Facebook Live Vs. YouTube Live: Which Is Better? - Blog
Live streaming is a serious business.
According to one report, the live streaming market could reach $247 billion in 2027. It's quite a sum -- and for brands that focus on video many opportunities.
Live streams that generate revenue don't occur by chance. To connect with audiences around the world at scale -and to convert some of them into clients -- you'll need to choose the right platform to align with the business you run.
For your convenience, we have taken an in-depth examination of two of the most prominent participants in the world of live streaming: Facebook Live vs. YouTube Live.
Which one is more suitable? Read on to make the call.
What exactly is Facebook Live?
In the core of the platform, Facebook Live enables anyone with an account on Facebook account to stream live without cost.
According to eMarketer, Facebook Live is the 2nd most used choice in terms of streaming live shows over platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat by a significant margin.
In a New York Magazine survey in New York Magazine, 66 percent of respondents selected Facebook Live as their favorite option for live streaming.
What is it that makes Facebook Live rank so high? A large portion of its popularity is due to the popularity of the social media platform. With just under three billion monthly active users, Facebook is arguably the most popular social media site worldwide.
In spite of its fame, many companies turn to Facebook Live because it works. Biteable, a video communication platform for teams, conducted its own Facebook Live experiment and concluded that
- People watched Facebook Live longer. Facebook Live broadcasts significantly outperformed standard video posts in 3-second viewers.
- Facebook Live had greater reach. Facebook Live broadcasts reached almost twice as many people as regular videos.
- Facebook Live generated the most audience engagement. Facebook Live broadcasts also saw greater engagement, which was 469 total engagements as against just 28 engagements on standard video posts.
What is Facebook Live? Facebook Live works
Facebook Live works on desktop and on mobile.
To use Facebook Live on a desktop or laptop computer, you'll have to:
- Visit facebook.com (Facebook recommends using Google Chrome for live streams)
- Click "Create an article" in the upper right corner of your feed
- Click the three dots and then click "Live video"
From there, you'll have the option of adding information as well as select an audience prior to starting your live streaming.
For you to use Facebook Live on a mobile device, you'll require:
- Download the most recent version of the Facebook application on your device
- Click the LIVE icon in the Status area
- Select the Live Video Start button
Once again, you'll have the option of adding more details regarding your livestream in addition to selecting a specific audience.
What exactly is YouTube Live?
Being the most-loved video-sharing website in the world, YouTube Live is a first in the live streaming space. The site was first launched in 2011. YouTube Live allows content creators to connect with subscribers in real-time.
The site has 1.22 million active users Live streaming on YouTube will also help you build your following, no matter if you're teaching classes, holding an open discussion streaming a video game.
Based on data from YouTube According to data from YouTube, 70% of users used the site in 2020 to watch the online version of live events.
How YouTube Live Works
Live streaming on YouTube isn't as straightforward than the use of Facebook Live -- mostly due to eligibility requirements concerning who's eligible for the service.
To access YouTube live from a desktop or laptop computer, you'll have to:
- Have a verified YouTube or Google account
- You can enable live streaming in the settings of your account (which can take up to 24hrs)
- Navigate to youtube.com and click on the Create icon at the top of the menu bar
- Click to Go Live
For you to use YouTube live on a mobile device , you'll need:
- You can have 1,000 subscribers or
- Purchase third-party streaming software like Streamyard or Restream
- Click the Create icon in the center of the bottom navigation bar
Whatever the case is you'll need to choose from three different recording options.
- Webcam The only requirement is a verified YouTube account to stream live on a computer equipped with a webcam. Choose this option when you're prepared for being on camera.
- Mobile: Going live from your smartphone is great for video clips of a short length and on-the-go updates. Live stream on your mobile device as needed (and in cases where you are eligible).
- Encoder: Want to share your screen, utilize an impressive microphone, or easily invite others to take part in a panel? In order to do this and more types of functions, you'll require an encoder like Streamyard as well as Restream.
Facebook Live Pros and Cons
Facebook Live have a lot positive aspects however, it does have some drawbacks.
Facebook Live Pros
Accessible, free, and easy to get started, Facebook Live has the following advantages:
- The entry barrier is low. Anyone with a Facebook account (and/or the Facebook app on mobile) is able to stream within just a few clicks.
