Facebook Live vs. YouTube Live: Which is Better? - Blog

May 19, 2022

Live streaming is a serious industry.

According to one report, the live streaming market could reach $247 billion by 2027. It's quite a sum -- and for brands that concentrate on video, it could provide a wealth of possibilities.

Live streams that generate revenue aren't just a matter of luck. To connect with audiences around all over the world - and to convert some of them to customers it is essential to select the appropriate platform that is compatible with the company you manage.

For your convenience, we have taken an in-depth examination of two of the top players in the realm of live streaming. Facebook Live vs. YouTube Live.

Which option is better? Learn more to make the choice.

What exactly do you mean by Facebook Live?

In the core of the application, Facebook Live lets anyone with an account on a Facebook account to live stream free of charge.

Based on eMarketer, Facebook Live is the 2nd most-used alternative in terms of streaming live events on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat with a substantial difference.

In a New York Magazine survey published in New York Magazine, 66 percent of respondents picked Facebook Live as their favorite option for live streaming.

What exactly is it that is it that makes Facebook Live rank so high? Much of the appeal is due to popularity of its social media. With just under three billion monthly active users, Facebook is arguably the most well-known social media platform in the world.

Despite its popularity however, many businesses rely on Facebook Live because it works. Biteable is a video-based communication platform that works with teams, ran their very own Facebook Live test and concluded that

  • The people who watched Facebook Live longer. Facebook Live broadcasts significantly outperformed standard video posts in 3-second viewers.
  • Facebook Live had greater impact. Facebook Live's broadcasts were seen by nearly twice as many viewers as regular videos.
  • Facebook Live generated the largest audience engagement. Facebook Live broadcasts also saw higher engagement. It reached 469 total engagements opposed to just 28 engagements for standard videos.

What is Facebook Live? Facebook Live works

Facebook Live works on desktop as well as mobile.

To access Facebook Live on a desktop or laptop, you'll have to

  • Check out facebook.com (Facebook suggests using Google Chrome for live streams)
  • Click "Create your own article" in the upper right corner of your feed
  • Click the three dots and then press "Live video"

You'll then have the option of adding information and selecting an audience prior to beginning the live stream.

For you to use Facebook Live on a mobile device, you'll need:

  • Download the most recent version of the Facebook application onto your device
  • Select the LIVE icon located in the Status area
  • Click the button Live Video Start

You'll also have the option of adding more information about your livestream in addition to picking a certain target audience.

What exactly do you mean by 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 created in the year 2011. YouTube Live allows content creators to interact with their subscribers live in real-time.

The site boasts 1.22 million active users live streaming on YouTube can also assist you to build your following, no matter if you're instructing classes or hosting discussions, or playing an online game.

Based upon data from YouTube According to data from YouTube, 70% of users utilized the platform in the year 2020 to view the web version of live shows.

How YouTube Live Work

Live streaming on YouTube isn't quite as simple as Facebook Live. Facebook Live -- mostly due to eligibility requirements concerning those who are eligible to use the service.

For access to YouTube live from your laptop or desktop computer you'll require:

  • Have a verified YouTube and Google account
  • Live streaming can be enabled through the settings on your account (which may take up to 24hrs)
  • Go to youtube.com and then click the Create icon at the top of the menu bar.
  • Click here to go live

For you to use YouTube live on your smartphone, you'll require:

  • There can be 1,000 members or
  • Purchase third-party streaming software like Streamyard or Restream
  • Click on the Create icon at the center of the lower navigation bar

No matter what the situation, it's important to select between three recording options.

  • Webcam The only requirement is a confirmed YouTube account in order to stream live on a computer equipped with a webcam. Choose this option when you're fully prepared to go on camera.
  • Mobile The ability to live stream from your phone is ideal for video clips of a small length as well as on-the-go update. Live stream on your mobile device when you need to (and for those occasions when you're qualified).
  • Encoder: Want to share your display, use an incredible microphone, or easily invite other people to participate in an event? To accomplish these and other features, you'll require an encoder like Streamyard as well as Restream.

Facebook Live's Pros and Cons

Facebook Live have a lot positive aspects , however, it has its own drawbacks.

Facebook Live Pros

Free, accessible, and easy to get started, Facebook Live has the following benefits:

  • The barrier to entry is not high. Anyone with a Facebook account (and/or the Facebook app on mobile) is able to stream with just a few mouse clicks.
  • Large crowd. For businesses with an active presence on Facebook advertising to their users using a platform on which they are already spending their time, is an excellent alternative. To everyone else making use of the Facebook audience and the specialized strategies can be a great way to get the attention of a huge crowd for free.
  • Video API Utilizing its uniquely created video API, brands that live stream on Facebook are able to cut time and boost efficiency through the combination of these functions into existing workflows.

