Since launching in 2015, Facebook Live has exploded in popularity. And now that you can use video conferencing software providers such as Zoom to broadcast live to Facebook, there are even more ways to reach your community.
Today, Facebook Live videos get six times more interactions than regular Facebook videos, with Facebook Live now comprising 20 percent of all video content on the platform. And since Facebook's new algorithm will now rank these types of posts higher in the News Feed, those stats will only continue to rise.
Facebook Live is a great way for your nonprofit to directly engage with your followers and share your mission with new ones. Plus, it's surprisingly easy to use. After reading this post, you'll be able to broadcast a Facebook Live event of your own.
Note: This post was originally published in February 2019. It was updated in May 2020 with the latest information.
One of the best things about using Facebook Live is that it doesn't require any fancy equipment to get started. All you really need is one of the following:
If possible, use a tripod for a steadier, more professional shot.
A basic lighting setup can also improve the look and quality of your video, but it isn't necessary. Here's a guide to building one for under $100. Otherwise, just be mindful of how your subject is lit and make sure they aren't lost in any shadows.
The same goes for recording equipment. A trip to an electronics store or a brief web search will yield dozens of affordable options, so if you have the resources and know-how, then by all means go for it.
But again, you don't need expensive gear to broadcast a Facebook Live video. We'll be focusing on how to do it using materials you likely already have or can afford, even if you're on a tight budget.
You also need a strong Wi-Fi connection to live-stream. You don't want your video cutting in and out as the action happens, so test your connection beforehand. Hotspots, such as those offered through Mobile Beacon, can also help boost your signal. If you are away from Wi-Fi, you can still broadcast on Facebook Live — just be sure that your mobile device has access to a 4G network.
Though producing live-streams natively on Facebook is the easiest and the cheapest option, more people are using paid third-party tools for added features such as screen sharing, having multiple presenters on at the same time, and adding custom titles and graphics.
Zoom, for instance, has the ability to stream your webinar or meeting live on Facebook to your personal timeline, a group, or a page that you are an admin for. This allows your community to join via Zoom or as viewers to watch and comment on Facebook Live. (See this example from a TechSoup Talk using Zoom for a Facebook Live broadcast.)
There are also live-streaming studios, like StreamYard or Be.Live, to further customize your broadcast with your own graphics with the ability to go live on multiple social media platforms at once.
Just as you plan before writing a blog post or an email newsletter, the same goes for a Facebook Live stream. Start by taking some time to think about why you'd like to do a Facebook Live as opposed to another format of content. Consider the real-time interactivity and engagement features of a live-stream, such as polling and Q&A, and how you would use them.
Also think about how often you’d like to broadcast. Would you like to make it a weekly series? Or will it be more ad hoc?
You also have the option to go live now or schedule a live video. Scheduling a broadcast is great for building anticipation and making your audience tune in at the right time. You can schedule a Facebook Live video up to one week in advance. As soon as you schedule your live broadcast, an announcement post is published to your page letting your followers know that there's an upcoming broadcast so they can get a reminder before the broadcast begins.
With scheduled broadcasts, you also have time to publish a test broadcast from within the Facebook Live Producer page. This is a great opportunity to do a practice run with your team and any guests to make sure you get the shot and flow you’re aiming for. See step 6, Get Ready to Broadcast, for more information on how to set up a test broadcast.
Once you have your purpose and cadence established, start planning what you want to say or do in your live-stream. A simple intro and outro script can ensure that you introduce yourself, your guests, and the topic as intended for your live-stream. Having a list of talking points and questions at the ready can help ensure a smooth flow and can come in handy whether you're doing a Q&A with a volunteer, showing behind the scenes of your team's work, or streaming a live performance.
Preparing for your live event will vary depending on the nature of your broadcast, but it's good to keep a few things in mind.
After completing these steps, you are just about ready to go live.
If you're using a third-party software provider such as Zoom for your Facebook Live broadcast, follow this guide for step-by-step instructions and to make sure you have the right license, account settings, and Facebook permissions.
If you're streaming directly from Facebook, decide whether to use a phone or camera.
If you’re streaming from your phone:
If you're streaming from a desktop or laptop computer:
It's the time that you and your followers have been waiting for. Here are a few tips and best practices to keep in mind once you're live.
Use this guide to create a Facebook Live event at your nonprofit today. Your followers will thank you!