How come i cant go live on instagram


Why Can't I Go Live on Instagram?

Ever since the Instagram Live feature came into our lives in November 2016, it has become one of the defining features of Instagram. The COVID-19 pandemic further enhanced its popularity. From Live Workout Sessions by Kayla Itsines to Make-up Classes by Pat Mcgrath and to Oprah’s live cooking with Jamie Oliver — Instagram Live features every kind of content.

Instagram Live streams enable users to connect with their followers in real-time. It is an important feature to enhance your business or personal brand’s exposure and engagement. It has helped many celebrities, influencers, businesses, and others to spread their messages and reach more people. Besides, it further enhances your bond and connection with your followers.

Let’s explore more on Instagram Live now!

Table of Contents

  1. Going Live on Instagram 
  2. Why Can’t You Go Live?
    • Your Phone and App Are Not Compatible
    • Instagram App Requires an Update
    • Problem With Connection
    • Check if Your Camera Requires Permission
    • Problem With Instagram Server
    • Problem With App Cache
    • Other Possible Reasons
  3. The Bottom Line

Going Live on Instagram 

First thing first, you need to have an Instagram account, duh! (Sorry, it was lame). Now, open the Instagram App on your phone (iPhone or Android, whatever you got).

Now, locate the plus ‘” +” icon on the top right of the homepage. Once you tap on it, it will ask you to choose from a few options. Select Live to go Live.

Once you select the Live option, a camera screen will pop up. Now, select the recording icon. Once done, Instagram will check your Internet connection, and if everything is perfect, it will make you go Live to your followers (your followers will get a notification).

When you are Live on Instagram, all your followers can see you and comment. It is your time to shine, interact and build a relationship with your audience.

Why Can’t You Go Live?

There are a few reasons you cannot go live on Instagram or any other problem with Instagram Live. Let’s discuss them.

Your Phone and App Are Not Compatible

Your Phone needs to match the Instagram App’s requirements for all the features of Instagram to function correctly. For an Android phone, Instagram requires Android 4.1 or above. Similarly, iPhone should run on iOS 6.0 or above. 

Instagram App Requires an Update

Check out if your Instagram App requires an update. If you do not update your Instagram app, it will continue to create a nuisance when you try to go Live. 

You can update the Instagram App via the following process on an Android App:

  1. Launch Google Play Store.
  2. On the Search Box, type “Instagram.”
  3. Select Instagram.
  4. Tap the Update button (if it requires).

Similarly, on an iPhone, you can update Instagram App through the following method:

  1. Launch App Store.
  2. Tap Updates on the bottom.
  3. Look for Instagram on the Updates screen (if it requires an update).
  4. Tap on Update next to Instagram.

Problem With Connection

When you try to go Live, Instagram checks on your connectivity. Any problem with your internet connection can fail your live broadcast. Try again when your internet connection gets better. Look for other solutions if the problem persists, even if the internet connection is good.

Check if Your Camera Requires Permission

Check whether you have permitted Instagram to access your camera. You cannot go Live if your Instagram does not have access to your camera. 

For Andriod:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Select Apps & Notifications.
  3. Click on All Apps.
  4. Scroll to Instagram.
  5. Open Permissions.
  6. Click on Camera and Allow it.

For iOS:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Scroll to Apps Sections.
  3. Click Instagram.
  4. On the Permissions List, go to Camera and toggle it on.

Problem With Instagram Server

If the Instagram server is down, it can hamper you from going Live. If the Instagram server gets extremely busy, it can go down. So the best solution is to give it a rest and next day try again.

Problem With App Cache

Sometimes, many Apps do not function properly due to App Cache. If your Instagram Live does not work, you can clear the App Cache to fix the problem.

Check this out to clear the Cache of the Instagram App on your Phones. Another method to Clear the Cache is to uninstall the App and reinstall it.

Other Possible Reasons

If you have multiple Instagram accounts on the same phone — with the same phone number and email address, then Instagram might lock some of its features due to its policy. So, log out of all the accounts except one.

Another possible reason that could affect the Live stream on Instagram is that your Phone might be running several applications simultaneously. The best is to restart your phone to resolve the issue.

Besides, any technical problem with your Phone (hardware or software) can also affect your Instagram Live dream.

