Last updated: March 27th, 2020

Overview

There are cases where using the API integration may not be possible, or a different workflow is desired, for example:

1. a client is unwilling or unable to grant the required Page roles to allow streaming with the API integration 
2. additional control is needed for testing, or for previewing the stream before taking it live at a specified time, instead of the stream immediately going live to the audience when using the API integration

NOTE: because this method communicates with Facebook's streaming services in a different manner than the API integration, using manual a RTMPS stream key requires a device with a web browser to take the stream live. 

Configuration

Step 1. Manual RTMPS stream keys are obtained by using Facebook's Live Producer tool ( https://www.facebook.com/live/producer) or Facebook's original stream creation tool ( https://www.facebook.com/live/create).

Facebook's documentation on Live Producer is available at this link. 

Step 2. Once these manual keys are generated they can be entered as a custom RTMPS destination on Teradek's hardware encoders, Live:Air Solo or Live:Air Action, or with the Core or Sharelink cloud services.

Step 3. After the stream is configured, start the stream from the encoder / app / cloud service and it will appear as a preview under the appropriate Facebook account that is using the publishing tool in a web browser. 

Step 4. When the broadcast is ready to be completed, stop the stream from the encoder, then stop the stream in the tool's interface.

Changing the Settings for a stream

The tools show a range of Settings, be sure to read Facebook's documentation and tips on those settings to ensure that the implications for the stream are fully understood.

For example, enabling the continuous live video option will allow you to stream for longer than Facebook's current limit of 8 hours, but will not save video / VOD and will not engage with Page followers in the same way as a regular stream.

Requirements for Facebook Page

The account that is used to generate the RTMPS stream keys for a Page must have the same required Page Role to allow streaming to that Page.

Requirements for Facebook Group

Because the API integration is not being used, it's not necessary to install the "app" under the Group settings.