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):

  1. Create the video event on Facebook and copy the RTMP values.

  2. Add the RTMP values to the Switcher Studio Dashboard.

  3. 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, choose between Go Live Now or Schedule a Live Video in the top left.

  • Scroll down to add a Title and Description. The Description is what your audience will see, so it's usually more important than the Title.

  • Adjust any other settings as needed.

  • If you're scheduling the video for later, click Schedule Live Video at the bottom of the page.

Step 4: Find the Server URL and Stream Key

  • On the right, you should see a section with a Server URL and a Stream Key. Those values are what you'll paste in the Switcher Studio Dashboard. If you only see a Stream Key, toggle to Go Live Now in the left menu to see 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 stream, open the Switcher app on your main switching device.

  • Go to the Outputs tab.

  • Tap the blue arrow beside Custom RTMP.

All of the Custom RTMP channels that you've created will appear based on their nickname. If you do not see your desired channel, swipe down on the list to refresh and sync the app with the Switcher Dashboard.

  • Tap on the correct channel nickname.

  • A green bubble will appear to the right of the name, confirming your selection.

If you would like to edit the stream details, tap the three dots on the right.

  • Tap on any of the fields to edit them.

  • At a minimum, we highly recommend running a new Speed Test while connected to the network that you'll be using for your stream!

    • Tap Speed Test.

    • Tap Save to allow the speed test results to select the correct streaming resolution for your current networking settings.

  • Once you have finalized the settings, tap RTMP Channels in the top left to return to the main RTMP Channels menu.

  • Tap Done in the top left corner.

  • The correct channel will appear next to Custom RTMP in the Outputs Tab.

  • Make sure there is a blue checkmark next to Custom RTMP as shown above. If there is no checkmark, tap Custom RTMP.

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 ~10 seconds for the Go Live button to be available.

  • 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.

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