How to watch live stream instagram on laptop
How to Watch Instagram Live Videos on Your PC or Mac
If you've spent a lot of time on Instagram, you've no doubt seen Instagram Live videos. However, can you watch Instagram videos on desktop? The answer is yes, but with some caveats.
The first thing you need to know is that logging into your Instagram account on your web browser won't help. Instead, you'll need to download a Chrome extension in order to access the feature.
In this article, we list the various ways to watch Instagram Live videos on desktop...
What Is IG Stories for Instagram?
If you're on a PC or Mac, the options to watch Instagram Live on computers is limited. In most cases, we actually recommend that you watch Instagram Live through the mobile app. If you want detailed instructions on how to do so, check out the Instagram help page for more information.
However, just because your options are limited does not mean that they don't exist. You can watch Instagram Live on PC or Mac by using a Chrome extension.
One extension that allows you to view Instagram Live on PC is IG Stories for Instagram (not to be confused with Chrome IG Story).
IG Stories for Instagram is an extension that allows you to watch Instagram Live videos on a desktop computer. It also allows you to watch stories and download finished Live videos.
Please Note: The ability to download live videos is only available for Windows, as per the extension's last update. There also seems to be some functionality issues currently affecting the app's ability to download videos, as per the reviews.
However, after testing the extension, we're happy to report that the ability to watch a Instagram Live video in a browser seems to work fine.
Another recently added feature includes the ability to upload images to your Instagram Story through the app.
How to Watch Instagram Live on PC or Mac
To watch Instagram Live desktop videos:
- Install the Chrome extension IG Stories for Instagram.
- Next, log into your Instagram account through a Chrome browser.
- Click on the app's icon at the top of your screen.
- Choose Go to IG Stories.
- Once you click on Go to IG Stories, you'll be taken to an extension version of your Instagram page.
On the IG Stories for Instagram page, you should see four categories along your search bar:
- Friends
- Location
- Search
- Upload
The section you see upon logging in is usually Friends.
On this page, there will be a list of your friends who have recently posted images or videos to their stories.
At the top of the Friends section---if your friends are currently broadcasting a live video---you'll see that person's username with a Live icon beside them. Click on the icon to start watching the live video:
If there are no live videos playing, you can click on your friend's "eye" icon to view their previously ended live videos that have been added to the Stories section.
You can also:
- Download Stories.
- Watch Stories from strangers that are tagged with a country location.
- Search for Stories by Users, Tags, or Places.
This app is really handy if you want to watch Instagram Live on PC or Mac. However, you'll want to use it in tandem with another app to access the full functionality of Instagram, as its focus is on live videos.
Additional Considerations
We also want to issue a caveat for this extension before you try it.
While checking the reviews, we noticed multiple complaints where users were prompted to download an .exe file when downloading a Live video. It was an .exe that some found to be unnecessary and/or suspicious. Some users even reported the .exe being flagged as malware.
Although the developer has done their best to address these concerns in the comments, and we were personally not prompted to download an . exe while testing, there were enough complaints that we felt a caveat was warranted. As always, use common sense when using any app.
For more information on Stories and how they play into this extension, here's how to re-share Instagram posts to Stories.
Additional Live Instagram PC Apps Worth Trying
If you're not satisfied with the recommendation above, but still want to watch Instagram Live on computers or other devices, there are some other apps worth trying.
There's a tool called Loola.tv that allows you to stream live videos from your desktop to multiple platforms, including Instagram. However, Loola is strictly geared towards content creators, not followers who want to watch Instagram Live on PC. Which means it isn't suitable for watching videos in a browser, at least for the average user.
One of the best extensions we've tested is Desktop for Instagram, by Devanco.
With this app, you can search Instagram for recent videos and pictures. You can watch people's Stories, post your own videos to IGTV, and download videos and pictures from Instagram to your desktop.
The developers claim that this extension lets you do everything you would normally do on the mobile Instagram app, including watching Instagram Live videos. However, after testing out Desktop for Instagram, we don't think it quite lives up to the hype.
IG Stories for Instagram is still better suited for this purpose.
Tips for Finding Instagram Live Streams
No matter which app you try out, there are some simple tips for finding Instagram live streams. And these work on all of the extensions we've mentioned in this article.
- Who you follow matters: If you want to watch Instagram Live streams from your friends, some people are far more likely to do live streams than others.
- Instagram Stories: When you log into the app, or use an extension like Desktop for Instagram, you'll see a row of avatars with colored circles at the top of your feed. This is your Stories section. If you see the words "Live" beneath a user's avatar, this means that your friend is currently broadcasting.
- Replay Live videos: If you happen to miss a live video, never fear. Instagram Live videos can be shared to Instagram Stories after they're ended, although it should be noted that replays disappear from the feed after 24 hours. You can find out more on the Instagram help page for this feature.
