The live streaming industry is started influencing a majority of online platforms either using Meerkat, Periscope or FabebookLive. I’m a real fan of live streaming services and I’m 100% sure it’s going to take over text in a very broad way in near future. So if you are an Internet marketer then you have to take advantage of it & create strategies to produce the best results from same.
I do periscope to tell my stories but I fall in love with FacebookLive. Facebook Live help you to leverage your existing audience, which is best baked-food you can ever get. Recently I observed a few of influencers on Facebook Live, going live with their pre-recorded content. Which made me surprised. I did some study and got a lucrative solution. If you want to stream your pre-recorded video content via facebook live, then you can do it in a very simple way and FREE of cost. if you want it quickly then by paying a very nominal price. Follow below guidelines.
Tutorial to Stream Pre-recorded video with FacebookLive
Solution 1: Very Easy to Use but cost a Little Money (Recommended for Non-Tech Users & Brands)
We all live in a superfast world where time and resources are very valuable. If you are a brand and want to do facebook live activity of existing videos. Then we recommend you to choose this superfast and non-technical way to stream your pre-recorded videos via Facebook live.
Livereacting is one of the useful service available on the Internet which will do everything for you. Livereacting tool is very handy for:
- Social Media Agencies
- Online Brands
- Internet Influencers
Key Features of Livereacting:
- Very easy to use (just upload video and click one button to start)
- Don’t require third-party software (OBS).
- You don’t need to keep PC running the whole time and your stream will work fine even if your internet connection is bad.
- You can upload video and schedule a specific date to start a live stream
How to use Livereacting service:
- Sign up for Livereacting using your Facebook account & grant access to your profile and pages you manage.
- Log in to your profile, now you need to purchase 1 credit of just $3.99 to use facebook pre-recorded video template for a single video. Do it according to your requirements as its super cheap !!!
- Now choose “Stream pre-recorded video” template.
- Choose where you want to go live (Profile/Page)with your pre-recorded video.
- Before you upload video, you should consider few pre-requisites of Livereacting.
- They support only .mp4 files. If you have another file format you can convert it to .mp4 using online converter
- Max file size = 1000 MB
- Your video must have audio and be longer than 1 minute.
- Max length of video 240 minutes/1 credit, if you have a long video you need more credits.
- Video contents are liable to follow facebook terms and conditions as Livereacting is just tool to help you out. Your uploaded data is not used by anyone & will get purge from a system after Facebook Live gets over.
- Either choose Facebook Page or Facebook personal profile.
- Upload your video and see its preview before posting to Facebook.
- If everything is OK then simply click on a POST to FACEBOOK to go live. If you are doing it from a page then you can schedule it as per your time.
- After going live you will see “Dashboard to control your LIVE stream” like below. Use it accordingly & enjoy hassle-free FB live.
- The best part of Livereacting is you can plug your video into their system and enjoy your coffee till it will get over. Their support is very helpful if you face any issue with the live stream.
- You can also provide your suggestions for them to see more new features into their web-tool. Livereacting not only provides facebook live solution but also many more tools for internet marketing agencies & brands. We recommended it to all Digital Marketing Agencies.
Solution 2: Complicated to Use but FREE !!!
1. Download OBS Studio according to your OS platform& install it, OBS is Open Broadcaster Software which you need to configure a streaming host on your machine.
2. Get your STREAM KEY using your Facebook Page, to do it simply navigate.
Your Facebook Page ->Publishing Tools->VideoLibrary->LIVE+
3. Keep note of Streamkey and hit Preview, so you will see following OFFLINE screen, keep that tab open. To enable GOLIVE button to stream our pre-recorded video please follow upcoming instructions.
4. Open OBS software, navigate to Settings->Stream->Select “Facebook Live”->Enter StreamKEY you noted in above step.
5. Now it’s time to select a pre-recorded video in OBS.
Navigate to Sources->Add->VLC Video Source->add a playlist to stream by selecting video files. You can do lots of configurations in config panel like looping videos or playlist etc. That’s it, now you are one click away to stream your selected video.
