If you are experiencing lag or buffering issues when broadcasting Facebook Live videos, there are a few potential causes and solutions to try. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the most common reasons for Facebook Live lag and how to fix them.
Quick Overview of Main Causes
Before diving into more detail, here is a quick overview of the most common culprits behind Facebook Live video lag:
- Weak internet connection or limited bandwidth
- Using WiFi instead of ethernet
- Too many apps or programs running in the background
- Outdated app or encoder software
- Overloaded servers on Facebook’s end
- Streaming at too high video resolution
- Hardware limitations on your streaming device
The solutions involve optimizing your internet connection, closing unnecessary apps, updating software, lowering video resolution, and in some cases, upgrading hardware. We’ll expand on each of these factors more below.
Internet Connection Bandwidth and Speed
The most common factor impacting Facebook Live streaming quality is your internet connection. To stream smoothly, you need a relatively fast and stable upload speed.
Here are some bandwidth requirements and recommendations for streaming:
- Minimum of 3 Mbps upload speed for SD quality
- 5+ Mbps upload for 720p HD streaming
- 10+ Mbps upload for 1080p Full HD streaming
- Aim for at least 15-20% above the minimums for best results
So if you are streaming at 1080p resolution, you’ll want an upload speed of at least 12-15 Mbps to maintain quality. If your upload speed dips below the thresholds periodically, it can lead to lag, pixelation and other issues.
You can test your internet speeds at Speedtest.net to get your actual upload and download rates. If your speeds are below the recommended levels, try the following fixes:
- Use a wired ethernet connection instead of WiFi
- Upgrade your internet plan if available
- Limit bandwidth-intensive activities from other devices on your network
- If using a mobile hotspot, move closer to the source and reduce interference
- Contact your ISP if you are not getting your advertised internet speeds
A fast, stable wired connection is ideal for live streaming. But if WiFi is your only option, try moving your device closer to the router source. Limit bandwidth usage from other devices, and turn off any VPN connections during your stream.
Using too many Apps and Browser Tabs
Another potential cause of lag is having too many apps and browser tabs running in the background while streaming. Each app and open tab consumes some of your device’s CPU, RAM and bandwidth resources. Some common culprits include:
- Multiple browser tabs and windows open
- Social media tabs and apps open (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc)
- Video and music streaming apps (YouTube, Spotify, etc)
- Video conferencing apps (Zoom, Skype, etc)
- Resource-intensive programs and games
Try closing out all unnecessary apps and browser tabs before going live. Leave open only the bare minimum programs needed for streaming. This prevents them from hogging system resources and bandwidth.
One exception – you may want to keep the Facebook app or Facebook.com open if you are streaming directly from your phone. But close all other Facebook tabs to devote max bandwidth to your live video.
Updating Facebook and Encoder Software
Using outdated software versions can also cause performance issues. Make sure to keep the Facebook app updated on your mobile device, along with your operating system.
If streaming from a desktop, update your browser and any encoder software you use. Popular encoding programs include OBS Studio, Streamlabs OBS, Wirecast, and XSplit. Install their latest versions before your next stream.
Updating eliminates bugs that may cause lag while streaming. It also ensures compatibility with Facebook’s servers.
Facebook Server Issues
In some cases, the source of live streaming lag is actually on Facebook’s end. Heavy traffic and overloaded servers can interfere with broadcast quality. When their systems are bogged down, video latency and buffering tends to increase across the platform.
Not much can be done when Facebook is having server problems themselves. Check their System Status page and Down Detector to see if others are reporting widespread issues:
If so, it’s best to just wait and try streaming another time when their systems are stable. Severe outages are not common.
Video Resolution Settings
Streaming video at very high resolutions like 4K places a heavy burden on your internet connection, hardware, and Facebook’s infrastructure. Scaling back your resolution settings can improve streaming performance.
Here are some recommendations based on your use case:
| Use Case | Recommended Resolution |
|---|---|
| Mobile streaming | 720p HD or lower |
| Desktop streaming, basic hardware | 720p HD |
| Desktop streaming, high-end hardware | 1080p Full HD |
| Concerned about mobile data usage | 480p SD |
Keep in mind your upload speeds as covered earlier. There’s no benefit streaming 1080p video if your connection can only handle 720p. And lower resolutions like 480p work well for mobile data conservation.
Adjust encoder settings before going live to optimize resolution. Scaling back to 720p or 480p is an easy fix to try if you’re experiencing pixelation or stuttering.
Hardware Limitations
For desktop streaming, your computer hardware can impact video quality. Streaming at HD resolutions demands a lot from the CPU, GPU, RAM and other components. An older or low-powered machine may struggle.
Make sure to close other intensive programs before streaming from a PC. If issues persist, consider upgrading components like the CPU, GPU, RAM and storage drive. Faster components reduce encoding times and keep frames smooth.
For mobile, an older device may lag due to hardware restrictions. Using Low Power Mode on iPhones can also cause choppiness. Make sure power mode is off before streaming from your phone.
Testing Stream Quality Before Going Live
Once you’ve gone through all possible fixes, test your setup before going live. Use the “Go Live” button in the Facebook app, but cancel before actually publishing. This pre-checks your stream integrity without making it public.
If the preview is smooth with no lag or pixelation, you’re good to go live officially. If the test stream exhibits issues, restart the optimization process.
Conclusion
Fixing Facebook Live lag requires optimizing your internet connection, system resources, encoder settings and potentially hardware. Start by reviewing recommended bitrates and minimizing app usage. Update software and scale back resolution if needed. Check for issues on Facebook’s end as well. With the proper adjustments, you can get smooth, high-quality broadcasts.