Listen: you’ll be on Instagram Live and you’ll love it.
In fact, we’re going to make live streaming on Instagram so easy that you can enjoy it. We walk you through how to start a live stream, share three tips and tricks for planning a successful live stream, and seven examples to inspire your next Instagram live stream. We’ve also added how to watch other people’s content live and FAQs as a little treat.
There will be no sweating, no crying. We promise.
Instagram has over a billion monthly active users, all looking for easily consumed content. A 2021 survey showed that video views had reached 92% of internet users worldwide, with live streams ranking 4th in popularity. Video content is the king of the internet; we know it now.
So, do yourself a favor and start planning your next Instagram live. Dry your eyes, take a deep breath and remember that we have supported you every step of the way.
What is Instagram Live?
Instagram Live is a feature that allows you to live stream or stream videos to your Instagram followers in real time. Live broadcasts are placed next to Stories, just above the main Instagram feed.
When you go live on Instagram, your live feed appears before every story, which means you can grab the attention of your followers without worrying about the algorithm bumping into you.
How to Go Live on Instagram in Two Easy Steps
Live on Instagram is very easy.
To get started, you’ll need an Instagram account (surprise!), as well as a phone, since many of Instagram’s features are only available on mobile devices.
Then go to the first step:
Step 1: Click the plus icon in the top right corner.
On your profile or feed, tap the plus icon in the top right corner. This will prompt you to choose what type of content you want to create.
Step 2: Click “Start Broadcasting”
Once you click “Live”in the list above, Instagram will automatically select the “Live”option, which you can see in the screenshot below.
Click on the record icon. Instagram will briefly check your phone’s internet connection before broadcasting.
Voila! Here’s how to go live on Instagram in two steps. See, we told you it was easy.
Pro Tip: Your viewer count is displayed at the top of the screen. You will also see all of your viewers’ comments as they come in.
Celebrate those flying hearts! It’s your audience that shows you love.
At the bottom and top right corner of the screen, you have some cool features that you can use to make your live stream even better.
Let’s break them down:
- Questions. You can collect questions from your audience by posting a question sticker in your Instagram story before going live. You can access your viewers’ questions in the thread when you navigate.
- Send. You can send your live video to an Instagram user during the broadcast. Noticed that your mom doesn’t watch your broadcast? Send it straight to her!
- Add a guest. This allows you and another user to share live video. When you add a guest, both of you will appear in the video via split screen.
- face filters. Want a new hair color, facial hair, or a puppy look? Entertain your followers with filters.
- Change camera. Switch the camera from selfie mode to normal mode.
- Share a photo or video. Take an image or video from your camera roll and share it with your live audience.
- Add a comment. Use this field to add a comment to your thread. Or, if your mom has joined in and is trolling you, you can turn off the comments.
When you’re done making videos on Instagram Live, tap the X in the top right corner. Once your video ends, you’ll be prompted to either view it on your Instagram Live archive or delete it.
Pat yourself on the back. You just finished your first Instagram live stream!
If you are just getting started on Instagram as a business owner, read this article.
How to open a live room
In March 2021, Instagram introduced Live Rooms, allowing users to livestream with up to three other people. Previously, it was possible to co-stream with only one person using the “Add Guest”option. Now you don’t have to pick a favorite when choosing a co-host!
With Live Rooms, users (and brands) can be more creative with their broadcasts. Inviting more speakers can create an engaging experience for your audience, such as:
- live games,
- creative session,
- influential questions and answers,
- or dance performances.
These are just a few ideas that can work well with Live Rooms, but there’s no limit to the sky (well, actually, four people is the limit. But you understand our enthusiasm).
Living rooms are great for business. Whenever you invite a guest to join your live video, their audience has access to it, even users who don’t follow you on Instagram. If you can convince three other people to live stream with you, you’ll get three times the attention.
How to start a live room:
1. Follow the same steps as for setting up a regular live broadcast.
2. After going live, your requests to join other people’s rooms are displayed on the video icon. You can create your own room by tapping the room icon next to the direct request button:
3. Enter the names of your guests, click “Invite”and you’re ready to go!
You can add all three of your guests at the same time when setting up your stream, or one at a time as your stream progresses.
3 tips for using Instagram Live
Set a SMART goal
Do you set goals when you plan your content? Your audience will notice when you do this. The plan turns your Instagram Live from scratch into a hero.
To achieve this, you need to set a SMART goal, i.e. specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time bound.
- Specific. Your goal must be focused. For example, a bad goal would be “I want to make a funny video on Instagram Live.”Okay, but what does “fun”mean? This goal is vague and subjective, making it hard to measure. Instead, try: “This Instagram live is aiming for a 25% increase in engagement compared to our last live.”Boom. Specific, quantifiable and measurable. (By the way, here’s how you can measure your engagement in several ways. Or use our calculator specifically for engagement metrics.)
- Measurable. How will you know if you have reached your goal? Make sure you can actually measure your performance (see above!).
- Attainable. Don’t shoot for the stars and don’t miss the moon! Make sure your target is within your reach. Otherwise, you are setting yourself up for failure. For example, “I want to have the most followers on Instagram”would be impossible (unless you are Cristiano Ronaldo), but achievable “I want to have 1000 followers on Instagram”.
- Corresponding. Ask yourself, is this goal important to you and your company right now? Is it related to your overall business goals?
- In a timely manner. Deadlines help you focus and encourage you to reach your goals. For example, “I want to host three Instagram live streams with guests by Q4” is essentially a do-or-not-do goal. If you say, “I want to keep hosting new guests on Instagram Live,” you can never cross that off your to-do list.
Create plan
Once you’ve come up with a SMART goal, it’s time to make a plan to achieve it.
