What Facebook Live is and how to start
Facebook Live is a feature that lets you broadcast video to your friends, followers, or the public in real time. When you go live, people see a notification, can watch as you stream, and can comment while you broadcast. The video stays on your profile afterward unless you delete it.
To start a Facebook Live broadcast, open the Facebook app or website, go to your News Feed, and look for the "Live" button. On mobile, it appears in the row of options above where you would write a post (next to Photo/Video). On desktop, click the down arrow next to "Create" and select "Live Video". You'll see options to choose your camera, add a title, and decide who can watch before you go live.
Facebook Live works on both the mobile app and desktop website. The mobile app is usually simpler for broadcasting because it uses your phone's camera and microphone directly. Desktop streaming requires you to have a camera and microphone connected to your computer, or to use third-party streaming software.
Key Takeaways
- Facebook Live broadcasts appear in real time to people you choose — friends only, friends of friends, or public — and stay on your profile as a video afterward.
- You start a live broadcast from the News Feed on mobile or desktop, choose your audience before going live, and can add a title so people know what you're streaming.
- Your phone's camera and microphone work directly on mobile; desktop streaming needs a connected camera or third-party software like OBS.
- People who watch can comment during the broadcast, and you can see their comments in real time while you stream.
- Facebook stores your live video on your profile unless you delete it, and you can read a copy of the broadcast to your computer.
Choosing your audience before you go live
Before you start broadcasting, you decide who sees your live video. Tap or click the audience button (it usually shows a globe, lock, or friends icon) and choose from options like "Public" (anyone on Facebook), "Friends" (only your friends), or "Specific Friends" (a custom list). You can also choose "Only Me" if you want to test the broadcast without anyone watching.
This choice matters because it controls who gets the notification that you're live. If you choose "Public", anyone can find and watch your broadcast. If you choose "Friends", only your friends see the notification and can join. You can change your audience choice after the broadcast ends by adjusting the privacy settings on the video itself.
Keep in mind that even if you set a broadcast to "Friends Only", anyone with the direct link to the video can watch it if you share that link. If you want to prevent sharing, the safest option is to delete the video after the broadcast ends.
What happens to your video after you stop broadcasting
When you end a live broadcast, Facebook automatically saves the video to your profile. It appears in your timeline like a regular video post, with the same audience settings you chose before going live. People who missed the broadcast can watch the recording anytime, and new viewers can still comment on it.
The video stays on your profile until you delete it. You can delete a live broadcast the same way you delete any other post — click the three dots on the video, select "Delete", and confirm. Once deleted, the video is gone from your profile, but Facebook may keep a copy in its servers for a period of time.
If you want to keep a copy of your broadcast on your own computer, Facebook lets you read the video. Go to your profile, find the live video, click the three dots, and select "read Video". This creates an MP4 file you can save and use elsewhere.
Using comments and reactions during a live broadcast
While you're broadcasting, viewers can comment in real time. Their comments appear in a chat-like section on the right side of the screen (on desktop) or below the video (on mobile). You can read comments as they come in, and some broadcasters respond to them during the stream.
Viewers can also use reactions — emoji responses like thumbs up, hearts, or laughing faces — to show they're engaged without typing. These reactions appear as floating icons over the video and disappear after a few seconds. Comments stay visible throughout the broadcast and afterward.
If someone posts a comment you don't want visible, you can delete it or hide it from other viewers. You can also block or restrict a person so their comments don't appear on your future broadcasts. These moderation tools are in the comment section itself — look for the three dots next to a comment to see your options.
Technical requirements for different devices
On a smartphone or tablet, you need the Facebook app (not the mobile website) to broadcast live. Your device's camera and microphone must be working, and you need a stable internet connection — Wi-Fi is more reliable than mobile data for longer broadcasts. The app will ask for permission to use your camera and microphone the first time you go live.
On a desktop or laptop, you can use the Facebook website directly, but you need a camera and microphone connected to your computer. Most laptops have built-in cameras and microphones, so this usually works without extra equipment. If your computer doesn't have a camera, you can buy a USB webcam for under $30.
For higher-quality broadcasts or if you want to stream from a gaming console, streaming software, or other source, you can use third-party streaming software like OBS Studio (free) or Streamlabs OBS. These programs let you customize what appears on screen, add graphics, and stream from sources other than your device's camera. This is more complex and requires some setup, but gives you more control over the broadcast.
Internet connection and bandwidth needs
Facebook Live works on both Wi-Fi and mobile data, but the quality depends on your connection speed. For a smooth broadcast, you need an upload speed of at least 2.5 to 4 megabits per second (Mbps). Most home Wi-Fi networks meet this, but mobile data can be slower and less stable.
If your connection drops during a broadcast, the stream pauses and viewers see a "Connection Lost" message. Once you reconnect, the broadcast resumes. If the connection is very poor, Facebook may end the broadcast automatically.
To check your internet speed, you can use a free tool like Speedtest.net. Look at the "Upload" number — that's what matters for streaming. If your upload speed is below 2.5 Mbps, try moving closer to your Wi-Fi router, or switch to a different network if one is available.
Privacy and data considerations for live broadcasts
When you broadcast live, Facebook collects information about your broadcast — how long it lasted, how many people watched, what device you used, and your location (if you allowed the app to access it). This data helps Facebook show you statistics about your broadcast and is used to improve their services.
People who watch your broadcast can see your name, profile picture, and any information visible on your profile. If you mention personal details during the broadcast, anyone watching can hear them. Unlike a private conversation, a live broadcast is not encrypted, and Facebook can see the content.
If you're concerned about privacy, consider what you say and show on camera before going live. You can also review the audience settings and delete the broadcast afterward if you change your mind. Remember that even deleted videos may be screenshotted or recorded by viewers, so treat a live broadcast as something that could be shared beyond your control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I schedule a Facebook Live broadcast in advance?
Yes. When you click the Live button, you'll see an option to "Schedule Live Video" instead of "Go Live Now". Choose the date and time, add a title and description, and Facebook will notify your audience when the broadcast is about to start. At the scheduled time, you return to that post and click "Go Live" to begin.
What if I want to broadcast from my computer but don't have a camera?
You can buy a USB webcam for $20 to $50, or use your smartphone as a camera by connecting it to your computer with a cable and using third-party software like OBS Studio. Some people also use their phone's camera by propping it up and using the Facebook app directly, which is simpler than connecting it to a computer.
Can people see my location when I go live?
Only if you allow the Facebook app to access your location and you choose to add a location to your broadcast. You can disable location access in your phone's settings, or straightforward not add a location when you start the broadcast. Your location is not shared by default.
What happens if someone records my live broadcast?
Facebook doesn't prevent viewers from recording your broadcast, and you have no way to stop them. Treat anything you say or show on camera as something that could be recorded and shared. If you're concerned about this, keep personal information private and consider what you're comfortable with being recorded.
Can I edit my live video after the broadcast ends?
You can't edit the video itself, but you can change the title, description, and privacy settings after the broadcast. You can also add a thumbnail image to make the video stand out in your profile. To make changes, click the three dots on the video and select "Edit Post".