The Facebook Gaming tab allows users to watch, create, and share live gameplay streaming videos on Facebook. This feature was launched in 2018 as a dedicated place on Facebook for gaming content. However, the tab is not enabled by default and users need to manually turn it on to access it.
Why was the Facebook Gaming tab created?
Facebook launched the Gaming tab as a hub for gaming live streams in an effort to compete with other platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming. Live streaming games had become increasingly popular, so Facebook wanted to capitalize on this trend and give gamers a dedicated place to stream on Facebook.
Some key reasons Facebook created the tab include:
- Tap into the lucrative gaming content and live streaming market
- Allow gamers to build communities and follow their favorite streamers
- Give people a new way to interact and engage with Facebook
- Bring more video content into Facebook and increase time spent on site
The Gaming tab gives gamers a place to watch and share live gameplay streams, strengthening Facebook’s value proposition for that audience segment.
How to find the Facebook Gaming tab
The Facebook Gaming tab does not appear by default for all users. You need to manually turn it on to access the tab. Here are the steps to find and enable the Gaming tab on Facebook:
- Open the Facebook app on your mobile device or access Facebook through a desktop browser.
- Tap on the three-line Menu icon in the top right (on mobile) or click on the down arrow icon (on desktop).
- In the menu, look for the “Gaming” tab and tap on it.
- If you don’t see a Gaming tab, tap on “See More” to expand the menu.
- Toggle the switch next to “Gaming” to turn it on.
Once enabled, the Gaming tab will now be visible in your main Facebook navigation bar on both mobile and desktop. You can simply tap or click on it anytime to access gaming live streams.
What you can do in the Gaming tab
The Facebook Gaming tab provides a dedicated space for watching, streaming, and interacting with gaming content. Here are some of the things you can do:
- Watch livestreams of games from creators around the world
- Discover and follow your favorite gaming creators and streamers
- Interact with streamers and participate in chats in real-time
- Get notified when creators you follow go live or post new videos
- Stream your own live gameplay with the Facebook Gaming app
- Explore gaming groups to join gaming communities
- Check out gaming videos on demand from streamers and creators
The tab is personalized based on the gaming content you engage with. The more you interact, the better it tailors recommendations and notifications to match your interests.
Is the Gaming tab available on desktop?
Yes, the Facebook Gaming tab is available both on mobile devices through the Facebook app and on desktop through the browser-based Facebook site. The steps to find and enable it are the same:
- Click the down arrow at the top to open the menu.
- Look for the “Gaming” tab and click to turn on the toggle.
Once enabled, the Gaming tab will appear in your top navigation bar. You can access the same features as you would on mobile, like watching streams, following creators, and interacting with the gaming community.
Is the Gaming tab available on all mobile devices?
The Facebook Gaming tab should be available on most modern iOS and Android mobile devices that can run the latest version of the Facebook mobile app. This includes:
- iPhone models iPhone 6 and newer running iOS 10+
- Android phones running Android 5.0+
- iPads running iOS 10+
- Android tablets running Android 6.0+
If you have an older or unsupported device that can’t update to the newest Facebook app, the Gaming tab may not be available. It also requires you to be running the latest version of the app.
Facebook states the minimum requirements are:
- iOS version 10+
- Android version 5.0+
So as long as you have a supported device and have updated to the current version of the Facebook app from your device’s app store, you should be able to access the tab.
Troubleshooting if you can’t find the Gaming tab
If you’re on a supported device but still can’t find the Gaming tab in your Facebook app, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- Close and restart the Facebook app
- Check that your Facebook app is fully updated
- Update your device’s operating system to the latest version
- Clear the cache and data for the Facebook app
- Reinstall the Facebook app
- Log out then back into your Facebook account
Doing these steps should resolve any bugs or issues that may be preventing the tab from appearing. If it is still not showing up, you can contact Facebook support for additional help.
Is the Facebook Gaming tab available globally?
The Facebook Gaming tab first launched in select countries in 2018, but has since expanded globally. As of 2022, it should be available worldwide in most countries and regions where Facebook is accessible, including:
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
- United Kingdom
- Europe
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Asia Pacific
- Middle East
- Africa
- South America
There are a few exceptions where political reasons may block Facebook and the Gaming tab. But other than that, it can be accessed and enabled in most places.
Gaming content availability may vary region to region based on creator popularity. But you can stream and share your own gameplay worldwide.
Can pages use the Gaming tab?
Yes, Facebook pages can utilize the Gaming tab as well. Game developers, esports organizations, influencers, and other gaming-related pages can live stream content through the tab to reach their audience.
To set up streaming on a Facebook page:
- Navigate to the Gaming tab and click “Go Live”
- Select the page you want to stream from
- Follow the setup prompts to connect streaming software/hardware
- Customize stream title, description, thumbnail, and visibility
- Click “Go Live” when ready to start streaming
This allows pages to tap into the built-in gaming audience on Facebook. Fans who follow the page will be notified when new streams begin.
What games are popular to stream on Facebook?
Some of the most popular games streamed on Facebook include:
| Game | Genre |
|---|---|
| PUBG Mobile | Battle Royale |
| Mobile Legends | MOBA |
| League of Legends | MOBA |
| Free Fire | Battle Royale |
| Call of Duty | Shooter |
| Grand Theft Auto V | Open World |
| Valorant | Tactical Shooter |
| Minecraft | Sandbox |
In general, popular mobile battle royales, MOBAs, shooters, open world, and sandbox games tend to attract the most viewership on Facebook gaming streams. The platform is especially popular for streaming mobile games.
Are there restrictions on gaming content?
Facebook does enforce certain content guidelines and restrictions when it comes to gaming content and live streaming. Some things to keep in mind include:
- No nudity, sexual content, graphic violence, or illegal content
- No copyright infringing activity like streaming pirated games
- No hacking, modding, or cheating tutorials
- No streaming content from other platforms without permission
- No minors streaming without guardian consent
- Must have gaming-related content, not just a static camera
Violating the rules can result in stream termination and account restrictions. Make sure to stream gaming content safely and responsibly.
Can I make money on Facebook gaming?
Yes, there are a few ways streamers can monetize their Facebook gaming content, including:
- Facebook Stars – viewers can purchase and donate Stars during streams as a tip
- Ad revenue sharing – if you are in the Level Up program, you earn a cut of ad revenue from your streams
- Subscriptions – fans can pay a monthly fee for exclusive perks and content
- Fan support – streamers can link external sites for direct donations/tips
- Sponsorships – you can partner with brands relevant to your audience
- Merchandise sales – sell your own shirts, hats, mugs, etc. to loyal fans
The more popular your streams, the more potential to turn your gaming passion into a source of revenue on Facebook.
Conclusion
The Facebook Gaming tab provides a dedicated hub to engage with gaming content and creators on the platform. While not automatically enabled, finding and turning on the tab via the steps outlined allows you to unlock a world of gaming live streams.
With the ability to watch top streamers, go live yourself, join gaming groups, and potentially monetize your passion, the tab delivers a robust gaming-focused experience within Facebook. It reflects the social network’s investment into the booming live streaming and gaming market.
So unlock the tab, dive into some streams, and level up your gaming experience on Facebook today!