If you have tried everything and nothing works, it is time to report the problem to the Instagram help Centre. Describe your issue, attach a screenshot and send the report to Instagram. 

The Bottom Line

Instagram Live is one of the most important features on Instagram and can prove to be pivotal in changing your overall brand’s image among your followers. It is natural to feel frustrated if this feature does not work. 

There are several reasons behind failing of Live broadcasts on Instagram. You Phone and Instagram App might not be compatible. Besides, App requires an update, the cache requires clearing, or the camera might require permission. Similarly, a problem with your internet connection or Instagram server can affect your Instagram Live session.

Instagram Live Isn’t Working, Why? (Quick Fix

Contents

Sometimes, we see that some users asking the “Instagram Live isn’t working” question. We will offer you a few solution suggestions for this annoying problem.

Instagram Live is one of the innovations offered by Instagram; thanks to the “Instagram Live” feature, Instagram users started to broadcast live from their accounts.

After the release of this feature, an increase in the number of Instagram users was observed. In-app interaction and the number of people using Instagram Live has increased.

What Is Instagram Live?

  • Instagram Live is a feature that allows users to broadcast live for other members who are following them.
  • There is no limit or restriction to use this feature and the number of people watching live TV.
  • Thousands of people can watch and write a comment on your live broadcast at the same time.
  • You can also reply to these comments. It is one of the most fun features of Instagram and is used by many people.

Why Isn’t Instagram Live Working?

As with any plug-in, the Instagram Live application sometimes has problems showing up. Users who are experiencing this issue ask, “Instagram Live isn’t working.”

There are some reasons and solutions to this. If it is not a problem caused by Instagram servers lagging, you can solve it simply.

If you have problems with the server, you may need to contact the available Instagram technical support team.

Suppose this problem occurs, then you cannot make live broadcasts and cannot use this feature. Alternatively, while you’re on a live stream, the broadcast can be interrupted, and you can’t run it again.

What to Do If Live Problems Occurs

You can fix Instagram Live problems by some simple solution methods.

This error is not caused by the user. It is based on the mobile device settings you are using.

To solve this, you may need to change a few settings on your device. If the solution recommendations we offer below do not work, you can use Instagram from a different mobile device and log in to your account.

Solutions & Conclusion

When you want to broadcast live from your Instagram account, you have seen that you cannot use this feature. We explained the possible reasons above.

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Now it’s time to find a solution to this problem!

  • First of all, what you need to do is to close and restart the Instagram application. This is the easiest and most practical method.
  • When you don’t get results, check to see if your application is up to date. Otherwise, update it and open it again.
  • If you are using multiple Instagram accounts, try using Instagram Live from your other accounts. If you don’t get results from any of these, delete and reinstall the Instagram application.
  • And finally, you can try to clear the cookies and restart the application.

If, after all these, the problem persists, you should contact the Instagram technical support team.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Instagram live work?

You can start a live video to engage with your followers in real-time with Instagram Live for up to an hour.  

How long can Instagram live streams be?

You can steam a live broadcast and connect with your friends for up to one hour. When the live broadcast has ended, it disappears unless you share it on IGTV.

Can you watch Instagram live afterward?

Thanks to the replay feature, you can choose to share your live videos, and the viewers can re-watch them for the next 24 hours.

Can Instagram live hear you?

The person sharing the live video can’t hear you. Although they can see that you’ve joined, your comments, likes, and shares of it.

Can you watch Instagram live on a laptop?

You can view and watch Instagram live on your computer, just the same way you do on your mobile phone.

How to enable live broadcast on Instagram? Setting up a live broadcast

Today we will talk about how to enable live broadcast on Instagram . Instagram is an actively developing social network, so in Russia its audience is growing rapidly. This network has interesting features, compared to the same VK, as it is aimed more at maintaining its own pages, displaying the maximum number of details of the past day.

Taking into account the specifics of the direction of the resource, it must be said that the live broadcast on Instagram is a logical continuation of the development of the social network. Thus, in a livelier atmosphere, you can share your vision, basic and interesting plans with subscribers, do business, in general, there are a lot of applications.

