Scheduling a Facebook Stream

Scheduling a stream is very similar to setting up a regular livestream, but instead of going live immediately, you will set a specific start time in the future. This is a great feature for planned streams where you want to increase the viewership and access by promoting the event ahead of time.

In this article:

Scheduled Facebook Stream Overview

  • A Facebook livestream can be scheduled up to seven days prior to the start time.

  • Scheduling the stream allows you to share the link before going live.

  • The livestream does not begin broadcasting until the scheduled time.

  • The start time must be more than ten minutes from when you are scheduling the stream.

Scheduling a Facebook Stream Using the Switcher Studio Dashboard

  • Go to the Switcher Studio Dashboard in a web browser.

  • Click Platforms in the left sidebar.

  • Click Details next to Facebook.

    • If you have not linked your account, click Connect)

  • Click My Timeline, Page, or Group from the horizontal menu at the top.

  • Click the destination where you would like to stream.

  • Click the Scheduling dropdown.

  • Click Schedule for later.

  • Click the box with the date and time.

    • Use the calendar tool to select a date.

    • Use the clock tool to enter a start time.

  • Click Select a Photo to add an image to the post for the stream.

  • Add a Title and Description for the stream.

  • Configure the additional settings based on the destination type.

    • My Timeline

      • Select the audience: Everyone, Friends, or Only Me, based on your visibility preference.

      • Optional: Tap the Comment Moderation toggle to enable moderation settings.

      • Tap Save when you are satisfied with the settings.

    • Page

      • Optional: Tap the Comment Moderation toggle to enable moderation settings.

      • Optional: Tap the Content Tags toggle and search related tags to make your video easier to find.

      • Optional: Tap the Crossposting toggle to enable and set up crossposting to another Facebook destination.

      • Tap Save when you are satisfied with the settings.

    • Group

      • Optional: Tap the Content Tags toggle and search related tags to make your video easier to find.

  • Click Save when you are satisfied with the settings.

Note: if you do not see the Page or Group you want to stream to, it is likely you did not allow Switcher Studio full permission when linking your Facebook account. Check out this article for step-by-step instructions on relinking your account and resetting your permissions: Facebook Visibility & Permissions Issues

Starting a Scheduled Facebook Stream

When you log into the Switcher Studio app, you should see the name of your scheduled stream in the Outputs tab next to Facebook.

To go live for a scheduled stream:

  • Go to the Outputs tab on the main switcher device.

  • Next to Facebook, you should see the scheduled stream.

    • If there is not a blue checkmark next to Facebook, tap it to select it.

  • Once you see the blue checkmark next to Facebook, you can tap the record button in the top right corner to begin streaming.

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