How to Live Stream on Facebook for Free [PC, XBox One, PS4, Switch & Mobile]

Your audio and video sources are the devices that record the content you intend on streaming. Video sources typically include cameras or computer monitors for live streaming your gameplay. Audio sources may include microphones and mixer feeds that generate the audio data heard by audiences during live streams.

The quality of your audio and video sources will affect your stream's audio and video quality. That’s why it’s best to invest in high-quality cameras and microphones for Facebook streaming.

The typical camera records and saves videos as large files that are difficult or impossible to stream live. A video encoder collects such recordings and translates them into data that you can transmit via the internet in real-time. You can get an encoder as software or hardware.

Software Encoders

Using a software encoder requires installing the app on your computer. Besides the software, you will need a capture card to collect video data from your source and send it to your computer. The encoder installed on the computer will then translate the data and transmit it online.

Several free and paid software encoders are available, but PowerDirector with Screen Recorder 4 trumps the competition. That's because it’s easy to use and compatible with various PCs. You can download it for free below and we’ll show you how to use it’s tools to live stream on Facebook in no time. 

Hardware Encoders

A hardware encoder is a specialized processor that captures and encodes video and audio data before live streaming it. Instead of buying a separate PC for streaming, you can buy a hardware encoder and use it alongside your current PC. Also, if you use a hardware encoder, you won’t need a capture card.

A streaming destination is where your audience can view your live stream. Several streaming service providers are available, but we will focus on Facebook Live. When you live stream on Facebook, Facebook users can watch your live stream via the platform’s website or app.

Compared to other streaming destinations or Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), Facebook Live is fast and free to use. Also, since Facebook has one of the largest online communities, you can quickly build a huge fan base by putting out quality content and promoting it.

Lastly, Facebook community guidelines for game streamers are not as restrictive as other streaming destinations. As long as you treat your viewers and other users respectfully, you should be fine.

To deliver a buffer-free live stream, you need an internet upload speed of at least 6 to 8 Mbps. Anything lower, and your audience may experience lags and other issues. If viewers can’t enjoy uninterrupted viewing during your Facebook live stream, they will likely stop watching.

Note that the higher the internet bandwidth, the higher the video quality settings you can use. Also, for the most reliable internet connection, use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi. Cellular internet and Wi-Fi signals can fluctuate for various reasons beyond your control and compromise your live stream quality.

PowerDirector’s Screen Recorder 4 can record and stream video and audio from your PC screen. Launch Screen Recorder 4 and switch from Record to Stream to stream your gameplay on Facebook.

Under Stream, select Facebook and uncheck the other streaming options. Click Login to log into your Facebook account, or you won’t be able to live stream your gameplay via your account.

Launch the game you want to stream and return to Screen Recorder 4 to click the Game icon. Go to Application, where you will find a list of games currently running on your system. Select the one you want to stream and choose your preferred streaming video resolution and frame rate.

A higher video resolution and frame rate will lead to a higher quality stream. However, you should only use a setting that your internet bandwidth can support. After selecting your settings, click on the Preview icon to see how your stream looks. 

If the video is lagging, consider reducing the frame rate and resolution.

If you want your viewers to see your face alongside your live-streamed gameplay, click on the Webcam icon beside the Microphone icon. After clicking Webcam, you should see yourself on the preview page.

You can reduce or increase the size of the webcam display and place the live feed of yourself in any part of the video. It is common practice to place the webcam feed at the bottom left or right of the screen.

Go to the webcam settings and click the Chroma button to add a background overlay to your webcam video. Use the Denoise slider to make the background of your webcam footage transparent. You can keep the transparent background or add a picture as an overlay image. 

After completing your settings, click on OK.

Highlight the text in the Live URL tab and copy it. Share the URL and the schedule of your live event on Facebook and other social media. That way, your fans will know where to watch your next event.

Preview your video one more time to verify that everything is working smoothly. If you are happy with your settings, click the red Live button to begin live streaming on Facebook. You can end your live stream by clicking the red Stop button.