- Find new people to follow: By using Instagram's Search and Explore option, you can find additional people to follow who may share live videos, too.
The Instagram Mobile App Is the Best Option
While all the extensions listed above are good, there is no seamless, bug-free way to watch Instagram Live on a PC or Mac. As such, the Instagram mobile app remains the best option if that's what you want to do.
That said, you should still try IG Stories for Instagram, as it's a good extension for watching live videos at this moment. In the meantime, if you're new to Instagram, you should read our guide to IGTV (Instagram TV) and how it works in order to get yourself acquainted with the platform.
Want to share your own favorite videos on Instagram? Here's how you can post a YouTube video to Instagram.
Instagram Live Videos Can Now Be Viewed On the Web
If you’ve ever wished you could watch Instagram Live on your desktop, you’re in luck!
Announced during Mark Zuckerberg’s live addresses, Facebook is in the process of rolling out several improvements to Instagram Live, including the ability to watch live videos on the web.
Ready to learn more? Here’s everything you need to know:
One of the main themes to come out of Facebook’s live address was their commitment to improving real-time video.
They announced the launch of Messenger Rooms (Facebook’s take on video conferencing), updates to Facebook Events, and a host of other improvements to WhatsApp, Facebook Dating, and, of course, Instagram Live.
Acknowledging the impact that COVID-19 has had on people’s ability to socialize, Mark Zuckerberg explained how important live video can be for connecting with others — whether it’s a workout class, cooking lesson, or a simple call between friends!
The numbers certainly don’t lie: In the past month, Instagram Live has seen a 70% increase in use.
Given this surge in live streaming, Instagram has announced several new features for Instagram Live, including the ability to watch and comment on live videos from your desktop and a new button that allows you to upload your Instagram Lives directly to IGTV when you’re done.
ICYMI: You can now donate to or create your own fundraisers on Instagram Live!
And the coolest part? When you donate, you can use the new “I Donated” sticker in Instagram Stories. When you use the sticker, your story will be added to a combined Instagram Stories post for your followers to see and hopefully join in on the fun!
This shared Instagram Stories post will appear at the front of the line in your Instagram Stories feed on your Home page — that’s prime real estate to give a shoutout to a good cause.
Instagram also announced that 100% of the money raised through the donate function goes directly to the nonprofit — unlike a lot of fundraiser platforms, Instagram is not taking a cut from the donations.
How to Watch Instagram Live on the WebNow you can create and donate to fundraisers on Instagram Live. ❤️ All money raised goes to the nonprofit.
Donate and you'll see a new “I Donated” sticker in stories. Use it and your photo/video will be added to a shared story where friends can see how you’re giving back 💫 pic.twitter.com/RIKRP93XSY
— Instagram (@instagram) April 28, 2020
Now that you watch Instagram Live on desktop, you can follow along with that yoga class on a bigger screen or listen to a live performance as you work.
All you have to do is open Instagram on the web, and you’ll see a list of accounts that are “live” in the Instagram Stories panel.
Clicking on one will open a window with the live broadcast.
And that’s pretty much it!
Just keep in mind that this feature only applies to viewers. For the time being, you still can’t start a broadcast from your desktop.
How to Share Instagram Live Videos on IGTVUsers have had the ability to share Instagram Live videos on Instagram Stories for a while now. But it’s never been a perfect solution.
The new ability to post live broadcasts directly to IGTV is much better — and it’s super simple to do.
Once you end your broadcast, you should see a new button to Share to IGTV.
From here, you can select a cover photo for the video (or upload one from your camera roll).
And then publish as usual!
Facebook will be rolling out these new Instagram Live features in the coming weeks, along with other exciting features like Messenger Rooms!
In the meantime, stay up-to-date with all Facebook’s new products and features with Later’s newsletter!
How to start a live broadcast on Instagram from a computer
The web version of Instagram has the standard functionality for viewing and interacting with content: surfing the feed, viewing stories, the ability to like, comment or save a post. But, no matter how strange it may be, there is no way to view and start live broadcasts.
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How to watch Instagram live on a computer
. Live broadcasts have become more useful and popular, so it is important for someone to have access to watching live broadcasts on a computer. Below we have given 2 ways how this can be done. nine0004
The official Instagram app
The full app is only available on Windows 10. The process of watching live on Instagram from a computer is no different from that on a smartphone.
Using Android emulators.
These are programs that simulate a virtual mobile device on the Android platform. One of the popular and simple emulators is BlueStacks. After installing it, you will be able to download the Instagram application through the Play Market and install it on your computer. nine0003
You will have access to a full-fledged Instagram application on your computer, with which you can not only watch live broadcasts, but also publish content, surf the feed or go live yourself. A step-by-step guide on how to install BlueStacks and start live streaming from a computer will be covered in the next chapter.
