How do you start a live stream on instagram

How to Go Live on Instagram by Yourself or With a Guest

You can go live on Instagram by scrolling to the "Live" tab on the "New Post" page.
When you're live, all your followers will be notified and can view your live video in real time.
You can also go live together with a friend, or request to join a friend's live video.

Instagram launched its live video feature in late 2016. Since then, the social media company has built up the function by adding other features like questions and the option to add friends to the live video, too.

Going live on Instagram can be a fun way to let your followers see events happening in real time, like a concert or special event.

Here's how to go live, go live with a friend, or request to join another user's live video.

How to go live on Instagram

1. Open the Instagram app on your iPhone or Android.

2. Tap the plus sign "+" icon in the top-right corner of the homepage. Alternatively, you can swipe left to get to the same screen.

Click the plus sign icon or swipe left. Grace Eliza Goodwin/Insider

3. After tapping the plus sign or swiping left, you'll be taken to a New Post page. In the menu bar at the bottom of the page, swipe all the way to the right to select Live.

Select Live. Grace Eliza Goodwin/Insider

4. A camera screen will open up. On the left side, tap the icon of four lines to add a title to your live video. You can also tap the icon of a circle with a heart in it to make your video a fundraiser.

Customize your live video. Grace Eliza Goodwin/Insider

5. When you're ready to go live, tap the circle icon at the bottom of the screen and you'll be live. Active followers will be notified that you're now live. As followers begin to watch your live video, you will see their usernames appear at the bottom.

Click the circle icon to go live.

Grace Eliza Goodwin/Insider

6. To end a live video, tap the "X" in the top-right corner and select End Now in the pop-up. Once the live video has ended, Instagram will show you how many people viewed your video and give you the option to share the video for the next 24 hours so those who missed it can see it via your Instagram Stories. Or, you can choose to Delete video.

Click the X in the top-right corner. Grace Eliza Goodwin/Insider

How to go live on Instagram with a guest

1. Open the Instagram app on your iPhone or Android.

2. Tap the plus sign "+" icon in the top-right corner of the homepage. Alternatively, you can swipe left to get to the same screen.

3. After tapping the plus sign or swiping left, you'll be taken to a New Post page. In the menu bar at the bottom of the page, swipe all the way to the right to select Live.

5. When you're ready to go live, tap the circle icon at the bottom of the screen and you'll be live.

6. Once you're live, tap the icon of a video camera at the bottom of the screen. From here, you can type in the username of someone to go live with, or search for them in the list of viewers. Select a user to invite them to join your live video.

Click the video camera icon. Grace Eliza Goodwin/Insider

7. You can only go live with someone who is already watching your live video. But, you can invite someone to join your live video who isn't already watching — to do so, type in their username, tap the circle button next to their name, and select Send Request.

Send a request to your guest and go live in a room. Grace Eliza Goodwin/Insider

8. Once they've accepted your request, their video should appear alongside yours in a split screen. To remove your friend from the Live video, tap the "X" at the top-right of their screen.

9. To end your live video, tap the "X" in the upper right-hand corner and choose End Now in the pop-up. Once the live video has ended, Instagram will show you how many people viewed your video and give you the option to share the video for the next 24 hours so those who missed it can see it via your Instagram Stories. Or, you can choose to Delete video.

Note: To use Instagram's Live Rooms feature for creators, you can follow this same process to add multiple guests.

How to request to be in another user's live video on Instagram

1. Open another user's live video and tap Request to join.

2. Then, tap Send request to request to be in their live video.

3. You will then receive a notification letting you know if your request has been accepted or denied.

Meira Gebel

Meira Gebel is a freelance reporter based in Portland, Oregon. She writes about business, culture, and technology for Insider. Her work has been featured in Digital Trends, Willamette Week, USA Today, and more. She is a graduate of Columbia Journalism School and San Francisco State University. Feel free to reach out to her on Twitter, where she can be found most of the time, @MeiraGebel.

How to Do It Right

Every content creator at one time or another must think about how to grow their following and keep people engaged. Enter the livestream. Broadcasting on Instagram Live is an excellent way to engage in real-time with followers. Hosting a livestream is also a way to show your creativity. But before we get to that, we will cover preparing for your Instagram Live, how to go live on Instagram, do’s and don’ts, and what to do afterward. But first, what is Instagram Live?

What Is Instagram Live?