In addition to the fact that not everyone knows about the existence of broadcasts, questions often arise about how to enable live broadcast on Instagram, which we will talk about in more detail. Before moving on to the essence, it is necessary to note the features of this functionality and what principle of its operation.

Features of Live-broadcasting

Recently, it has become very noticeable that there is a race between "Insta" and Snapchat, Periscope also has similar functionality, these services also recently announced their broadcasts. Despite the fundamental similarity of the service with Twitter, it can hardly be called a worthy competitor. Before making a live broadcast on Instagram, let's decide on the technical issues of the situation and the differences from other services.

First of all, it is important to know that the broadcast has its own limitation, so the live broadcast of Instagram iPhone or Android will end after an hour. It’s not entirely clear why this was done and what prevents you from having longer conversations with subscribers, but this limitation is just worth remembering.

Each subscriber will be notified of this event when you start a broadcast. This usually happens in a standard way, through alerts or mail. This approach attracts a large number of friends to broadcast.

See also: How to register on Instagram?

In addition to how to go live on Instagram, you need to know how the user can get information that you are broadcasting, and for this there is a special sign next to the user's profile picture "Live". Then, just by clicking on it, you immediately go to the person and get Live communication.

Dialogue with subscribers takes place through commenting, that is, there is a special form inside the video. A fairly simple functionality, but it helps to communicate with people, receive questions of interest, and answer them. The facilitator does not need to use the chat, so you can answer questions aloud.

Before you start live on Instagram, you need to know the last and very important nuance - the video is not saved. This is probably due to the large number of records that weigh enormous volumes. Thus, immediately after the end of the online broadcast, everything will disappear and there will be no display on your wall.

How to start a live broadcast on Instagram?

Having become familiar with the main nuances that accompany the broadcast, let's move on to the key question, how to broadcast live on Instagram?

  1. Launch the Instagram app on your smartphone and go to the main news feed;
  2. Select the "Stories" button at the top;
  3. Inside the category, go to "Your story", immediately after that, a screen with the function of creating stories will be displayed;

  1. Below there are tabs, among others and "Live" you can switch from one page to another simply by moving the swipe to the right;
  2. Click on the "Start Live" button. For interactive communication, you can use both cameras at once, as part of the broadcast, you can switch between the main and front cameras.

Now it has become obvious how to broadcast live on Instagram and how communication takes place. And for a productive broadcast, it is necessary to conduct dialogues with subscribers, it is possible to hold contests, come up with interesting tasks, stories.

Another common, but not entirely obvious question is how to make a live broadcast on Instagram Android, but for a limited audience. In fact, at the moment you start the broadcast, you can select the target users and their groups with whom you want to communicate. So you can arrange both personal conversations with friends, and mass communication with all subscribers.

Read also: The most complete review of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 plus

How to set up live on Instagram if it does not work?

Sometimes users claim that they don't have such functionality or just don't work, and there are several main reasons for this:

  1. Probably the Instagram app just hasn't been updated for a long time. Despite the fact that the functionality is present rather on the resource side, the presence of an outdated application may lead to a lack of translation;
  2. A common problem that not everyone sees this feature is that insta releases the update in stages. So direct broadcasting is pouring into the life of the service in incremental steps, first for one group of people, then for another, and so on. This is due to testing the feature and quickly troubleshooting if there are any.

See also: How to save video to phone?

Compared to other services, Instagram has focused on short-term communication and because of this, the broadcast, immediately after completion, simply disappears. Additionally, along with the live broadcast, the function of limited video or photo viewing appeared. So uploading any file and specifying the number of views, it will be deleted immediately upon reaching the specified number.

Of course, without their own intent, Instagram did not launch this function. In the future, it is planned to monetize broadcasts, so advertising will be displayed that brings a certain income. It is not entirely clear yet whether the profit will be shared with the host or not.

There are many options for using live streaming, so you can have friendly conversations, hold mass events or engage in dialogue with consumers of a commercial page, share a vision and much more. All this is achieved in just a few simple steps.

If you have any questions on the topic "How to enable and set up live broadcast on Instagram?", You can ask them in the comments

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How to go live on Instagram.* Instagram step by step instructions* Live

Contents

What is Instagram* Live - live broadcasts.

Advantages of live streaming

What should be done before the broadcast?

