How to End a Facebook Live Stream

Before you start

Ending a Facebook Live stream is done from the same app or browser session that is broadcasting. You do not need a separate service or extra software for a standard live video. Before you stop the stream, check that you are signed in to the account or Page that started the broadcast, and keep the device awake until the ending action completes.

The local process depends on your broadcast method. If you are using the Facebook mobile app, the end control is in the live screen. If you are streaming from a browser through Live Producer, the end control is in the live dashboard. If you are sending an encoded stream from external software, stop the encoder first, then end the post in Facebook if it remains live.

Step-by-step instructions

Use the method that matches the device or tool you started the live video with.

End from the Facebook mobile app

• Open the live broadcast screen if it is not already visible.
• Tap Finish or the X control shown on the live interface.
• Wait for the app to confirm that the broadcast has ended.
• Choose whether to keep or delete the recorded video when Facebook offers the option.

Button labels can differ slightly between app versions. If the live screen has a red live indicator or control bar, look for the finish action in that bar. Do not close the app or lock the phone before the end confirmation appears.

End from Live Producer in a browser

• Go to the live video page or Live Producer for the active broadcast.
• Select End Live Video or the equivalent end button in the stream controls.
• Wait for Live Producer to show that the stream is no longer live.
• Check the post or video library to confirm the saved result.

For long streams or professional broadcasts, the dashboard may process the ending for a short period before the video appears in the video library. Keep the browser tab open while this finishes.

End an encoded stream

• Stop the live output from your encoding software or capture source first.
• Return to Facebook Live Producer if the broadcast still shows as live.
• End the live video from the Facebook control if it does not close automatically.
• Confirm that the source has stopped sending video and audio before you close other equipment.

Changing the capture source or encoder does not end the Facebook post by itself. A stream can remain in a waiting or interrupted state until you use the end control in Facebook.

Check the output

After the broadcast ends, open the post or video library for the account or Page that streamed. The saved video should no longer show a live badge and should have a playable duration. For standard mobile or browser streams, Facebook normally saves the recording automatically unless you choose to discard it.

Check quality and format only after processing completes. Facebook may produce a lower-resolution preview immediately and a higher-quality version later. The available recording format and processing time can depend on stream length, resolution, frame rate, bitrate and encoding settings, but do not assume exact processing times from a single broadcast.

Common problems and next steps

If the video still shows as live after you tap the end button, do not start the stream again. Refresh the live dashboard or reopen the app, then try the finish action once more. A weak connection can delay the end signal.

If an encoded stream will not close, confirm that the encoding software or capture source has completely stopped sending data. Check the active bitrate and frame rate in the encoder; a stopped preview window is not proof that the stream output is closed.

If the saved video is missing, check the video library after processing has had time to finish. Missing recordings can relate to account permissions, stream interruption or the option chosen immediately after ending. See Facebook Help for account-specific recovery steps rather than assuming that any failed recording can be restored.