6. Now go to the dashboard of OBS and disable “Mic/Aux” to avoid outside distractions when you go live.Only keep VLC source audio in ON state. Hit START STREAMING.
7. Now navigate to FB page & your will able to see PREVIEW of the stream, Simply hit GO LIVE.
Congratulation !!! you are now live with pre-recorded video 🙂
How to go LIVE in Groups/Own Timeline using Pre-recorded videos:
In the above process, we go live using facebook page, but what if you want to go live using your personal profile & in groups?
See the following interesting method to do it.
1. To do that just navigate to this page https://goo.gl/7l5gyp or https://goo.gl/V1fp6b & enable pop-ups in chrome . Hit green button “CreateLiveVideo”
2. You will get a popup like below screenshot, select the appropriate option to GoLive.
3. I selected to GoLive in a group.
4. After clicking NEXT you will get same windows like in point 3, now you have to note down StreamKey & have to use it in OBS software as mentioned in 4th point.
5. Now follow all steps from a 5th point and go live either on your timeline, groups or pages.
I hope you will utilize it for a good purpose and deliver very good content to your audience. Please do let me know in comments if you face any kind of issue.
Livereacting
$3.99/Credit
Pros
- One Click Go LIVE
- No Software & tech knowledge Needed
- Best for Brands & Digital Marketing Agencies
Pre-recorded videos and to live stream them was a weird idea for me in the start but I thought to give it a try, as it helps you a lot in saving time. TBH, I tried only three services; OneStream, LiveReacting and Restream. First of all, I am not here to criticise any service, but its better to give your genuine and honest opinion based on personal experience, so I found OneStream way much better than all three. Now the reason is, it’s way too simple to use, does not consume much time, and above all they are flexible. There is no need of any software downloading in it. Cloud storage is best option as from remote sites, I can not rely on the bandwidth. After all the basic features required by such software, they give you small features as well make your stream refined as well, e.g notification, tags, thumbnail change, VOD, DVR, Video in different angles and many more… I am using their service for more than 6 months now, never faced any issue using the service, their team is always supportive in terms of helping me the best they can, once my stream got cut it’s last few seconds on YT, and it was done by YT, so they gave me a solution to handle this as well. Though this was not the problem from their side… but still the solved it for me, thumbs up team OS.
Hi Zac,
It’s great to hear about this as streaming recorded videos online is very important for any marketer. It will help to build some good audience without doing the actual presentation or webinar. I know onestream is the best one as they have great technology stack to support uninterrupted live streaming of pre-recorded videos on facebook.
You could try Livecaster. This is an app on your PC, so you won’t be dependent on a server. It will livecast any video to Facebook or YouTube right from your computer.
Sure… you can ping me more details of it
Have you tried onestream.live ? I think its pretty cool.. Dont have to install any software.. previously i was using OBS but onestream is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy easier.
You’re a life-saver, Saurabh. Thank you so much.
Haaa.. that’s crazy. I hope you enjoyed live streaming using pre-recorded video in FB-Live
There is an easier way: livereacting.com/stream-pre-recorded-video-facebook-live
No need OBS or any other software
Nice to hear, we will include it in our post
This works but when I play it back on facebook later the audio is not there. I have made a video live and need to know what to do to make sure the audio is there. Can you help?
Hi David,
Sorry to hear about it, can you please share me FB Live URL? It may be happened due to misconfiguration of VLC source plugin where you muted audio of video stream. This is something new I heard but will surely assist you to solve it.
Also, give me following info:
1. Speed of internet
2. File format you used in VLC source
3. Do u use any VPN?
My OBS does not have this VLC Video plugin. Where do I get it and how do I get it into OBS?
You need to install VLC https://nightlies.videolan.org
Then check out again.