Facebook Live Cons

While it has its share of strong pros, Facebook Live falls short in the following areas:

  • There is no SEO benefit or searchability. You can't index Facebook Live contents that means that search engines will not be able to search and "fetch" Facebook posts when individuals search for the keywords that which they could otherwise appear in search results for. Furthermore, the search functionality in Facebook doesn't come close in providing relevant content as the search engines.
  • No monetization. Because you aren't able to earn revenue from your video via the website, you can't block access through paywalls and you can't manage your own or even sell subscriptions.
  • Prohibitive policies. It's a service that's convenient and cost-free, however some Facebook Live policies -- like forbidding looping of content is a restriction on certain companies.

YouTube Live Pros and Cons

More complex means many more issues to be considered. The following are the major benefits and drawbacks in YouTube Live.

YouTube Live Pros

Since it is part of Google and being the second most popular site in the world, YouTube Live carries some notable benefits.

  • SEO and searchability advantages are very high.. In contrast to Facebook Live, YouTube Live videos are a very likely to be showing up on search results particularly for those who are using Google, the parent company of Google's search engine. Any person who is interested in increasing views by organic search traffic will likely be benefited by YouTube Live.
  • Other opportunities to make money. YouTube has a number of incentives to increase spending: Subscribers to channels can charge subscribers for exclusive content; Super chats as well as Super Likes provide viewers the opportunity to stand out in exchange for donations. The shelves for products allow users to market and sell products (if you are selling through an authorized retailer).
  • Monetization options. In the event that your YouTube channel has been commercialized (which calls for 1,000 subscribers in addition to other criteria) it is also possible to generate revenue through advertising. According to Statista, YouTube ad revenues grew by 25% between 2020 and 2021.

YouTube Live Cons

YouTube Live also has tons of features, however, there are a few distinct drawbacks

  • Requirements for eligibility. In contrast to Facebook Live, live streaming on YouTube must be minimum time of at least one hour for the feature to be activated on your account. It won't be able to stream live on mobile until you've reached 1,000 subscribers or use -- and pay for -the services provided by a third party.
  • Accessibility is limited to international audience.Despite YouTube being the second most-used social networking platform around the globe, YouTube is also one of the most blocked sites around the globe, particularly for educational institutions and companies. If you're looking to connect with the world's population, and especially places like China in which the site is completely blocked, YouTube Live may not be the ideal location to host live streaming.
  • It's not the ideal way to earn cash. YouTube's complicated monetization process could be expensive if YouTube pulls off significant numbers. Although the platform generated billions in revenue from ads for the last quarter, which ended January 2021, the vast majority of YouTube channels are paid $0.5 per 1000 video views which equals $18 for each 1,000 views (on the average). Also, there's an minimal amount that must be to be paid that means that it won't pay until you've reached the required minimum threshold.
  • Community guidelines. If your content violates the YouTube rules for members of the community, the channel may be hit with an eviction, which may briefly stop you from being able to live stream.

Professionals can use live streaming platforms to stream their work

Professionally-designed live streaming platforms provide much more flexibility and functionality than the free platforms like Facebook and YouTube in addition. Since they're paid for their services, the top platforms provide a certain amount of personalization and security.

Furthermore, you could create the monetization strategy that is best suited to your business.

What is the reason you should make use of a live streaming platform?

There are many video-based companies, and it's not YouTube Live vs. Facebook Live, it's the other choices available?

The reason is that neither platform grants content creators full control over their content.

When using YouTube there are many variables that can prevent you from earning money, starting with eligibility criteria to whether your content is suitable to be used for marketing.

With Facebook it is possible to monetize live streams isn't an alternative.

Additionally, there are many benefits when you consider the benefits of a live streaming service that is professional:

  • Live streaming is available to every device. You can stream live to television, mobile and web applications. Set live streaming behind paywalls if they are appropriate.
  • Live streams are available to multiple places. Send live streamings on your site, social networks, and OTT apps to reach many more viewers with one video.
  • Develop an own OTT software. Securely stream live events of individuals throughout the world via the application on mobile that's your brand's.

Choose your preferred monetization model, keep an eye on the effectiveness of your video and continue making tweaks and optimizing pricing as you go- whether it's subscriptions, one-time purchases, or both.

     Learn how to make money from your live streams by using OTT.

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