Social Snacks Episode 35: 7 Must-have Facebook Live Video Tools for the Web

Facebook live video tools for the web - Featured

Social Snacks Episode 35: 7 Must-have Facebook Live Video Tools for the Web

Are you looking for Facebook Live video tools for the web?

Maybe you primarily use a Mac or PC computer from your office and you want to be able to create and share Facebook Live videos from there instead of using your mobile device?

Or you have poor cellphone reception and running live video in your office using your mobile device just won't cut it?

The good news is that you can run Facebook Live videos from both places.

In fact, we prefer running Facebook Live videos from our computer.

The reason being is that you now have a host of tools at your disposal that can help you significantly improve the quality of your Facebook Live videos.

On this episode of Social Snacks, you'll learn about seven must-have Facebook Live video tools for the web

This way you can ensure you have an optimal setup when livestreaming to your customers.

Let's take a look at the video tools that you'll want to have when running Facebook Live video from the web.
 

7 Must-Have Facebook Live Video Tools For the Web

 

 Transcription Services by GMR Transcription

 

1. A Computer

Laptop

When choosing the right Facebook Live video tools for the web, the first one you'll want to have is a computer.

At Social Chefs, we're partial to using a MacBook Pro; however.

If you prefer a PC, be sure you get a laptop or desktop with a speedy processor, plenty of RAM and an SSD drive.

You'll also want one with a built-in webcam and enough USB ports.

This way you can plugin additional equipment to build on your setup as the needs of your business change.

Buy a laptop  
 

2. Facebook

Start a Facebook Live video broadcast

Once you have a laptop, the next tool you'll need for running Facebook Live videos from the web is Facebook.

For those of you looking for a more elaborate setup, such as what we run for Social Chatter, you'll also want to get Wirecast.

This allows us to schedule our Facebook Live videos up to seven days in advance.

We also use it to add-in elaborate intro screens, lower-third graphics, screen sharing and much more during our Facebook Live video broadcast.

Start a Facebook Live Video broadcast  
 

3. Webcam

Logitech Brio webcam

While your computer may have its own built-in webcam, most of them haven't been upgraded in years.

Because of this, we recommend using an external webcam for any live video broadcasts from your computer.

Personally, we use the Logitech Brio, a 4K webcam that has terrific picture quality for your live video audience.

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly webcam, the Logitech C920 is an alternative.

Improve your live video picture quality  
 

4. Microphone

Blue Raspberry Microphone

One of the next Facebook Live video tools for the web that you absolutely should upgrade is your microphone.

Yes, your computer has a built-in microphone to capture audio during your Facebook Live video broadcasts.

No, the sound isn't that great. It can also sound hollow and be difficult for your viewers to hear.

Fortunately, you have a lot of options to choose from for external microphones.

You can use the Blue Raspberry microphone.

This particular microphone is extremely portable, provides great audio, and can also connect to your mobile device if you plan to run Facebook Live videos from your mobile device as well.

An alternative is the Blue Yeti.

The only downside to this microphone is that it isn't very portable.

Overall, it produces terrific audio for live video broadcasts as well as for voiceovers, podcasts and more.

Upgrade your audio  
 

5. Lighting

Diva ring light

Video, audio and great lighting - three equally important areas that you want to make sure you upgrade when running Facebook Live videos from the web.

In this situation, you have a few options depending on where you're primarily going to be broadcasting your live videos from.

If you're planning on running all of your Facebook Live videos from your office, check out the Diva ring.

This is more of a stationary light that you won't be able to travel with.

If you're looking for something more portable, consider using a clip-on selfie light that attaches to your smartphone or the top of your laptop to help you light yourself better on camera.

Improve your lighting  
 

6. A Backdrop

Chromakey backdrop

Another one of the Facebook Live video tools for the web that you'll want to have is a backdrop.

No one wants to see the boxes piled up behind you, stacks of unread books and more.

A quick way to hide them and clean-up your Facebook Live video broadcasts is to get a backdrop.

You can choose to hide your mess with a collapsible chromakey backdrop (pictured above).

Alternatively, you can use your backdrop to change the scenery behind you when recording videos for your business.

Clean-up my background  
 

7. Cloud Storage

Cloud storage solutions

When you're finished with your Facebook Live videos, you'll want to remember to download your live videos.

This way you have a backup or simply want to use your live videos in your businesses marketing efforts.

You'll also want to have cloud storage so that you can save your Facebook broadcasts for later and free up space on your computer (live video can take up a lot of space).

For this, we use Evernote.

This way our Facebook Live videos are available in the cloud to access from any of our mobile devices.

Google Drive or Dropbox are also great alternatives if you're already using those tools.

This way you can have all of your Facebook Live videos organized in one place and you'll still have plenty of free space on your computer!

Upgrade your cloud storage  
 

Over to You

There you have it, seven tools to help your business improve its Facebook Live video broadcasts from your computer!

By upgrading just a few key components of your Facebook Live video broadcasts, such as your webcam, lighting and audio, you can significantly improve the quality of your live videos.

Besides the Facebook Live video tools for the web that we mentioned, can you think of any others you would add to this list to keep improving your videos?

If so, please share them with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or in the comments below.

 

About The Author
Christian Karasiewicz Founder, Social Chefs Founder and CEO of Social Chefs, a digital marketing agency. I host two shows, #SocialChatter, the industries longest running social media marketing talk show and Social Snacks, 5 minute or less social media marketing tutorials.

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