If that will not work, download VLC plugin from OBS https://obsproject.com/forum/resources/video-source-plugin-obs-classic-only.20/
Let us know if you face any issue.
Good luck
I see it only works in OBS Classic.
Hello
after going to the link to go live from my timeline, i press the next button, but nothing happens, the next button just turns grey.
hey, it’s due to some internet connectivity issue or browser script issue. Please try again using incognito mode
How can you see and respond to comments on the Facebook live while you are streaming pre recorded content?
Hi Abraham, you can see it as normal video comments in real Facebook live. Pre-recorded means only your content is not live content otherwise everything is same as you see in real Facebook live.
Hi there.
Thanks for all the information, everything works great.
But how do i get a pre recorded video to start playing from the beginning once the fb Iive stream is going?
By the time the stream is active the vlc video is already half way though.
Thanks, Steve, Here is solution, while adding file to VLC source make sure you have chosen right option https://imgur.com/a/51KCU
This will help you to do Facebook live streaming w.r.t correct time
Thank you, good tutorial
Thanks, Giovanni !! LiveStreaming is really important
Well, OBS drove me really crazy, so I looked online for alternatives. I found something called Livecaster, so if anyone else has problems. You can check it out 🙂
That’s good to hear Jeet, I heard about Livecaster but didn’t use.
I have Livecaster and so far am not liking it. I thought it would have the ability to loop the videos, but I see this is not possible. Once the video is over, that is it.
You can use the scheduler and it will repeat the video in the future, but that is not the same thing as looping.
Have you found alternate solution to this?
Thank you.
Till now there is no application yet, but soon will have it.I’ll keep you update.
Have a great day!
If i want to upload it ahead of time but have it broadcast at a selected time is that possible?
it’s not possible as frame rate and broadcasting time should be a synch.
Hi Saurabh I followed your instructions and you did a good work of making it very clear what to do and thank you for that, my one problem is that the live stream is very slow it shows one still frame rather than moving video, I tried different size video the same issue can you help me with this ?
Hi Andre,
I suggest to check with your internet connection first and if it still exists. Try to use some VPN service.Many time FB live server may have load from your region, so due to data center occupancy, it may lag. But trying from VPN will help. Let me know if it works for you
Thank you Saurabh you were right it was internet connection that was slow.. However I want to ask id there a way I can stream from a page I created not (personal page) to group ? as the page and not my personal profile
Hi Andre,
Thats awesome your issue resolved, to go-live using your page simply navigate to https://goo.gl/7l5gyp and select “share on the page you manage” option from a drop down. Its already mentioned in above tutorial how to do facebook live using your page. Hope it’ll help you.
how to stream with pre recorded video in android
Tharun sorry to say its still not available & its hard to coz streaming apps consume more memory, processing, and battery. hope to see it near future
Hi Saurabh , amazing work. It is really helpful. I need help with this though. I am getting “Connecting..” after I click start stream and it is not connecting. Is it due to slow internet connection?
Thanks for your kind words,
Yes it may case due to slow internet or you can use some VPN, may be your IP might get blocked etc.
let me know if it works for you.
Can you do this so it does it automatically and you don’t have to hit Record or whatever? It would be nice not to have to go back to work at 7 PM just to hit record on a pre-recorded FB live video.
Hi Alex, for automation you have to build software in a separate way. It’s very hard to do it from our side.
You can ask someone ay Upwork.com to do it for you.Let me know if you need any more insights
Hello did we ever figure out the automation issue? I need to schedule lives everyday and need this automatically
Hi Angela,
You have to build a custom application for this as getting API for everyday’s facebook live using robots is not possible as FB kept that api restricted.But yes in near future we may see it. If this happen it will steal BW of FB servers and hence FB live become TV shows.
I guess this is the reason why FB kept it secretly.
This tutorial was great!
