Streaming To Facebook Using Custom RTMP

Switcher Studio's Facebook integration makes it easy to stream to a Timeline or a Page that you Admin. However, there are some instances when the integration is not an option, including:

If you are having trouble linking your Facebook account to Switcher Studio
If there is a known issue with the Switcher Studio + Facebook integration
If you want to stream to a Facebook Event

Using Custom RTMP allows you to stream to Facebook with Switcher Studio without the integration.

Note: For information about what Custom RTMP is and why it's used, check out the Help Center article Streaming to Platforms without a Direct Integration.

There are three primary steps to setting up and using Custom RTMP with Facebook (use the links below to jump to that section of the article):

Create the video event on Facebook and copy the RTMP values.
Add the RTMP values to the Switcher Studio Dashboard.
Initiate the Facebook livestream in Switcher Studio.

You can go live immediately after setting up a stream with Custom RTMP, you can schedule a stream using Custom RTMP, or you can set up a stream using Custom RTMP and manually go live at a later time.

Creating the Video Event on Facebook and Copying the RTMP Values

Step 1: Go to the Facebook Page or Group you want to stream to

Log into Facebook.com on a web browser.
Click/tap the Timeline, Page, Group, or Event you want to stream to.

Step 2: Go to Facebook Live Producer

Depending on your version of Facebook, and what type of destination you are streaming to, the instructions to get to Live Producer will vary, but the key part is navigating to the tool that allows you to go live. Use the instructions below that match your view and options to get to Live Producer.

Option 1:

Click/tap the box that says What's on your mind, to create a post.
Under Create Post, click the More icon (three dots).
Click Live Video.

Option 2:

In the Create section, tap/click the Live Video button.

Step 3: Set up the Stream

From the Live Producer main menu, click Set up live video.

Before going live, you'll need to Complete Post Details (right column) and add a video source. As you complete these tasks, you'll notice each item in the checklist (left column) gets a green checkmark.
Add any other post details and adjust hosting/scheduling perferences as needed (left column).

Step 4: Find the Server URL and Stream Key

Under "Select a Video Source", click Streaming Software. This will reveal the Stream Key.
Scroll down and click the drop-down arrow next to Advanced Settings. This will reveal the Server URL.

Keep this page open as you continue to the next section, where you'll set up Custom RTMP in the Dashboard.

Note: If you're not scheduling the stream, when you're ready to go live, you'll need to come back to this page to initiate the stream.

Adding the RTMP Values to the Switcher Studio Dashboard

Once you have set up the stream on Facebook you will use the Server URL and Stream Key to set up a Custom RTMP channel in the Switcher Studio Dashboard.

Log into the Switcher Studio Dashboard using the same email and password you use to log into the app.
Click Platforms from the left menu.
Click the Set up RTMP button.

Enter a Channel Nickname. This nickname will appear in the Switcher Studio app and make it easier for you to identify the correct custom rtmp stream. Your audience will not see the nickname.

Go back to the Facebook page with the Stream Settings and click Copy next to the Server URL.
Toggle back to the Switcher Studio Dashboard. Paste the value into the Server URL box.
Go through the the same process for the Stream Key.

Adjust any of the other settings as needed.
Click Save.

You will receive a confirmation message that the channel has been saved. The channel will now appear under Custom RTMP in the Dashboard.

You can adjust the settings at any time before going live, by clicking Details from this page (Dashboard > Platforms).

Initiating the Facebook Livestream in the Switcher Studio App

Step 1: Select the Custom RTMP Channel

When you're ready to go live, open the Switcher app and navigate to the Outputs Tab. Place your finger on the black space above Broadcast Mode and quickly swipe down one time to ensure the Dashboard changes sync with the app. You'll notice a quick spinner wheel signifying the refresh.
You can access your RTMP channels with the Livestreaming or Custom RTMP Broadcast Modes. If Multistreaming, you'll need to use the Livestreaming Broadcast Mode.

When using the Custom RTMP Broadcast Mode, you can tap Change to view the full list of RTMP Channels.
All of the Custom RTMP channels that you've created will appear based on their name. If you do not see your desired channel, tap Refresh in the top-left corner to sync the app with the Switcher Dashboard.
Tap on the desired channel name and a checkmark will appear to the right of it.
Tap the three dots "..." to the right of the channel if you need to make edits.
Tap Done to return to the Outputs tab.

When using the Livestreaming Broadcast Mode, tap New Livestream. (Note: if there is already a stream showing in the Outputs tab, use the Change button to create a new one)
Use the Custom RTMP option to select your channel and add it as a destination.
Add any other desired destinations and complete the stream setup process.
You will see the newly created stream as the Output.

Step 2: Start the Broadcast

When you are ready to go live, tap on the big red button in the top-right corner of the app to start the stream.

VERY IMPORTANT: For non-scheduled Facebook streams, after tapping the record/live button inside of the Switcher app, you'll need to go back to the Facebook Live Producer page and click Go Live. It may take ~30 seconds for the Go Live button to be available. You'll see the live feed from Switcher appear in the Facebook Live Producer page as a preview
For scheduled Facebook streams: If you scheduled the Facebook Live video, after hitting the Go Live button in Switcher Studio, the stream will start on Facebook.