{"id":8151,"date":"2023-04-06T13:27:14","date_gmt":"2023-04-06T13:27:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mslive.co.in\/blog\/?p=8151"},"modified":"2023-08-26T09:50:19","modified_gmt":"2023-08-26T09:50:19","slug":"cheap-streaming-server","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.mslive.co.in\/blog\/cheap-streaming-server\/","title":{"rendered":"Cheap Streaming Server Hosting"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

We talk a lot on this blog about the growing popularity of live streaming<\/a>. Recently, perhaps nothing exemplifies this better than the ability to live stream using Facebook Live<\/a>. With a user base of more than 1.75 billion and annual revenues of nearly $18 billion, the company is a behemoth. The Atlantic, in an article called \u201cFacebook is Eating the Internet,\u201d says that calling Facebook huge is a diminishing understatement.<\/p>

Translation: when Facebook makes a move, others should listen. Therefore, when Facebook began to experiment with live streaming<\/a> and launched the feature to all users in April 2016, the video world took note. With one stroke, Facebook had brought live video broadcasting<\/a> to nearly 25 percent of the world population. Now anyone can stream live on Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>

Let\u2019s talk about the actual product first. Using Facebook Live<\/a> has definite pros and cons. In this essay, we\u2019re going to examine these specifics and discuss the best use-cases for this technology. We\u2019ll also look at some of the drawbacks of the platform to help you know when you should not be using Facebook Live<\/a>. First, a Facebook live review.<\/p>

\"\"<\/p>

Facebook Live review<\/strong><\/p>[Tweet \u201cHere\u2019s how to #livestream on Facebook, and the pros and cons of the platform:\u201d]First, the basics: Facebook Live<\/a> is a free live streaming platform<\/a> that is integrated with your Facebook account.<\/p>

Using Facebook Live to broadcast<\/a><\/p>

There are two ways to use Facebook Live for live streaming.
The first is from a smartphone.<\/p>

1. On your phone, start streaming by opening the Facebook app.
2. Then tap the status area labeled \u201cwhat\u2019s on your mind?\u201d The screen that appears will have a row of icons along the bottom.
3. The icon on the far right is a person\u2019s head and shoulders surrounded by a \u201chalo\u201d of radio waves. Tap this icon and you\u2019ll be presented with a number of options for your live stream<\/a>.
4. You can create a short description, define a target audience, and tap to go live.<\/p>

Note that you\u2019ll need a relatively powerful internet connection for streaming to function. Fast 4G cell networks should usually be adequate, but for the best results use cable internet or something faster.<\/p>

On a desktop, Facebook Live streaming<\/a> can only take place from a Facebook page. Streaming<\/a> from your personal profile isn\u2019t possible. To stream on desktop, you\u2019ll need to be prepared with an audio\/video source connected to an encoder. To learn more about encoders, check out our previous blog on the subject. Here\u2019s how it works:<\/p>

1. Visit your Facebook Page, then click the tab labeled \u201cPublishing Tools\u201d at the top of the screen.
2. On the next page, in the sidebar on the left side of the screen, click the option labeled \u201cVideo.\u201d
3. Then click the button labeled \u201c+ Live\u201d near the top right.
4. In the popup \u201cCreate Live Video\u201d field that appears, enter information about your stream. This includes the Stream URL and, if applicable, Stream Key. These will be provided by your live streaming<\/a> encoder.
5. Click next, and then you\u2019ll have an option to add a title and tags. You can also restrict embedding, change post-event playback settings, and retrieve an embed code.
6. Finally, click to go live. You\u2019re all set!<\/p>

Facebook Live drawbacks<\/strong><\/p>

Before we get too much further, we need to discuss some of the drawbacks of Facebook Live<\/a>. Yes, there are a number of them that you should be aware of before using Facebook Live. For many users, these are serious issues. Let\u2019s explore a few in more detail.<\/p>

Content licensing issues<\/p>

When you post content to Facebook\u2014including live streaming video<\/a> content\u2014some of the rights transfer to Facebook. You still own the copyright, but Facebook gains the right to use that content. They can use it anyway they would like, for free, in perpetuity. They can also transfer those rights to others.<\/p>

While this license is revoked if you delete your content, this still brings up some serious concerns. Business users and professionals especially may wish to avoid this restriction. If you\u2019ve already negotiated rights and licensing issues for your video streaming<\/a>, these clauses may also impact those agreements.<\/p>

Associated content<\/p>

When you post to Facebook<\/a>, your content gets lumped in with everything else in the Newsfeed. Unless your viewers are watching exclusively on your page, other posts will appear next to your content.<\/p>

Most of the time, this doesn\u2019t represent a problem. However, negative reviews, competitor advertising and posts, and morally objectionable material can all potentially turn up next to your material because of this, leading to embarrassing screenshots and problematic ideas among your base.<\/p>

Monetization difficulties<\/p>

One of the reasons that people live stream<\/a> is to generate revenue. It\u2019s possible to make a good deal of money through streaming online<\/a>. This can happen through a number of different methods, including advertising, pay-per-view, and subscriptions. Each method has upsides and downsides, as we\u2019ve covered before.<\/p>

However, monetization options on Facebook are currently non-existent. Pay-per-view and subscriptions are simply impossible. Advertising may be incorporated in the future, but it\u2019s not there yet. Even if and when advertising is supported, it has some serious drawbacks.<\/p>

If you want to make money off your streams, using Facebook Live<\/a> might not be the best alternative.<\/p>

Content management tribulations<\/p>

Another drawback when using Facebook Live is the ineffective content management tools. Live videos<\/a> that you share can be auto-archived and shared for later on-demand viewing. However, the interface for managing these videos is inefficient and features are sparse.<\/p>

Technical support<\/p>

\"\"<\/p>

Another issue with Facebook Live<\/a> is the lack of technical support. While the product is relatively robust, problems can occur. When they do, no definitive help resource is available. Facebook product forums only share general information and rarely feature expert advice. In the midst of a live stream<\/a>, the last thing you need is problems with technology. Tech support can be a lifesaver when problems occur during a live stream. Professional online video platforms<\/a> like Mslive offer 24\/7 support<\/a>, but Facebook offers no such feature<\/p>

Content blocking<\/p>

Facebook is one of the world\u2019s most-blocked websites. Many businesses, schools, and other institutions all block the social media platform. This is done in an effort to increase productivity so people aren\u2019t wasting time. However, these blocks can be very problematic if you\u2019re trying to reach certain audiences. If you\u2019re going to use Facebook Live<\/a>, consider your target audience and their internet access carefully.<\/p>

Branded video<\/p>

Every video you post on Facebook will include the Facebook logo. This can detract from the seriousness and professionalism you wish to display.<\/p>[Tweet \u201cBranding, lack of monetization options, and content blocking are among the main drawbacks of Facebook #livestreaming<\/a>.\u201d]

Facebook Live benefits<\/strong><\/p>

With all that said, there are some cool benefits when using Facebook Live<\/a>. For starters, it has a huge audience. Additionally, the Facebook App on mobile devices makes it extremely easy to stream in Moments.<\/p>

You can broadcast from professional-grade sources with Facebook Live. However, quality limitations (like the 720p maximum resolution) detract from the service. More professional platforms offer features and functionality that far surpass Facebook Live<\/a>.<\/p>

When should you be using Facebook Live<\/p>

So, when exactly do we recommend using Facebook Live<\/a>? There are a few different types of situations that make this platform ideal. Some good use-cases for Facebook Live include:<\/p>