The short version
Facebook lets you go live once your account is at least 60 days old and your Page or professional mode profile has at least 100 followers. Open facebook.com/live/create, choose where to post, choose Streaming software as the video source and copy the Server URL and Stream key into OBS. Start streaming in OBS, check the preview Facebook shows you, then click Go Live Now.
1. Check that you can go live
Facebook sets three requirements: an account at least 60 days old, at least 100 followers on the Page or professional mode profile you go live from, and, for a Page, Facebook access or task access that lets you create content. In some countries, teens under 18 also have to turn on Allow live video broadcasting in Teen safety settings; 13 to 15-year-olds need a parent’s or guardian’s permission.
2. Choose how you broadcast
Facebook offers three ways: the Facebook app on a phone, a computer’s built-in camera and microphone in the browser (Facebook asks for Google Chrome), or streaming software with a stream key. Use streaming software such as OBS when you want scenes, a capture card, an external camera or your own microphone.
- Talking-head setup: camera, microphone and light.
- Video podcast setup: two voices and cameras.
- Single-PC setup: game and stream on one computer.
3. Get the stream key and add it to OBS
Go to facebook.com/live/create. Click Choose where to post and pick your profile, Page or group, click Go live, and under Select a video source choose Streaming software. Copy the Server URL and the Stream key. In OBS open Settings, Stream, choose a custom server, paste both, and turn on a secure connection (RTMPS) if your software offers it.
A standard key works for one broadcast only. To reuse a key, turn on Persistent stream key under Advanced Settings; with it you can have only one live video at a time. Never show or share either key: anyone who has it can stream to your post.
4. Set the bitrate
Meta publishes a bitrate range for each resolution and frame rate, asks for a constant bitrate with a keyframe every two seconds (four at most), and caps a broadcast at eight hours. The Facebook Live settings page lists those figures, and the bitrate calculator places your stream in Meta’s range for your output and upload.
5. Check the preview before you go live
Facebook gives you a rehearsal of sorts. Once OBS is streaming, a live preview appears on Facebook, and nobody sees it until you click Go Live Now. Watch it for a minute and listen to your microphone and game sound. You can also schedule the broadcast for later. On a profile you choose who can watch; a broadcast from a Page is always public.
Before that, check your picture and sound locally with the webcam and mic test and the pre-stream checklist.
6. Go live, and after the stream
Add a title and description in the post details, then click Go Live Now. Viewers can react and comment, and you can reply in the chat. Press Stop Streaming in OBS when you finish.
The broadcast stays as a post where you shared it. Meta says published live broadcasts stay on your Page or profile for 30 days, during which you can share, download or delete them and clip moments into Reels. After that they are removed, so download any broadcast you want to keep.
Questions
Why can’t I go live on Facebook? Check the account’s age (60 days), the followers on the Page or professional mode profile (100), your access to the Page and, for teens, the live video setting.
Can I reuse my Facebook stream key? Only the persistent stream key, turned on under Advanced Settings. The standard key changes with each broadcast.
How long can a Facebook live stream be? Meta caps a live broadcast at eight hours.