream copyrighted material that you do not have explicit rights or permission to broadcast. This includes:
- Music
- Video clips
- TV shows
- Movies
- Paid content
Streaming this type of copyrighted content without authorization could lead to your stream or account being suspended by Facebook.
To safely stream content you don’t own, stick to material licensed through Creative Commons or that you have written permission to use from the copyright holder.
Can you stream on Facebook Live from a desktop without appearing on camera?
Yes, you can stream content on Facebook Live from just your computer screen without your webcam video. To do this:
- Setup your streaming software (like OBS Studio) to capture your computer screen instead of a webcam.
- Disable any webcam video feeds so only your screen is being captured.
- In the Facebook Live Producer panel, mute your camera and microphone.
- Go live on Facebook – viewers will only see your computer screen.
This is useful for tutorials, software demos, screen recordings, and other video content where only your screen is necessary for viewers to see.
Can you add pre-recorded videos in a Facebook Live stream?
Yes, while streaming live on Facebook, you can play local video files and switch between your live camera feed and the pre-recorded videos.
To mix live and pre-recorded content:
- In your streaming software, add your local video files as Media Sources.
- Setup Scenes to switch between your camera feed and the media clips.
- Seamlessly transition between live and pre-recorded by changing Scenes.
This allows you to integrate high quality, pre-produced content into your live stream like intro videos, B-roll footage, etc. Just ensure you have rights to any third party videos.
Conclusion
Streaming software unlocks the full potential of streaming to Facebook Live. While you can go live from the Facebook app, using dedicated software enables multi-source capture, overlays and graphics, high quality audio and video, and professional touches like scene switching. Research both free and paid software options that fit your streaming needs and provide the easiest workflow for Facebook Live broadcasts.