What is Facebook Live?

Get FREE Training Workshop from John Crestani

John Crestani has been recognized by Forbes, Business Insider, Entepreneur.com, and dozens of other publications for his success online. More importantly, he’s helped thousands of everyday people from around the world create success for themselves as well.

Facebook Live is a feature that allows users, brands, and organizations to broadcast live video directly to their Facebook audience in real time. It enables interactive, live streaming experiences where followers can watch, comment, and engage with the broadcast as it happens. This feature is especially useful for creating authentic, real-time content that fosters deeper engagement with your audience.

Key Features of Facebook Live:

Real-Time Interaction:
- Viewers can like, comment, and share the live video during the broadcast. This allows you to engage with your audience instantly, answering questions and responding to comments as they appear.
- Tip: Ask your viewers to interact by commenting or asking questions during the live session to keep the engagement flowing.
Instant Notification:
- When you go live, your followers receive a notification, which increases the likelihood of real-time engagement. This helps you reach a broader audience quickly.
Broadcast Anywhere:
- You can go live from a smartphone, tablet, or computer. This makes it easy to create content from any location, whether you’re at an event, in your office, or on the go.
Video Replay:
- After the live session ends, the video remains on your Page (or personal profile) as a regular post. This allows those who missed the live broadcast to watch it later.
Live Reactions:
- Viewers can react with emoji reactions (e.g., “Like,” “Love,” “Wow”) during the broadcast, providing real-time feedback and helping you gauge viewer sentiment.
Multiple Participants:
- Facebook Live allows you to host multi-person live streams, meaning you can invite others to join the broadcast, making it great for interviews, discussions, or co-hosted events.
Live Shopping:
- If you have an online store linked to your Facebook Page, you can feature products during the live broadcast. Viewers can click on product links during the video to make purchases.

How to Use Facebook Live for Marketing:

Product Launches and Demos:
- What to do: Use Facebook Live to introduce new products or services. Walk viewers through their features, demonstrate how they work, and answer questions live.
- Why it works: It creates excitement and allows your audience to interact with the product in real time, generating anticipation and trust.
Behind-the-Scenes Content:
- What to do: Show the inner workings of your business, whether it’s how your products are made, the team behind your brand, or events you are attending.
- Why it works: Behind-the-scenes content builds authenticity and helps humanize your brand, which can foster a deeper connection with your audience.
Q&A Sessions:
- What to do: Host a live Q&A where your followers can ask questions about your products, industry, or any topic you specialize in.
- Why it works: It allows your audience to interact directly with you, creating a sense of community and trust.
Host Webinars or Tutorials:
- What to do: Stream educational content such as tutorials, workshops, or webinars on relevant topics.
- Why it works: It provides value to your audience and positions your brand as an authority in your field.
Live Events and Webcasts:
- What to do: Broadcast live from an event or conference to bring the action to your online audience.
- Why it works: It extends the reach of your event beyond the attendees, allowing people from anywhere to engage in real time.
Exclusive Announcements:
- What to do: Use Facebook Live for special announcements, such as new partnerships, product drops, or company milestones.
- Why it works: Going live for an announcement adds excitement and urgency, making your followers feel like they are getting exclusive access.
Collaborate with Influencers or Guests:
- What to do: Collaborate with influencers, experts, or partners for a live interview, panel discussion, or joint broadcast.
- Why it works: Influencers bring their audience to your broadcast, increasing your reach and potentially gaining new followers.
Engage and Respond to Comments in Real-Time:
- What to do: During the live stream, engage with your audience by responding to their comments and questions. You can highlight comments to make viewers feel heard.
- Why it works: Live engagement builds a sense of community, showing your audience that you care about their thoughts and feedback.

Tips for Successful Facebook Live Broadcasts:

Promote Before Going Live: Announce your live stream in advance on your Facebook Page and other social media channels to create anticipation.
Plan Your Content: While spontaneity is part of live streaming, having a rough outline of what you will talk about helps keep the stream focused.
Use High-Quality Equipment: Ensure good audio and video quality. If necessary, use a tripod for stable shots and external microphones for clearer sound.
Interact with Your Audience: Address comments and questions as they come in. Make sure to acknowledge viewers by name to personalize the experience.
Be Authentic and Engaging: Facebook Live is about connecting in real-time. Be yourself, and don’t be afraid to show personality. Authenticity resonates well with viewers.
End with a Call-to-Action (CTA): Encourage viewers to follow your Page, visit your website, or take another action after the broadcast ends.

How to Start a Facebook Live Broadcast:

Go to Your Facebook Page or Profile.
Click on the “Live Video” option in the post composer area.
Select your camera and microphone settings, then choose if you want to go live immediately or schedule the broadcast.
Add a description to let viewers know what the broadcast is about.
Click “Go Live” when you’re ready to start streaming.

Facebook Live is a powerful tool for building a more personal connection with your audience, providing real-time value, and enhancing brand engagement. Would you like help with planning or promoting your first live stream?