In 2016, Instagram introduced the live stream. At any time, a user can go live and broadcast to all their followers in real-time. The best part? It’s so easy. All you do is open the Instagram app on your phone and choose the “Live” button. Note that you cannot broadcast live from the desktop app without third-party software.

Why use Instagram Live?

Instagram Live is an easy and effective tool for engaging with your followers. Show off your work, perform, ask and answer questions and get follower feedback in real-time. This interaction results in more engaged followers and helps you see what they enjoy about your content. Instagram Live is a great tool to keep your followers coming to your page! So, what should you do during your livestream? Here are some ideas.

IG Live ideas

Be as creative as you want with your IG Live. Want to show off your work or a work in progress? Do it. For example, if you are an artist, demonstrate your craft in real-time. If you’re a photographer or filmmaker, go behind the scenes of an exciting location or project and give your followers an intimate look at your process. If you have a product or a shop, why not show followers when you have a new item? An Instagram Live can also be as simple as a question and answer session. After you get a few broadcasts under your belt, you may even want to collaborate with another social media influencer and go live together. That will give you twice the audience. Now that you have ideas of what to broadcast, here’s how to prepare.

Preparing for your Instagram Livestream

So now you might be wondering how to live stream on Instagram. First thing’s first, make sure your technicalities of broadcasting live are worked out well in advance. The last thing you want is to be fumbling with your phone instead of focusing on engaging with your audience. Make sure your phone is charged, and consider putting it on a tripod, so your hands are free. You’ll also want to set up your location and do a test recording session. Next, check your lighting and audio. Will it be too bright, too dark or too loud? Consider adding a light or 2 or even using a microphone attached to your phone for the best webcam lighting setup. Now for the technicalities of your broadcast. Here are all the Instagram video settings you need to pay attention to.

How to go live on Instagram

How to go live on an iPhone or an Android:

Click the “+” button at the top right corner of the Instagram app.

Select “Live”

You have options on the left to add a title and branded partners, select a nonprofit to donate to during a fundraiser, choose a broadcast audience and even practice a live for yourself only. The final selection is to schedule a live broadcast.

Choose a filter if you like.
Press the Record button in the center.

How to go live on a desktop PC:

To go live on your desktop, you need a third-party app, as the platform only allows live streaming from mobile devices. And while there are 3rd-party apps that let you do an IG live on your desktop, they violate Instagram’s terms and conditions, so using them is not recommended. How you choose to go live in IG all depends on your purpose, but first timers should definitely go for the mobile phone option.

How to promote your Instagram Live event

Before you go live, give your followers plenty of time to tune in. Create a poster announcing your livestream and advertising what you’ll do during the broadcast. Likewise, share your event on Instagram Stories, Posts, or even make a teaser video and upload it to Reels or IGTV. You should also engage your audience by asking questions. What would they like to know during your broadcast? Use the Story question sticker to find out! Announce your Instagram Live event on all your social channels, including Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, etc. Make sure you do so more than once, at different times of the day, so as many followers as possible see it and tune in.

When to go live on Instagram

The best time to go live on Instagram depends on your IG analytics. Using IG Insights, find the days and times your followers are most active. If you can broadcast then, you’ll have the best engagement. If most of your followers are on the other side of the world, you may have to get up early or stay up late, but it will be worth it!

Managing comments during your livestream

You have the option of turning off comments before you go live or blocking individual users from commenting once you start. You may want to outline the rules of commenting before you begin to avoid annoyances and hecklers. If you decide to keep comments open, be sure to say the user’s name in your answer and thank them for participating.

What to do after your livestream

Now you know how to do an Instagram Live, but what should you do after? Instagram doesn’t automatically save your live stream, so make sure you download it or select the “save to IGTV” option. Then, you can continue to promote viewership by sharing it on your Stories. Consider doing this if your livestreams are a series of instructional videos or otherwise thematic.

Do’s and don’ts when going live on Instagram

Do:

Be prepared!
Promote your event well in advance
Ask followers questions beforehand that you answer during your Instagram Live
Charge your phone
Set up your “recording studio” with good lighting and sound
Pay attention to the 60-minute time limit
Broadcast on the day/time most followers are likely to be awake and tune in
Make an outline
Rehearse
Use your followers’ names when responding to comments
Be friendly
Be instructive
Promote your brand but don’t be sales-y
Have fun!

