Intro
With Facebook’s ongoing investment in video, both live streams and uploaded videos offer strong earning opportunities for creators—but each comes with its own monetization structure, CPM rates, and audience dynamics. Here’s a detailed comparison for 2025.
How Facebook Pays for Live Streams
Monetization Methods
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Stars: Viewers purchase Facebook Stars and send them to creators during live streams. Creators earn $0.01 per Star received.
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In-Stream Ads (Ad Breaks): Eligible live streams can include mid-roll ads, generating revenue based on CPM (cost per thousand ad impressions).
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Fan Subscriptions: Fans can support streamers with monthly recurring payments, providing a steady revenue source.
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Brand Partnerships: Popular streamers may land sponsorships or paid integrations during live content.
CPM Rates and Earnings
- CPM Range:
Live stream CPMs often range from $3 to $8 per 1,000 ad impressions—sometimes higher for gaming, events, and highly engaged audiences.
- Earning Potential:
Live streams can generate significant real-time revenue from Stars and tips, especially if you have a loyal, interactive audience.
How Facebook Pays for Uploaded Videos
Monetization Methods
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In-Stream Ads: Uploaded videos over 3 minutes can include pre-roll, mid-roll, and post-roll ads.
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Bonus Programs: Facebook sometimes offers bonuses for high-performing uploaded content.
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Brand Collaborations: Brands may pay to feature products or sponsor videos.
CPM Rates and Earnings
- CPM Range:
Uploaded videos generally earn $2 to $8 per 1,000 ad impressions, with education, finance, and tech content at the upper end.
- Earning Potential:
Uploaded videos can earn consistently over time, as evergreen content accumulates more views and ad impressions.
Key Differences in Earnings
| Feature | Live Streams | Uploaded Videos |
| CPM Range | $3–$8 (sometimes higher) | $2–$8 (niche and audience dependent) |
| Extra Revenue | Stars, fan subscriptions, real-time tips | Limited (mostly ad revenue, bonuses) |
| Earning Window | Real-time and replay monetization | Long-term, as content is rewatched |
| Audience Engagement | High, real-time interaction | Lower, mostly passive viewing |
| Content Longevity | Short-term spikes, but replays possible | Long-term evergreen potential |
Which Earns More?
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Live Streams: Can earn more in the moment, especially if you cultivate a loyal, active fanbase that sends Stars and interacts regularly.
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Uploaded Videos: Offer a more stable, long-term income stream as your content is watched and rewatched over months or years.
Tips to Maximize Earnings
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For live streams, encourage audience participation, promote Stars, and schedule regular streams.
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For uploads, create evergreen content in high-CPM niches and keep videos over 3 minutes for mid-roll ads.
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Many top creators use both: live for big events or community engagement, and uploads for steady passive income.
Conclusion
In 2025, both live streams and uploaded videos are lucrative on Facebook—each has unique strengths. Live streams excel at real-time earnings and engagement, while uploaded videos provide long-term, consistent revenue. The most successful creators often combine both formats to maximize their earning potential.
