- Can you stream with software yet?
- How to find your Facebook stream key
- Plugging the key into OBS or other software
- Standard vs persistent stream keys
- The video and audio settings Meta recommends
- Time limits and what happens to the video afterwards
- Embedding and boosting from Live Producer
- My verdict
- Frequently asked questions
Your Facebook stream key is in Live Producer: go to facebook.com/live/create on a computer, choose where to post, click Go live, select Streaming software as the video source, then copy the Server URL and Stream key Facebook shows you. Turn on Persistent stream key in Advanced Settings if you want to reuse the same key for future streams.
A stream key is the code that lets software such as OBS send video to your Facebook profile, Page or group. Anyone who has it can stream to your post, so where you find it matters less than how you look after it. Here's the full setup, the settings Meta recommends and the limits that end streams early.
Can you stream with software yet?
Meta sets three account requirements before you're allowed to go live on Facebook:
- Your account must be at least 60 days old.
- Your Page or professional mode profile needs at least 100 followers.
- To go live from a Page, you need Facebook access or task access to create content.
If you're not sure which route suits you, my guide on how to go live on Facebook from a phone, computer or Page compares them.
How to find your Facebook stream key
- On a computer, go to facebook.com/live/create.
- In the left menu, click Choose where to post and pick your timeline, Page or group.
- Click Go live.
- Under Select a video source, choose Streaming software.
- Optional: open Advanced Settings and turn on Persistent stream key to reuse it later.
- Copy the Server URL and the Stream key.
Plugging the key into OBS or other software
Meta calls it streaming or encoding software, and it's what does the sending. It names Open Broadcaster Software and Streamlabs OBS as popular options, and the setup's the same idea in each:
- Open the stream or encoder settings in your software.
- Set the type to Custom Streaming Server or RTMP Server.
- Paste the Server URL and Stream key you copied from Facebook.
- Turn on a secure connection (RTMPS) if your software supports it.
- Start streaming from the software. A live preview appears on Facebook.
- Add a title and description, then click Go Live Now, or choose Later to schedule the broadcast.
If you want viewers to get a reminder first, scheduling is covered in how to schedule a Facebook Live.
Standard vs persistent stream keys
| Standard stream key | Persistent stream key | |
|---|---|---|
| Reusable? | No, it can't be reused | Yes, for future streams |
| Where you switch it on | Default | Advanced Settings in Live Producer |
| Live videos at once | One per key | Only one live video at a time with that key |
| Main risk | Re-pasting a new key every time | Anyone holding it can stream to your post |
Meta's advice is blunt: never share your stream key or persistent stream key. Its streaming guidelines also say to manage your keys and refresh any that are older than 7 days, so a persistent key you set up months ago is due a refresh.
The video and audio settings Meta recommends
| Setting | Meta's recommendation |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p (1920 x 1080) |
| Frame rate | 30 fps |
| Video bitrate | 3,000 to 6,000 Kbps |
| Keyframe interval | 2 seconds |
| Video codec | H.264, Level 4.1 |
| Audio | 44.1 kHz sample rate, stereo, 128 Kbps |
Meta says these settings help avoid throttling or quality drops. If you're unsure about custom RTMP options, check your encoder's own documentation.
Time limits and what happens to the video afterwards
- 8 hours per stream for computer, mobile and software or API streams. Select premium partners, gaming creators and media organisations may be approved for longer, typically up to 12 hours.
- No grace period. Facebook ends a stream automatically when it hits its limit. For long events, plan a break, end the broadcast and restart it, and tell viewers in advance.
- 30-day replay window. Live videos stay available to replay for up to 30 days, and you can download the full file in that window.
- Deleted after 30 days unless you save, download or turn segments into Reels. If you assume the post stays up forever, this is the line to remember.
Embedding and boosting from Live Producer
To embed a stream on your website, choose the Page, go to Settings, then Stream, switch on Embed Live Video and click Get Embed Code.
Live Producer can also boost a stream before it's started, using Boost live video. Meta says this is only available to eligible advertisers, the ad goes for approval as soon as you go live, and once approved it may take 30 to 45 minutes to start delivering. So boost early or the stream may be half over before the ad reaches anyone.
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My verdict
Finding the key takes a minute; looking after it's the real job. Use a persistent key if you stream every week, keep it out of screenshots and shared docs, and refresh it on a schedule. Then download every stream you want to keep before the 30 days run out. The process is near identical on YouTube, as I show in where to find your YouTube stream key.
This guide is part of my Facebook Help: 80 Guides to Pages, Groups, Ads, Stories and Fixes.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find my Facebook stream key?
Go to facebook.com/live/create on a computer, choose where to post, click Go live, select Streaming software as the video source and copy the Server URL and Stream key.
Can I reuse a Facebook stream key?
Only if you turn on Persistent stream key in Advanced Settings. Standard stream keys can't be reused, and you can only have one live video at a time with a persistent key.
How long can a Facebook Live stream be?
Meta sets a limit of 8 hours per stream. Some premium partners and gaming creators may be approved for longer, typically up to 12 hours.
What bitrate should I use for Facebook Live?
Meta recommends 1080p at 30 fps with a video bitrate between 3,000 and 6,000 Kbps, a 2-second keyframe interval and H.264 Level 4.1.
How long do Facebook Live videos stay up?
Meta says live videos are available to replay for up to 30 days. Anything not saved, downloaded or turned into Reels is deleted 30 days after the live ends.