- Large audience. For businesses with an active presence on Facebook, marketing to them on a platform where they already spend their time, is a good option. For everyone else, taking advantage of the Facebook user base and targeted options may help to attract the attention of a large audience for free.
- Video API With its specially designed video API, live streaming brands on Facebook are able to save time and boost efficiency through the integration of these functions with pre-existing workflows.
Facebook Live Cons
While there are some strong pros, Facebook Live falls short in the following areas:
- Low searchability/no SEO benefits. You can't index Facebook Live contents that means the search engines won't be able to search and "fetch" Facebook posts when people search for keywords they would otherwise rank in search results for. Furthermore, the search functionality within Facebook doesn't come close in surfacing relevant content like search engines.
- No monetization. Because you aren't able to earn money with your video on the platform, you can't restrict access via paywalls, or manage directly or sell subscriptions.
- Prohibitive policies. The service may be convenient and cost-free, however some Facebook Live policies -- like forbidding looping of content restrict certain brands.
YouTube Live Pros and Cons
More complex means many more issues to be considered. Here are the primary advantages and disadvantages of YouTube Live.
YouTube Live Pros
Being a part of Google and also the second-most visited site in the world, YouTube Live carries some notable advantages.
- Searchability and SEO advantages are high.. In contrast to Facebook Live, YouTube Live video content is a extremely high chance of appearing in search results particularly for those who are using parent company Google's search engine. Anyone interested in driving views by organic search traffic is likely to benefit by YouTube Live.
- Sales and other money-making opportunities. YouTube has a number of options to incentivize spending: Subscribers to channels allow the user to charge their subscribers for exclusive content; Super chats and Super Likes give viewers an opportunity to stand out in exchange for donations. The merchandise shelf allows you to advertise and sell products (if you sell through an official retailer).
- Monetization options. If your YouTube channel is being monetized (which requires 1,000 subscribers in addition to other requirements), you can also generate revenue through advertising. According to Statista, YouTube ad revenue generated an increase of 25% from 2020 to 2021.
YouTube Live Cons
YouTube Live also has tons to offer, however there are a few notable disadvantages
- Eligibility requirements. Contrary to Facebook Live, live streaming on YouTube will require at least an hour for the feature to be enabled in your account. The feature won't allow you to stream live on mobile until you've reached 1,000 subscribers or use -- and pay for -the services of a third party.
- Accessibility is limited to global audiences.Despite it being second most-used social media platform around the globe, YouTube is also one of the most blocked sites in the world -particularly for companies and schools. If you're trying to reach global audiences, particularly in places like China in which the site is blocked completely, YouTube Live may not be the best place to host live streaming.
- Not the best way to earn money. YouTube's complicated monetization system can be costly if the channel pulls serious numbers. While the platform has generated billions of dollars in revenue from ads in the quarter ending January 2021, the vast majority of YouTube channels earn $0.5 for every 1000 videos watched which is $18 for every 1,000 views (on the average). Also, there's a minimum amount to be paid that means that it won't pay until you've reached the required threshold.
- Community guidelines. If your content violates the YouTube rules for community members the channel might get a strike, which could temporarily stop your ability to stream live.
Live streaming platforms for professionals
Professional live streaming platforms offer much more flexibility and functionality than the free ones such as Facebook and YouTube as well. And since they're charged for services, the best platforms also offer a degree of security and personalization.
Additionally, you can set up the monetization model that works best for your company.
The reason to use a professional live streaming platform?
Many video-based companies it's not YouTube Live vs. Facebook Live, it's what other alternatives exist?
The reason is that neither platform grants content creators full control over their content.
With YouTube many factors can hinder making money -- starting with eligibility criteria to whether your content is suitable for advertising.
With Facebook you can monetize live streams isn't an option.
There are additional benefits to look into a professional live streaming service:
- Live streaming to any device. Go live across mobile, web and TV apps. Put live streams behind paywalls when appropriate.
- Live stream is available to multiple places. Broadcast live streams to your website, social channels, and OTT apps to reach more people with just one video.
- Develop your own OTT application. Securely stream live events individuals across several locations via the mobile application that is your brand's.
Choose your preferred monetization model, keep an eye on the performance of your videos, and keep making adjustments and optimizing prices as you go- whether it's subscriptions, one-time purchases, or both.