Selecting Schedule for Later when creating a live stream to a Facebook destination creates a Facebook Online Event. This allows you to promote your event, and broadcast/interact in real-time with your event guests once you go live.
🔍 You can schedule both Live Streams and Pre-Recorded Broadcasts up to 1 year in advance.
How to Create a Live Online Event
- Head to your StreamYard Homepage and click Create.
- Choose Live Stream.
- Select either Studio or Pre-recorded video
- Select your Facebook destinations (and any other destinations you'd like to multi-stream to).
- Type your Title & Description.
- Select the box to Schedule for later if you'd like to create the event prior to going live. If you don't choose this option, an event will be created on Facebook at the time the live stream begins.
- Click Create broadcast. You've now successfully scheduled your broadcast! To view the Live Online Event on Facebook, click the 3 dots and choose View on Facebook.
- This is what your Live Online Event will look like on Facebook.
Now you can promote your upcoming live event by clicking the Invite button on Facebook.
👉🏻 Since you scheduled the live event directly through StreamYard, you are all set. You don’t need to set up the live event manually on Facebook. You can ignore the button "Set up live video" and go live directly from your StreamYard studio to begin streaming.
Event Visibility and Rescheduling
Please note that Live Events do not show up by default on Profile walls. To post your event on your wall, please follow these steps:
1. Head to the Event and click the arrow to share.
2. Then click Share to Feed. Add a caption if you'd like, then click Post. Your Event will now be added to your Profile wall!
👉🏻 Can viewers still access the event after it has concluded?
Yes! The event will be accessible through the events tab on whichever Facebook destination you broadcast to. The broadcast replay will be available inside the event as well!
👉🏻 Can the Live Event be rescheduled?
You can change the start time of your broadcasts even after the original start time.
- If it’s within 10 minutes, simply edit the broadcast and change the scheduled start time.
- If it’s over 10 minutes past, you may need to edit the event directly on Facebook.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
At times, errors with Facebook’s API can cause issues when scheduling or streaming live events via StreamYard. These issues may include:
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- Scheduled Facebook Live events not appearing in feeds.
- Event cover images not uploading correctly.
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Error messages when creating broadcasts
(e.g., “An error occurred on Facebook. This is usually temporary. Wait a moment then try again.”).
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👉🏻 These errors occur due to temporary failures in Facebook's API, especially for users with a long history of live broadcasts. While these failures are beyond StreamYard's control, we’ve implemented a workaround to improve your experience and minimize disruptions.
How Does the Workaround Help?
When Facebook's API errors occur, StreamYard now attempts to recover by using alternate Facebook API methods. This prevents errors during broadcast creation and avoids creating duplicate events on your Facebook page.
However, this workaround has two side effects that users may notice:
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Missing Cover Images: Occasionally, Facebook events created through the workaround won’t include a cover image. You can manually add a cover image directly on Facebook.
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No Timeline Post for Live Events: Facebook may not automatically post to your timeline when the event goes live. Unfortunately, this is a limitation of Facebook’s API.
👉🏻 Although this solution isn't perfect, it ensures a smoother experience overall by eliminating the most common errors users previously encountered. These issues are rooted in Facebook's API, and we’re continuously monitoring user feedback to evaluate whether further adjustments are needed.
FAQ
What are the best tips for a smooth Facebook Live Experience?
By following these guidelines and understanding the workaround, you can host successful Facebook Live events using StreamYard:
- Ensure your internet connection is stable.
- Test your microphone and camera in the StreamYard studio before going live.
- Keep your Facebook app updated to avoid potential compatibility issues.
Can I host paid online events on Facebook as well?
Paid online events are also available in some markets and for eligible Facebook Pages. Learn more here.
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