Facebook Live is a live video streaming feature that allows users to broadcast live video to their Facebook followers in real-time. It enables users to share moments with their friends and followers as they happen via their News Feed or profile. Facebook launched this feature in 2016.
How does Facebook Live work?
Facebook Live allows users to stream video in real-time to their followers. The user simply opens the Facebook app on their mobile device, taps the “Live” option, gives the broadcast a title, and goes live. Viewers are notified when someone they follow starts a live broadcast. They can then watch it by scrolling through their News Feed or going to that user’s profile page. Viewers can also comment and react to the live video in real-time.
The video being broadcast is not stored anywhere unless the user chooses to save it. A live broadcast can last up to 4 hours. Once the broadcast ends, a video of the recording is saved to the user’s Timeline by default. The user can then choose to delete it, share it as a post, or let it remain available for replay.
What can be live streamed on Facebook?
Facebook Live can be used to stream all kinds of real-time content to your followers. Here are some examples of what people commonly use it for:
- Live broadcasts of events, performances, conferences etc.
- Behind-the-scenes footage or updates
- Announcements and updates to followers
- “Ask Me Anything” Q&A sessions
- Vlogs, tutorials, recipes etc.
- Streaming gaming sessions
- Reporting live from interesting locations
- Sharing breaking news
Essentially any video content that is happening live can be streamed on Facebook. It provides an easy way to share engaging real-time video.
Who can use Facebook Live?
The Facebook Live feature is available to all profiles and pages on Facebook. To go live from your personal profile, you need:
- An account on Facebook
- The most updated version of the Facebook mobile app
To broadcast live video from a Facebook Page, you need:
- Admin access to a Facebook Page
- The updated Facebook mobile app
- At least 30 followers/fans on your Page
Users under the age of 18 need permission from a parent or guardian to go live. There are also some limitations and Community Standards that apply to live broadcasts on Facebook to maintain safety and prevent abuse.
Why do people use Facebook Live?
There are several key reasons why users and brands leverage Facebook Live for their broadcasts:
- Engagement: Live video generates much higher engagement and interaction than regular pre-recorded video.
- Reach: Live broadcasts can reach huge real-time audiences across Facebook.
- Authenticity: The live, raw nature makes the content seem more authentic and credible.
- Recency: Broadcasting events as they occur makes the content seem more timely and relevant.
- Convenience: Facebook Live provides an easy way to broadcast without professional gear.
In summary, Facebook Live allows people and brands to share compelling video that drives engagement and reaches massive audiences in real-time with just their mobile device.
What are the benefits of Facebook Live?
Using Facebook Live provides several valuable benefits:
- Build stronger connections with your followers by giving them live, exclusive video access.
- Increase reach as live videos often get displayed higher in News Feeds.
- Grow engagement with the high number of comments and reactions that live videos generate.
- Get real-time feedback from viewers through comments and reactions.
- Create more authenticity and trust by broadcasting raw, unedited footage.
- No specialized equipment needed – just use your mobile phone camera.
- Analyze data and insights provided on the performance of live broadcasts.
- Give followers sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes access.
- Ability to post and promote the replay video after the broadcast.
What are some best practices for Facebook Live?
Here are some tips to get the most out of your Facebook Live streams:
- Test your stream setup and internet connection beforehand.
- Use a stable smartphone mount or tripod to avoid shaky footage.
- Pick a compelling broadcast title and description to hook viewers.
- Promote your live stream ahead of time to build anticipation.
- Engage with viewers by responding to comments in real-time.
- Stream from locations where there is a lot happening.
- Have a co-host or guest for important broadcasts.
- Keep streams short and interesting by sticking to key highlights.
- Use Live filters, effects, polls and Q&As to make it more interactive.
What types of content perform best on Facebook Live?
Certain types of video content have been found to achieve greater engagement on Facebook Live:
- Behind-the-scenes: Give viewers exclusive sneak peeks they can’t see anywhere else.
- Q&As: Let followers interact directly by answering their live questions.
- How-to/tutorials: Teach viewers a new skill in real-time.
- Interviews: Feature interesting guests for your audience to hear from.
- Events: Broadcast conferences, performances, launches, etc.
- Videos with kids or animals: Very cute and engaging for audiences.
- Videos shot outside: Show interesting locations and settings.
In general, live streams that are raw, unedited, and give viewers exclusive access perform very well.
What tips make Facebook Live videos more discoverable?
Here are some tips to help more people discover and view your Facebook Live broadcasts:
- Go live consistently at a predictable time to build a viewership.
- Leverage Facebook Ad boosting to expand your reach.
- Promote upcoming live streams on your other social channels.
- Invite friends, influencers and partners to co-stream.
- Embed live streams on your website and blog.
- Share replays and highlights after the broadcast.
- Use SEO keywords and descriptive titles.
- Drive traffic to your live videos from email campaigns.
What tools can you use with Facebook Live?
There are a variety of tools and software options that integrate with Facebook Live to provide additional capabilities:
- Streaming software like OBS Studio, Streamyard, Wirecast allows using professional cameras and multi-source switching.
- Encoder hardware such as Teradek products can connect broadcast cameras to Facebook Live.
- Productivity tools like Streamlabs Chatbot moderates comments.
- Mobile accessories like tripods, lighting, microphones and stabilizers improve video quality.
- Analytics software like TubeBuddy, VidIQ provides data on video performance.
What are some challenges or disadvantages of Facebook Live?
While Facebook Live is very powerful, there are some potential drawbacks to be aware of:
- Technical issues like dropped streams, delays, and poor video quality can frustrate viewers.
- Producing great live video requires practice and preparation.
- You lack editing ability to fix mistakes or polish footage.
- Comments and feedback can be harsh or negative.
- Harder to control the narrative vs edited video.
- Need to promote streams ahead of time to build viewership.
- Can take a toll managing live broadcasts and moderating comments.
How can you make money with Facebook Live?
There are several ways broadcasters can potentially monetize their Facebook Live videos:
- Earn a share of ad revenue from Ad Breaks inserted in long videos.
- Promote your products/services and include affiliate links.
- Boost viewership through Facebook Ad campaigns.
- Use it to grow your audience and build your brand as an influencer.
- Upsell viewers on premium content, memberships, merchandise etc.
- Partner with brands for sponsored content and product placement.
The most significant monetization potential comes from using Facebook Live to engage your audience and convert them into buyers, subscribers or followers.
What is the future outlook for Facebook Live?
Live video continues to see massive growth on social media. We can expect Facebook Live to gain more popularity going forward for the following reasons:
- More public figures, celebrities and mainstream media adopting it.
- Younger generations drawn to the authenticity of live streams.
- Enhancements to video quality, VR technology and interactive features.
- Larger mobile audiences as live video expands to developing markets.
- More brands using it for remote team meetings and corporate events.
- Augmented reality filters and features expanding the possibilities.
- Integration of e-commerce functionalities enabling in-video selling.
Facebook is also making a big push with its Live platform and will likely continue investing heavily in its development. While challenges like content moderation persist, Facebook Live fills a crucial role in connecting people through spontaneous shared experiences.
Conclusion
Facebook Live provides an exciting new medium for people and brands to connect with their audiences in real-time. While producing compelling live content presents challenges, the high engagement potential makes it a valuable marketing tool. As video streaming grows globally, expect to see Facebook Live continue evolving with new features and expanding its reach.