Why is my Facebook Multistream platform experiencing buffering issues?

Consider this scenario:

I am currently streaming to 5centsCDN and have added both YouTube and Facebook multistream platforms. The stream is running smoothly in the stream preview and on YouTube. However, I am experiencing buffering issues specifically on Facebook. I would like to know the cause of this issue and if there is a separate setup required for Facebook streaming.

You may encounter buffering issues when using Facebook platforms. Facebook recommends specific source settings for your stream. If the bitrate, codec, resolution, or other stream parameters exceed their specifications, you may experience buffering problems.

To ensure smooth streaming on Facebook, it is important to meet the following requirements in your source stream:

  • Keyframe size: 2 seconds (recommended) to 4 seconds (do not exceed)
  • Resolution and bitrate recommendations:
Resolution Bitrate
1080p @ 60 fps
  • Resolution: 1920×1080
  • Video bitrate range: 4,500-9,000 kbps
1080p @ 30fps
  • Resolution: 1920×1080
  • Video bitrate range: 3,000-6,000 kbps
720p @ 60 fps
  • Resolution: 1280×720
  • Video bitrate range: 2,250-6,000 kbps
720p @ 30 fps
  • Resolution: 1280×720
  • Video bitrate range: 400-1,000 kbps
480p @ 30 fps
  • Resolution: 854×480
  • Video bitrate range: 600-2,000 kbps

360p
  • Resolution: 640×360
  • Video bitrate range: 600-2,000 kbps

Note: The maximum recommended bitrate is 15 Mbps.

  • Protocol: RTMPS streaming

  • Video codec:

    • H.264, Level 4.1 for up to 1080p @ 30 FPS
    • H.264, Level 4.2 for 1080p @ 60 FPS
    • Live API: H264 encoded video and AAC encoded audio only. Other formats may be rejected by the Facebook Live platform.
  • Video length: 8 hours maximum
  • Pixel aspect ratio: Square
  • Frame types: Progressive scan
  • Bitrate Encoding: CBR
  • Aspect ratio: 16:9. If your ratio is too far from 16:9, we may not be able to support your stream.
  • Sample rate: 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz
  • Channel layout: Stereo
  • Audio codec: AAC low-complexity profile
  • Audio bit rate: 128 kbps (preferred) to 256 kbps (do not exceed)

To access more detailed information, please refer to the link

How to modify the source parameters?

You can use 2 methods to fix this issue.

  1. Change the source parameters in your encoder.To modify the source parameters for smooth streaming on Facebook, you can make adjustments in your encoder according to Facebook’s recommendations. This ensures optimal compatibility and performance. However, if you are restreaming a live stream URL and do not have access to the streaming encoder, you can consider using the second option.
  2. Apply Live Transcoding to your Facebook Multistream platform.To address this issue without modifying the source encoder settings, you can utilize the Live Transcoding Profile feature available in your multistream platform. This option is highly recommended as it provides an easy solution for resolving buffering problems. By applying the appropriate Live Transcoding Profile, you can optimize the stream for smooth playback without the need to make adjustments directly in the source encoder settings.