When broadcasting live video on Facebook, there are a few encoder settings you can adjust to improve your stream quality and performance. The encoder settings allow you to configure video and audio parameters like resolution, bitrate, framerate, etc. Here is a quick overview of where you can find the encoder settings when going live on Facebook:
From the Facebook App
If you are broadcasting live video directly from the Facebook mobile app on your iOS or Android device, the encoder settings are limited. You can only choose between Good, Better, and Best quality presets:
- Good – Lower quality but requires less bandwidth
- Better – Improved quality but requires more bandwidth
- Best – Highest quality but requires the most bandwidth
To adjust this setting in the Facebook mobile app:
- Tap the Live button at the bottom of the app screen
- Tap Go Live
- Tap the Gear icon in the bottom left corner
- Select Good, Better, or Best
The mobile app does not currently allow adjusting resolution, framerate, bitrate, etc. You are limited to the three presets.
From Desktop Live Producer/Encoder Software
If you are using desktop streaming software like OBS, Streamlabs, Wirecast, VMix, etc. or a dedicated hardware encoder, you have full control over encoder settings like:
- Video Resolution
- Framerate (FPS)
- Bitrate
- Keyframe Interval
- Encoder Presets
The settings will be available in the output/encoding section of whatever software you use. For example, with OBS Studio on Windows:
- Go to Settings > Output
- In the Streaming section choose Facebook Live
- Click on Output Mode > Advanced
- Select your Encoder (x264, NVENC, etc)
- Configure your Video Bitrate, Keyframe Interval, CPU Usage Preset, Profile, and other parameters
Refer to the documentation of your streaming software on how to access the output settings and encoder configuration.
Recommended Encoder Settings
Here are some recommended encoder settings for streaming to Facebook Live:
Video Resolution
- 1080p (1920×1080) – For highest quality
- 720p (1280×720) – For balancing quality and bandwidth
- 480p (854×480) – For low bandwidth situations
Framerate
- 30fps is recommended in most cases
- 60fps for fast motion gaming/sports streams
Bitrate
| Resolution | Bitrate Range |
|---|---|
| 480p | 1000 – 3000 kbps |
| 720p | 2500 – 6000 kbps |
| 1080p | 4000 – 8000 kbps |
Higher bitrate means better quality but requires more bandwidth. Try to pick a bitrate your viewers’ connections can comfortably handle.
Keyframe Interval
- 2 seconds is recommended for most streams
Encoder Preset
- Faster preset if CPU usage is an issue
- Medium or slower preset for better quality if CPU sufficient
Other Tips
Here are some other tips when configuring encoders for Facebook Live:
- Use CBR (constant bitrate) mode
- Set audio to AAC codec at 96-128 kbps
- Use stereo audio instead of mono
- Test your stream at desired resolution before going live
- Have a strong, reliable internet connection
- Use a wired connection instead of WiFi if possible
Going Live with Encoders
Once you have your encoder configured, here is how to go live:
With OBS
- In OBS, click Start Streaming
- A stream key will appear under the Facebook Live connection settings
- Copy the stream key
- In the Facebook app or Creator Studio, click Go Live
- Paste the stream key when prompted
- Click Go Live to start the broadcast
Hardware Encoders
- Connect the encoder to your camera, computer, etc.
- Configure the streaming settings on the device
- Generate a stream key from the Facebook app or Creator Studio
- Enter the stream key into the hardware encoder
- Start the broadcast from the encoder
Refer to your device instructions for more specific steps on establishing the Facebook connection and initiating the stream.
Troubleshooting
If you run into issues while streaming to Facebook Live, here are some things to check:
- Confirm your stream key is correct
- Check your internet connection speed and stability
- Try adjusting your encoder settings
- Restart any crashing software or devices
- Contact Facebook support if issues persist
With some tweaking and testing, you should be able to dial in encoder settings that provide a reliable, high quality Facebook Live stream!
Conclusion
The encoder settings for Facebook Live streaming can be accessed from desktop streaming software or hardware encoders, and allow full customization of resolution, framerate, bitrate and other parameters. The Facebook mobile app only provides basic quality presets. Recommended settings include 1080p or 720p resolution, 30fps, bitrates from 2500-8000kbps, and keyframe intervals of 2 seconds. Make sure to choose encoder settings suitable for your internet connection and computer capabilities. With the proper configuration, you can achieve high quality, smooth live streams on Facebook.