How to go live on Instagram. *

How followers see your live on Instagram.*

Popular formats of broadcasts on Instagram.* for promoting goods and services

Highlights of the live broadcast

Conclusion about live broadcasts on Instagram.*

Many people know that Instagram* has live streams or Instagram* Live. But few people understand that a live broadcast can be not just a way to tell how your day went or show how you “shop” in a shopping center, but also an effective sales tool.

Instagram* Live has many advantages, and we will talk about them in this article. We will also show you a detailed guide on launching and further interaction with live broadcasts on Instagram.* Let's go...


What is Instagram* Live - live broadcasts.

Back in 2017, Instagram.* joined the ranks of advanced applications and launched the live broadcast function - real-time video broadcasts. This tool is located in the Stories section. It gives you the opportunity not only to communicate directly with your subscribers, but also to broadcast together with another Instagram user. * Live broadcast time limit - up to 4 hours.

Advantages of live broadcasts:

  • run directly from the Instagram mobile app.* No additional hardware required. Ether can be launched at any time;
  • your followers see the live stream in Stories in the first place. Stories of other accounts are displayed after your broadcast, as usual, in chronological order;
  • at the start of a live broadcast - subscribers receive a notification about this;
  • commercial accounts use ethers to tell some unique information, which is then not always saved or duplicated. Therefore, subscribers get the impression that they can only benefit at the time of broadcast, or they will be the first to receive up-to-date information;
  • live broadcast can be saved in your account in the "Video" section.
  • regular broadcasts increase reach as Instagram.* promotes its service and shows them in recommendations;
  • Broadcast statistics are easy to track: after the broadcast ends, you will automatically be shown the number of your viewers.

See also Review of IGTV on Instagram.* How to use it to promote your business?


What should be done before the broadcast?

A good commercial air is obtained only when you prepare for it. Before going live on Instagram.* take care of the following:

  • Theme and scenario of the broadcast. What will you talk about, what questions will you answer, what will be in the frame. Most importantly, always keep in mind the purpose of your broadcast.

  • Broadcast announcement. Tell your subscribers about the upcoming broadcast in advance. Announcements need to be made several times: a week before the broadcast, a day before, and day-to-day. To make video communication as useful as possible, conduct a survey among subscribers in advance, find out their preferred topic. Then they won't miss it.

  • Broadcast format. Select the broadcast format (more on formats later in the article).

  • Smartphone technical preparation. Just in case, we check that the Instagram.* application has access to your camera and microphone on your phone. You will also need free space on your device if you decide to download the broadcast to your phone.

  • Air settings in the application. You can hide the video from some subscribers, prevent the video from being shared or reply to messages. You can even "Hide offensive comments" that Instagram.* recognizes itself.

  • Preparation of location and angle. You give quality to a picture of an ether! What will be in the frame: your face, product, switching plans, background. Everything matters, therefore, think over where you will sit, from what angle to shoot, what will be behind your back (there are awkwardness here).

How to go live on Instagram.

*

In order to go live on Instagram.* from your phone, click on the "Create" button in the upper right corner. Then select "Ether" from the menu. Before starting the broadcast, we recommend that you immediately add a title so that subscribers who connect to the broadcast after it starts will immediately understand the topic.

Live broadcast launch

In the live camera settings, available by pressing the "gear", you can:

  • Allow broadcast reposts;
  • Hide live broadcast from individual users;
  • Set up automatic saving of air to the archive;
  • Set up automatic use of the front camera;
  • Select how the toolbar is displayed.

Live camera settings

Before starting the broadcast, we recommend adding a title and using other settings options.

Adding a Live Header

For example, if you use the "Audience" - "Training" option, you can start the broadcast in test mode. This is a great feature to prepare for the broadcast, check the lighting, the quality of the picture and the Internet, set up the camera, rehearse the speech.

Audience selection in live settings

You can also schedule a live broadcast for a specific date and time.

Live broadcast planning

To start the video broadcast, click on the button in the center and the broadcast starts.

Congratulations, you are live :)

Functions available during live broadcast

During the broadcast, the following functionality is available to you: the ability to write a comment (1), requests to join the broadcast from other users (2), invite a guest to broadcast (3), a window with questions from subscribers (4), the ability to send a live broadcast to your subscribers (5), select and apply mask (6), switch camera (7), mute video (8), mute microphone (9), show users photos and videos live (10), end the live broadcast (11).

