With modern technology integrated into our lives, how we communicate has changed. From lifestyle and work ethics to social interaction, everything has gone digital.
The old means of communication, such as traditional mail and even phone calls, are becoming obsolete as people migrate their interactions to social media platforms like Facebook and video conferencing apps like Zoom.
Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms worldwide. With its increasing popularity, Facebook is constantly evolving and adding new features.
In 2016, Facebook launched a video streaming service, which created a stir among social media marketers. With the ability to engage live audiences, this feature has revolutionized marketing campaigns and social media interactions on the platform.
Never gone live on Facebook? You’re in the right place.
This guide is all about going live on Facebook and engaging your audience in real-time.
How To Go Live On Facebook
Facebook Live allows you to live stream directly from the platform. Viewers can react, share, and comment during the live stream.
Here’s a step-by-step Facebook Live guide to get you started:
- Facebook News Feed> Select Camcorder Icon
First, you’ll need to log into your Facebook account. You can go live on either a Facebook profile or a business page.
Navigate to the status bar and click on the Live Video Option displayed by a camcorder icon. You will then be prompted to give camera and microphone access to Facebook.
After all, you’ll want everyone to see and hear you!
- Write A Description And Make It Interesting!
You want your audience to get excited about your live stream. It is good to write a compelling description that urges people to watch your broadcast.
Your live stream description will display on Facebook users’ timelines above the video. Make sure that your description is clear and resonates with your live stream while leaving enough details to attract the audience. You can always add your location, use emojis, or tag people to make it more interesting.
- Adjust Personal Privacy Settings
If you have decided to go live from your Facebook business page, you have the option to determine who can watch your live stream. You can choose to limit your audience based on their location using Facebook’s audience restrictions.
All you need to do is navigate to the ellipsis button located at the bottom right corner of your screen and click on it. Next, click on Audience Restrictions. You can turn ‘Geo Controls’ on and select the locations you wish to include or exclude using the Locations tab.
If you are going live using your personal account, you can edit your privacy settings to limit who can see your broadcast. Just click on the “To:” button in the top left corner of your screen and choose friends, public, or a select few.
- Discover Facebook Live Filters, Lenses, And Doodles!
Interestingly, Facebook allows you to make your live stream more attractive by offering filters, lenses, and doodles. You can switch between options underneath the ‘Start Live Video’ button.
Although these filters and lenses are fun to use, make sure that they attract your audience’s attention rather than distract them.
- GO LIVE!
After selecting a suitable filter, ensure your camera is in the correct position. Once everything is set, click on ‘Start Live Video’ and start streaming. Remember to respond to your audience’s comments in real-time through messages or verbally in your stream.
Facebook Live Best Practices
Use Your Stories To Advertise Your Going Live Before Hand
Let your friends know you’re going live so they can tune in. Using your Facebook stories to advertise you’re going live can prepare your audience for the live stream in advance. This builds anticipation and ensures that your friends check out your live stream.
Facebook allows you to schedule your stories taking the guesswork and time out of this necessary task.
Use The “Only Me” Privacy Setting To Test Your Video
Going live on Facebook for the first time might be nerve-wracking. Change the privacy setting to ‘Only Me’ and preview your cast to get over stage fright and help you get acquainted with the Facebook Live features.
Deliver Visually Engaging Video
Remember that your live stream must be visually engaging to entice viewers to view your content. Utilize creative camera angles, use natural lighting and dress up your setting to make your live stream look polished.
If you don’t have time to prepare a visually appealing setting for every stream, consider using a green screen. This will allow you to transport yourself (and your viewers) to any location without becoming a set designer.
Don’t Stress Over Missteps Or Blunders
We all make mistakes. If you stutter or blunder during a live broadcast, don’t stress over it. Instead, you can divert your audience’s attention by cracking a joke or changing the topic.
If you want to avoid blunders, practice your live stream in front of a mirror or with friends. This will help you get over any nerves and ensure that your live stream goes smoothly.
Prompt Viewers To Like And Share
The algorithm that runs Facebook determines the order in which posts appear. Encourage people to like and share your broadcast to attract a larger audience. As a result, your live broadcast will show up more frequently in people’s News Feeds, attracting even more attention.
Mention Commenters By Name
Try to engage your audience by giving shoutouts to those who are commenting. This will prompt other viewers to comment, driving up engagement on your live stream. The more comments on your broadcast, the higher its relevancy score.
Add A Link To The Description
You can use a broadcast’s description to link viewers to your live video page by adding a hyperlink. It’s handy, particularly if you’re pushing a marketing campaign.
Aim For A Minimum Of 10 Minutes
Be mindful that timing is crucial for engaging your audience in live broadcasts. The longer you broadcast, the higher the chances of people joining it. Therefore, we recommend that you go live for at least 10 minutes.
End On A High Note
When you’re coming to the end of your live stream, let your viewers know so they can say their goodbyes. You can also promote any upcoming content or events to keep them engaged.
Facebook Live Tools
Facebook has added many new features and tools to make your live broadcast a success. You can use these tools to engage your audience in real-time while creating a reliable experience for the viewers.
These features include:
- Live PollsFeatured Links
- Live in Stories
- Live Comment Moderation
- Front Row
- Badges
- Donations
- Live With
- Live Shopping
Key Takeaways
Live broadcasts are the most popular and successful ways of engaging your audience on social media platforms. Facebook Live, in particular, is being used by brands and businesses of all sizes to connect with audiences in real-time.
There are several advantages to using live broadcasts for your business, as it allows you to create content that is fresh and relevant to what is happening at the moment. Additionally, live broadcasts give you the opportunity to connect with your audience on a more personal level. You can answer their questions in real-time and provide them with valuable insights that they can use in their own lives.