Selecting Schedule for Later when creating a live stream to a Facebook destination creates a Facebook Online Event. You can schedule live streams and pre-recorded streams up to 1 year in advance. Facebook Online Events allow you to promote your event, and broadcast/interact in real-time with your event guests once you go live.
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.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Here are some common issues users face when scheduling or streaming live events on Facebook:
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Error: "An error occurred on Facebook. This is usually temporary." This typically happens due to Facebook API issues. Try waiting a moment and retrying.
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Scheduled Live Events not Appearing in Feeds: Double-check your Facebook event settings to ensure it’s public.
Workaround for Facebook Destination Errors
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.
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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.”).
What Causes This?
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.
Why This Workaround?
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.
Tips for a Smooth Facebook Live Experience
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Ensure your internet connection is stable.
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Test your microphone and camera in the StreamYard studio before going live.
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Keep your Facebook app updated to avoid potential compatibility issues.
By following these guidelines and understanding the workaround, you can host successful Facebook Live events using StreamYard.
FAQ
I see a button that says "Set up live video" on Facebook. Is my event not set up yet?
No! Since you scheduled the live event directly through StreamYard you are all set. You don't need to worry about setting up the live event directly on Facebook itself. You can ignore this button, and go live directly from your StreamYard studio to begin streaming.
Why is my event showing as "Private"?
With the update of Facebook Live Online Events, the StreamYard integration on Facebook must be public if you want your live streams to be public. Here's how to do that.
I need to reschedule my broadcast, but it's past the original start time. What do I do?
Not to worry! You can still change the start time of your broadcasts even after the original start time. If it's within 10 minutes, all you have to do is 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.
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!
Why is my Event not showing on my Profile?
With this update Facebook made, Events do not show up by default on Profile walls. To post your event on your wall:
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!
Does this change also affect Pre-Recorded Broadcasts?
Yes. Scheduling an announcement post for pre-recorded broadcasts is now replaced with scheduling a Facebook event. You can schedule your Pre-recorded Broadcast up to 1 year in advance.
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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