One question I have is: I am able to create a successful Facebook Live video feed from a premade piece of video content, but the audio for that premade video does not play during the Live event. Any ideas on how to solve this issue?
It should not happen. Can you please check with your OBS audio settings and also audio codecs of your system.
Let me know if you still face this issure
The link is missing. I want to live using my personal account or group. can you please send me the alternative link? thanks a lot.
Hi Renz please use this link https://goo.gl/7l5gyp and go live easily. Thanks for informing about it. We just updated link of going live using facebook profile and groups.
let me know if you face any issue
Any way to do this via instragram stories live streaming
Hi Eric for Instagram live videos its really hard as their api is having some issue. I’ll check and get back with you if it work
Is there a way to control the video? I stream video on Facebook Live using OBS. If there is an issue and I need to unexpectedly start my live stream over can I return to the same location on the video where I left off instead of having to play the video all the way from the beginning again? I can’t find any video controls at all. I was hoping that using VLC would help but I still don’t have any control over the video using that either from what I can tell. The video automatically begins playing when I open the file and I can’t find a way to control where I want it to start play from. If I wanted to play the video at a point near the end of it or any point other than the beginning is that possible ? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Kellylafon there is no facility or controller available in OBS as of now to start it from a specific location. What I suggest, you should trim already broadcasted portion using some video trimmers & save it in new file and start broadcasting it.
Hello,
I tried to do this but my video doesn’t stream. I go live but it’s just black. Is there certain requirements the video needs to be? I have high speed internet and the video was only 3 minutes long (100mb in size)
I plan to stream a seamless 1 hour of music in the future. Would you suggest splitting the video up into small videos or can it stream a large video file without problems?
thanks
Please check your settings again from OBS, also you don’t need to split files into several parts. Simply push one file. That’s fine
great information’s
thank you very much
Thanks Water, I hope it helped you to start live streaming of Pre-recorded videos of video
Hello! First off thank you for your great instructions! 🙂 When I downloaded The Broadcast software on my Mac it didn’t give me the option for VLC Video Source. I have to use Media Source to make it work. My only issue is that the video is not starting from the beginning. Is there a way to fix or control that so that the pre-recorded video doesn’t start a minute in? Thanks!
Please check with VLC video source Plugin for OBS . That will nullify your issue
Hi Saurabh, how many hours of pre recorded videos can be uploaded ? can i upload 12 hours of pre recored video ?
Yes but you have to make it in chops in VLC source
I have done with all your given steps, everything is okay even internet connection too is high speed but at last i recieve an error message after tried more than 10 times. The following error,
“Could not access the specified channel or stream key, please double check your stream key. If this is correct, there may be a problem connecting to the server”
it might be the server issue in your locality, What I suggest you use FREE VPN service like https://www.hotspotshield.com/vpn/vpn-for-windows/ and again try the process. Many people faced this issue and resolved it after using VPN (USA server). I hope it will help you. Let me know if you face any difficulties in this
Hey Saurabh Offline button is constantly their and GOLIVE button isn’t showing what do i do. I need help
Make sure u entered correct key inside of OBS software and startedbroadcasting from OBS
stop when not visible and start when visible OBS video source.. what does this mean?
Hi Karan, can u please tell us in brief what exact issue ur getting?
4. After clicking NEXT you will get same windows like in point 3, now you have to note down StreamKey & have to use it in OBS software as mentioned in 4th point.
….this is the part im stuck with… no stream key given after waited for long time clicking the button NEXT…. please advise….
Make sure you are not using any unsecured VPN. Because of unsecured VPN or some network issue i.e BLACKLISTED IP FACEBOOK dont allow to take any access their LIVE API. I suggest use some good vpn like these https://www.blogsaays.com/4-free-tools-unblock-block-websites-india/ Tryit again, hope it will fix all your problems
finally, i’ve fixed it… the link u gave was not responsive.. not blockers, just not responsive.. stood long enough to realize it wont work so i make a new one instead plus the manual setting on OBS and now im ready all set to go… cheers…
Dear iam still stuck in this part please help me with that
Hey Abdul, what issue you are facing? Can you please brief me about it.
do you have the updated link?
updated links to what? Can you please let me know so that I’ll provide it.