Don’t:

Wrapping up

Now you know how to go live on Instagram. Livestreaming doesn’t have to be difficult. Follow our guide and brainstorm on ways to promote your channel, page, brand, craft, service, or personality on Instagram Live!

How to start live on Instagram?

You can start broadcasting and chat with your followers in real time. When the broadcast is over, you can post it or find it in the live stream archive.

Start Live on the Instagram app

Instagram app for Android

In the feed, swipe right and select Live from the options at the bottom of the screen.

To add a title, click Title on the left side of the screen and enter it, then click Add Title. nine0003

Press at the bottom of the screen. The number of viewers is shown at the top of the screen, and comments are shown at the bottom.

To add a comment, click Comment at the bottom of the screen.

To pin a comment at the top for viewers, click on it and select Pin Comment.

When you're done, tap in the top right corner of the screen and select Finish to confirm the action. You can then click Share to post the live video to your profile. nine0003

Instagram app for iPhone

In the feed, swipe right and select Live from the options at the bottom of the screen.

To add a title, click Title on the left side of the screen and enter it, then click Add Title.

Press at the bottom of the screen. The number of viewers is shown at the top of the screen, and comments are shown at the bottom.

To add a comment, click Comment at the bottom of the screen.

To pin a comment at the top for viewers, click on it and select Pin Comment.

When you're done, tap in the top right corner of the screen and select Finish to confirm the action. You can then click Share to post the live video to your profile.

Note. When you save a broadcast to a profile or download a video from a live stream archive, only the video is saved, not the comments, viewer information, or likes. It may take some time to save the broadcast to your phone, especially if it is long. nine0003

Live stream management

Instagram app for Android

To turn off comments, tap the icon at the bottom of the screen and select Turn off comments. If you have applied keyword filters, they will also apply to comments on the broadcast.

To turn off live stream requests, tap at the bottom of the screen and select Turn off live stream requests.

Instagram app for iPhone

To turn off comments, tap the icon at the bottom of the screen and select Turn off comments. If you have applied keyword filters, they will also apply to comments on the broadcast.

To turn off your live stream requests, tap at the bottom of the screen and select Turn off live stream requests.

If you are using an iOS device, tap in the lower right corner of the screen to add a photo or video from your camera roll to live stream. To stop showing a photo or video, swipe right on the camera roll at the bottom of the screen and tap . During a live broadcast, photos and videos in your camera roll are only visible to you. This feature will not be available live in a room with friends. nine0003

Note. You may not be able to go live on Instagram if we have previously removed content you posted for violating Community Guidelines.

How to Go Live on Instagram: Instagram Live Step by Step Guide

What is Instagram* Live - live broadcasts.

Advantages of live streaming

What should be done before the broadcast?

How to go live on Instagram *. nine0003

How followers see your live on Instagram*.

Popular broadcast formats on Instagram*. to promote goods and services

Highlights of the live broadcast

Conclusion about live broadcasts on Instagram *.

Many people know that on Instagram*. there are 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. nine0003

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*. Go...

What is Instagram* Live - live broadcasts.

Back in 2017 Instagram *. joined the ranks of advanced applications and launched the function of live broadcasts - live video broadcasts. This tool is located in the Stories section. It gives you the opportunity not only to communicate directly with your followers, but also to broadcast together with another Instagram user*. Live broadcast time limit - up to 4 hours. nine0003

Advantages of live broadcasts:

are launched directly from the Instagram* mobile app. No additional equipment needed. 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;
live broadcast can be saved in your account in the "Video" section.
regular broadcasts increase coverage, as Instagram*. promotes its service and shows them in recommendations; nine0097
Broadcast statistics are easy to track: after the end of the broadcast, 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: nine0003

Broadcast theme and scenario. 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.
Announcement of the broadcast. Tell 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. nine0003
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 *. had 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.
nine0002 Air settings in the application. You can hide the video from some subscribers, prevent the video from being shared or replies to messages. You can even "Hide offensive comments" that Instagram*. recognizes himself.
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). nine0003

How to go live on Instagram*.

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: nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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.

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Live broadcast end window

Confirm - "Finish" and Instagram *. offers several options:

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

Choice of options after live broadcast ends

After selecting the option "Watch live in the live archive" you will be prompted to save the video. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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 on a desktop device

Popular broadcast formats on Instagram*. to promote goods and services

FAQ

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0097
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. nine0097

Live TV 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. nine0003

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

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How do you start a live stream on instagram

How to Go Live on Instagram by Yourself or With a Guest