Window with questions from viewers

Sending an invitation to broadcast to your subscribers

Adding photo/video to the air

To end the broadcast, click on the cross in the upper right corner.

End window of live broadcast

We confirm - "Finish" and Instagram.* offers several options:

  • View broadcast statistics.
  • Watch the broadcast in the archive of live broadcasts. The video will be saved on Instagram.*
  • Do not save video.

Selecting options after the end of the live broadcast

After selecting the option "Watch live in the live archive" you will be prompted to save the video.

Save live

After saving, the broadcast will appear in the "Video" section on your page.

Saved live in the Video section

How followers see your Instagram live.

*

An automatic notification is sent to your subscribers when a broadcast starts. In Stories, they immediately see the ether. If this is a joint broadcast, there will be two icons at once.


Live broadcast button

When a subscriber turns on your live broadcast on his phone, he sees it like this:


Watch live

Subscribers can send quick reactions (1) or write comments and ask questions (2), share your broadcast (3) and like (4).

Also, the "Submit a request to participate in live" window automatically pops up with the "Become a guest" button. If you agreed in advance with the owner of the broadcast, then you press the button and the broadcast becomes joint, in the format of an interview. Although, a joint broadcast is not always planned, for example, as in the case of Nastyushka Ivleeva, who accidentally stumbled upon Jared Leto live. Important: only two users can participate in a video broadcast.


Random joint broadcast of Nastya Ivleeva and Jared Leto

And you can watch the broadcast on the desktop in the browser. To do this, log in with your account on the instagram.com website and go to your feed or the profile of the author who will broadcast live. You will see a note that the broadcast is already on.


Active live tag

This is what broadcast looks like from the desktop:


Viewing live broadcast on a desktop device

Collect the pains of your subscribers in advance and, live, answer their questions. You can collect questions in the comments under posts or post special Stories with a question box. During the broadcast, it is not always possible to follow all the comments and questions. In order not to miss anyone, ask participants to duplicate questions in Direct if they remain unanswered.

Interview

This format implies a joint broadcast of two profiles. It looks like a question-answer, only the questions are answered not by you personally, but by the guest, he is the expert whom you invited. Usually, they invite professionals from industries related to your business. This revitalizes subscribers and causes them additional interest in your company. For example, if you have an exclusively female audience, you sell children's products or professional online courses for women, a psychologist, nutritionist, or cosmetologist can become a guest of your broadcast.

Backstage or backstage

Show the life of the company from the inside. An online tour of the production or a live picture of how you sew shoes, cook cakes. So subscribers will not only immerse themselves in your field, but also appreciate the reality and stability of your company.

Master class

Only the laziest sloth does not watch master classes. For you, this is an opportunity to show expertise and attract a new audience: how to assemble a kitchen or make a design project in a 3D moderator. In the end, look at what your colleagues (they are competitors) offer.

By the way, third-party services are now working that allow you to download other people's saved broadcasts to a computer or phone.

Live highlights

  • Not all users are in time for the very beginning of the broadcast, so during the broadcast, remind about the topic. Also indicate the title of the broadcast.
  • During the broadcast, users write comments and questions. You can pin any comment or attach a sticker with a question from Stories to clearly show what is being said now.
  • Don't ignore comments. Choose your message processing option:
    • respond immediately;
    • at the beginning of the broadcast, comment on when and how you will answer questions and, of course, fulfill your promise;
    • during the broadcast, ask to duplicate unanswered questions in Direct.
  • If you want not all subscribers to see the broadcast, you can make a restriction in the account settings in the "Privacy" - "Live" tab. You're just hiding the story from certain followers.


Live access restriction settings

You can also immediately hide offensive comments and phrases.


Setting up comments and hiding insults

Conclusion about live broadcasts on Instagram.*

In 2022, and in subsequent years, it is important and necessary to use live broadcasts to promote your idea. This is a good feedback from your target audience, and an increase in brand loyalty, and an increase in the reach of your target audience as a whole.

See also How to promote Instagram * on your own from scratch: detailed instructions

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We wish you good luck