How did you make a new link ?
New link of what? can u please explain in details Andre
Is it correct that the video already starts playing when it’s uploaded in the OBS playlist? I want the video to start only when I say so, or is that not possible?
Please check VISIBILITY BEHAVIOUR option while adding any video in VLC PLAY LIST
Iam able to do everything.When I play the video in the OBS its perfect but in the preview section and also after I click go live the video lags too much! But when I check the OBS the video is running perfecetly without any lags.
Help please??
Its happening because of slow internet connection or maybe u kept FPS rate higher than it should be
I you have problem in windows and if u have x64bit windows download VLC x86 32 bit and OBS no need for plugins
I am using a Macbook Pro. When I install the plugin should I be installing the 32 bit or 64 bit? When I try to open the 64 bit, it asks for an app to run the file, what should I select?
For Mac OS u have to first install VLC n then OBS. Those plugin r for Windows. Please chk above comments for more insights
Ok. So I uninstall OBS, then download the VLC File. When I double click the VLC File it prompts me to open it up with an app . . . Which app do I pick since I have not yet downloaded the OBS app?
Install vlc 32bit and obs 32 bit no need for files
my “go live” button never turns blue and then i get an error that says the frame rate is too low. help
Its due to SLOW INTERNET connection, please check ur connection speed https://www.speedtest.net/ or http://www.fast.com
Make sure u have default resolution n framerate (30fps) in setting. Let me know if u face any issue while streaming prerecorded videos using facebook live
Hi,
I am using Mac, and I couldn’t seem to enable VLC source. Please help
Download it manually https://goo.gl/CXxGJp and install it on your respective machine. That will help you to get vlc source
I am very new to this, but isn’t that plugin only for windows?
Yes its for windows. For Mac u have to install VLC player first to have that VLC Source then OBS software
Hi Saurabh,
I have downloaded VLC player on mac, But I still don’t know how to enable that thing, any suggestions?
Hi Olson, I suggest to uninstall both software OBS n VLC then again install VLC n then OBS ull get it. For Mac their is no need of plugin as it comes directly. Alternatively u can try this too. go to OBS in Application using finder file explore RightClick->showPackage then Paste ‘VlC-Video’ folder by downloading here “https://goo.gl/MVAD3p” in “Content-Resources-Data-OBSPlugin” and file ‘vlc-video.so’
in “Content-Resources-OBS-Plugin”
Hello Saurabh,
Is it only acceptable for Page only? How about personal account?
You can only get key using Page but you can choose how u have to go live either using ur page or ur porfile. For this please refeer our “How to go LIVE in Groups/Own Timeline using Pre-recorded videos” section. Choose share on ur own timeline. This will help u to solve ur query !
i have tried all the way possible what you said … but we are getting server couldnt connect. we have cross checked the stream key it was perfect. help me in solving it …
Ohh ! are you using any VPN or some proxies? You also need high-speed internet too. I just checked it from my end and its working fine from my side, please do check my LIVE Preview screenshot https://imgur.com/a/rJX1Y
Please share me which OS, Internet connection and configuration of your machine.I will surely try to troubleshoot it.
Hello,
When I download OBS there is no “VLC Video Source” option. Am I downloading the wrong version? Is there a plugin for this?
Thanks!
Hi Liza if you have VLC already installed then it will show but if it’s not showing then simply download it manually from here https://goo.gl/CXxGJp this will help you to enable VLC source
Hope this will solve your issue, keep me update if you need any help regarding OBS setup to stream recorded videos using Facebook live stream.
Make sure you have the latest versions of VLC, too. “VLC Video Source” didn’t appear until I updated teh VLC application.