How to create live videos on X

X is the place to see what’s happening in the world—from breaking news to major live events. You can easily create live videos to share what’s happening live from your X account. 

Create a live video
How to start a live video:
Step 1

Tap the icon from the composer.

Step 2

Tap Live at the bottom selector.

Step 3

Fill in an optional description that will appear as a post, and a location if desired.

Step 4

Tap Go live. Your live broadcast, with description and location (if added), will appear in a post in your followers' timelines and on your profile. 

How to end a live video:
You can end a live video at any time by pressing the Stop button on the top left and confirming your action in the menu that comes up.

How to start a live video:
Step 1

Tap the icon from the composer.

Step 2

Tap Live at the bottom selector.

Step 3

Fill in an optional description that will appear as a post, and a location if desired.

Step 4

Tap Go live. Your live broadcast, with description and location (if added), will appear in a post in your followers' timelines and on your profile. 

How to end a live video:
You can end a live video at any time by pressing the Stop button on the top left and confirming your action in the menu that comes up.

How to start a live stream using third-party hardware or software
Step 1

Go to your application or hardware settings and choose “Custom Streaming Server”

Step 2

Select "X" from your pull down option to authenticate this encoder with your X account

Step 3

Log in to your X account using the username and password for the account you wish to send the stream to and accept permissions

Step 4

Start streaming your video.

Please Note: Every encoder is a little different so we advise that you reference the application’s manual if you have any questions.

How can I find live videos on X?

You can discover and watch live videos from your Home timeline, notifications, search, and trends. You can watch live videos and replays from anyone on X whose account isn't protected.

Can I share a live broadcast or replay?

Yes! From the live video or replay full screen mode, click or tap the share icon  then choose between the following options:

  • Click or tap Share Live (when live) or Share From Beginning (when in replay mode) to post, Direct Message, or copy the link of a full live video or replay from the beginning.
  • Click or tap Share from… to post, Direct Message, or copy the link of a live video or replay starting at a point chosen using the selection bar.

When I go live on X, where does it go?

Your live video can go anywhere that a post can go. This means that it’ll be searchable in the X app, on the X website, and it can be embedded on other websites just like any other post. 

Can I make changes to my live video once it’s been broadcasted?

In the X for iOS and Android apps, you can change the title, thumbnail image, and set a custom starting point after ending a broadcast. To get started, tap on the broadcast you’d like to edit. Tap on the overflow menu, then tap the Edit Broadcast option. Once you make your changes you’ll be prompted to save.

Keep in mind that broadcast titles can be edited up to three times. Additionally, it will take up to 15 minutes for edits to appear in X.

What are hearts?

Hearts are how you share support and show your enthusiasm for a video. On iOS or Android, tap the screen to give the broadcaster a heart. On web, you can give hearts once you’re logged in by clicking the heart icon in the bottom right corner. 

Can I save my live video?

Your live videos will automatically be posted as a post when you go live. You can also save your live video right to your device’s camera roll at the end of your live video by tapping Save to camera roll. If you would like to upload and share your video later, read how to share and watch videos on X.

Can I receive notifications when accounts I follow start a live video?

Yes! Learn how to opt-in to receive push notifications from accounts when they go live through our Sharing and watching videos on X article.

Can I comment in a live video on X?

Yes, you can comment and send hearts in any live video you’re watching on iOS, Android, and on the web. You can also interact with other members of the audience by tapping on a comment to view the account profile, respond to a comment, or block the account. 

What are hearts?

Hearts are how you share support and show your enthusiasm for a video. On iOS or Android, tap the screen to give the broadcaster a heart. On web, you can give hearts once you’re logged in by clicking the heart icon in the bottom right corner. 

Can you remove someone from watching and commenting in a live video?

When you block someone on X they can't watch or comment in your live video. If you want to stop someone from commenting in your live video, you can block them by tapping on their comment, selecting their profile, tapping the gear icon, and then choosing Block User. The account will no longer see or participate in your live videos and they'll be blocked on X. 

As a viewer, you can report comments that you find abusive or offensive by selecting the comment and choosing Report Comment. When you report a comment you'll no longer see messages from that commenter for the remainder of the live video. This will not, however, block the account on X.

Can I delete my live video?

Yes, you can delete any of your posted videos at any time by deleting your post. 

Can I go live if my posts are protected?

You cannot go live from X if you have protected posts. 

When you make your posts protected, after being public, your live videos will only be discoverable to your followers on X. You can delete previous live videos from X deleting the post with your live video.

Can viewers comment on my live video?

Viewers can comment directly in live videos through X.

How do I find more live videos to watch?

You can discover Live broadcasts on the X timeline when others share the live event. You can also click on the bell icon on a specific account profile you follow and you’ll get notified when they start their next broadcast.

What type of content is allowed in live video?

Share this article