How to start live on Instagram from a computer
, is identical to the standard functionality in the application on a smartphone. nine0004
If you want to use photos, videos or presentations live, you can do it in the application on the iPhone (this function is not available on Android). To do this, start the live broadcast and click on the rightmost icon at the bottom of the screen and select the desired file from the gallery.
After that, 2 windows will appear: one small with a speaker, the other full screen with material. By simply clicking on one of the windows, you can quickly switch between them.
If the live broadcast involves a presentation, prepare it in advance and save each slide separately. The presentation helps to visualize complex information and thus is better absorbed by the listeners. This format of live broadcasts is suitable for information business or educational accounts. nine0004
If you still need to live stream Instagram from your computer, download and install the BlueStacks emulator.
You now have an Android virtual mobile device. To access applications in the Play Market, you need to log in to Google.
Next, open the Play Market on the "My Applications" tab, find the Instagram application in the search and install it.
The installed application will appear in the "My Applications" section, which is the desktop of the virtual device. nine0004
Launch and log in to the Instagram app. Now you can broadcast live on Instagram from your computer, as well as use all the features.
Conclusion
Like many restrictions on Instagram, the inability to view and start live streaming on Instagram can be bypassed using third-party programs.
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How to start live on Instagram from a computer: life hack
Home » Instagram » How to work » Live on Instagram from a PC. Is it possible?
nine0002The problem with Instagram is that it is exclusively designed for mobile devices. Let's talk about how to start a live broadcast on Instagram from a computer.
Content
- 1 What is Instagram Live?
- 2 Technical requirements for using live broadcast via PC
- 3 What you need to broadcast via computer
- 4 Instructions on how to make a live broadcast on Instagram via PC
- 5 Conclusion
- 5.1 Author of the publication
- 5. 2 editor
What is broadcast on Instagram?
First of all, a few words about what it is. If you've ever watched streams, you probably already know everything. This is something like recording video online. People can see what you do in front of the camera, and if you want, you can save the recorded to your account.
So, we have already understood what it is, but what can such a function be useful for? Especially if you are going to maintain not a personal blog, but a company page. nine0004
- Make a product presentation.
- Show your establishment, the process of creating a product or providing a service.
- Improve attendance at institutions, events, lectures, and so on.
- Arranging giveaways.
- Discuss various topics with viewers.
Technical requirements for using live TV via PC
What do you need to start broadcasting? As I said above, Instagram is designed specifically for mobile devices. Therefore, this functionality is only available on phones and tablets. Even through the official application for Windows, you will not find the right buttons. And having a microphone and a webcam won't help you. There are, of course, some ways to get around this limitation. We'll talk about them a little below. nine0004
The duration of the broadcast is an hour, if longer, it just ends by itself, if you need more time, you have to start it several times. Subscribers get a notification, and if they want, they can come in and take a look. If, on the contrary, you need to limit viewers, you can do this through the settings.
What you need to broadcast via PC
So, it is impossible to turn on the air through the web version or the official Windows application. But people find a way out of almost any situation, and there must be a solution. How to make broadcast through a computer real? Let's think logically: you can run it through your phone. So, you need to turn your computer into a mobile device on Android. How to do it? nine0004
It's no secret that there are emulators. Roughly speaking, these are programs that imitate this or that environment: Android, Sega, Dandy, and so on can be on your computer. This is an ideal option for convenient use of Insta. Of the phone emulators, only one software is more or less stable and working. And that's BlueStacks. Let's talk in more detail about how to remove the broadcast through a PC.
Instructions on how to broadcast live on Instagram via PC
How to make a live broadcast on Instagram on a computer using Bluestacks? This is a long process, not because you need to hack something. But because the Android environment still needs to be installed on the device. Let's talk about it. nine0004
- Open bluestacks.com and download the latest version of the program.
- Run it and follow the instructions of the installer.
- After installation, the first launch may take some time. Then everything will happen faster.
- You will need to log into your Google account to use it. Everything is like on a new Android phone.
- Go to the Application Center tab.
- This will take you to the Play Market, where you can download Instagram. nine0143 Then everything happens like on the phone - we press the button for stories and go to the tab with the corresponding name. It will be to the left of the normal mode.
That's all. The only disadvantage of this method is that not every computer will pull it. Of course, it seems that Android is a system for mobile devices, which can be difficult. But do not forget that in addition to this telephone operating system, the computer also has to digest Windows, which not every processor can withstand. If you also have Chrome open at this time, your computer will definitely not survive - the degree of system load by this program has already become a meme. But this, of course, is a joke, try using this program, maybe everything will work as it should.