Map out how your video will play out. Then write down the points you want to cover with a rough time estimate. The structure will keep you on track and the audience will appreciate the clarity.
Engage your viewers
Instagram Live is the secret ability of social media marketers to engage an audience.
This tool gives you the ability to communicate with your audience live. Call your followers by name when they join your broadcast. You can respond to comments and questions in real time.
You can even use their comments to inspire content for your next stream. Are people asking or commenting on similar topics? Take popular comments and use them for new content!
Instagram Live Stream Ideas for Business
Everything is ready to host your own broadcast on Instagram Live. Now all you need is a few ideas. Lucky for you, we’ve rounded up seven Instagram live streaming ideas for your business.
1. Collaboration with influencers
Influencer marketing is interacting with your fans so that you can share your opinion about the brands they like or the topics they are interested in. If you choose an influencer who matches your brand, you can introduce their audience to what you have to offer.
Instagram Live is the perfect platform for this kind of collaboration. With the Add Guest and Live Room features, you can invite influencers for interviews, Q&A sessions with your viewers, or a friendly chat.
If you plan to have more than one influencer on your stream, use the Live Rooms feature. You can invite up to three influencers to share your screen with you.
To learn more, check out our article on how to work with social media influencers.
2. Live at the event
Broadcast your industry events, ceremonies or conferences you attend. People love getting an inside look at industry parties from someone close to them.
If you’re planning to stream your next event, use FOMO. The fear of missing out can be a powerful tool. People will want to watch and be aware of what’s going on in real time so they don’t miss a single moment of interest. Promote your event live in advance!
And be sure to publish a post-factum video with a summary. You can upload your live stream, edit it to your liking, and then post it to your feed.
Carrie Underwood recently performed at the CMT Awards. She posted a recap of her performance for fans who might have missed it live.
Source: Carrie Underwood on Instagram.
3. Conduct a tutorial, seminar or class
Engage your followers with interactive content. Host a seminar or class, or post a tutorial on the content you’re associated with. Your audience will have the opportunity to ask you questions about what you do, what you offer, or what you sell.
Don’t be afraid if you think you don’t have worldly knowledge to share with your followers. You can teach your audience literally anything, as long as it’s interesting.
For example, rapper Saweetie went live to show her followers how to eat McDonald’s Saweetie food. She said, “Because you’re doing everything wrong.”She then made Naggacho, a dish similar to french fries and chicken nuggets topped with sauce.
Honestly, it’s like a full night meal – and we wouldn’t know it existed without Instagram Live.
4. Questions and answers
Engage your audience and make them feel heard with live Q&A.
Just go to Instagram Live and ask your audience questions. If you don’t get many questions, ask your audience to post a few. If you’re feeling brave, turn it into an AMA (Ask Me Anything).
Halle Bailey hosted a live Q&A session on Instagram while in Atlanta, Georgia for the filming of the musical film The Color Purple.
Don’t forget to announce that you’re hosting a Q&A for your followers before you start your live stream. It can be as simple as a quick story, or you can build an expectation a couple of days ahead.
5. Unpacking the goods
If you’re launching a new product, do a live unboxing and show your followers what they’re getting.
People trust brands on Instagram. Research shows that “People use [Instagram] to find out what’s trending, research products before they buy, and decide whether or not to buy.”So, use the livestream to your advantage and showcase your products by answering questions in real time.
6. Talk to a happy customer
You don’t need to talk to an industry leader or influencer to help promote your brand. Conversing with customers about how much they love your products or services is an effective way to engage your audience. Plus, it’s a lot cheaper than hiring influencers.
And since Instagram gives you the option to save the video after you’re done, you can save it to your Instagram profile as a video review. Double win!
7. Overview
Give instant reaction to events, news, products or anything related to your industry. If your audience finds it funny or interesting, it’s fair game.
For example, if you’ve watched a speech by an influencer in your field, you can go to Instagram Live after it and share your thoughts.
You can also view various products and services related to your business. Using a new laptop for your business? Or maybe you’ve tried a new camera? Browse all these products live.
How to watch instagram live
Watching someone else’s live broadcasts on Instagram is very easy. They appear where you see Instagram Stories, but with a pink border to indicate LIVE. You can watch them on your phone or computer.
Frequently Asked Questions about Instagram Live
Where can I find my video on Instagram Live?
Do you want to experience the magic? If you click “Archive”after going live, Instagram saves your video to Live Archive.
You can post your video to IGTV if it’s longer than one minute.
Once you’ve shared a live broadcast recording, you can view it by opening your video from your profile in two simple steps:
- Go to your page by clicking your profile or your profile picture in the bottom right corner.
- Tap the video below your bio, and then tap your live video.
FYI: This video’s view count only includes people who watched it after you posted it. Not live viewers.
Can I limit who sees my Instagram Live Stream?
Hell yes! Instagram gives you the option to limit who sees your Instagram live feed. Get an exclusive. Limit these views. If your mom hasn’t joined your stream, you don’t need to show her what you’re up to.
The setting works exactly the same as it does on your Instagram stories, since that’s where your video will live.
Just tap the camera in the top left corner. Then tap the gear or settings button in the top right corner.
Then go to Live (third option from the left). This is where Instagram lets you enter the names of the accounts you want to hide your video from.
How to disable comments?
Is there a troll? Or maybe you are a monologue. In any case, you can turn off comments on your broadcast by clicking on the three dots in the chat window and selecting “Turn off comments”.
How to answer questions on Instagram Live?
You can ask questions from your followers through your Instagram story for a Q&A.
Create a story post with a questions sticker containing the question you want to ask.
When it’s time for an Instagram live stream, you’ll be able to access them via the questions button. Press the button and a box will appear with all the questions you can answer.
Select one of the questions and it will appear in your feed for your followers to see.