“We’re live! We’re live!” You might feel that thrill with your friends when you learn how to go live on Instagram.
Imagine connecting with your audience in real-time, sharing updates straight from your phone with just a tap of the Instagram Live button. It’s a whole new level of excitement, right?
Well, it’s more than just hitting that button, though. Here, we’ll dive into how to go live on Instagram and why it’s a game changer for content creators, especially those who want to boost their following.
Let’s get into all the details about Instagram Live!
What is Instagram Live?
Instagram Live is a feature that lets content creators broadcast in real-time in front of their followers. With this feature, they can connect and engage with their audience better and easier. (We’ll learn about it later.)
Launched in November 2016, IG Live quickly gained popularity and joined the ranks of top features like Instagram Stories and Reels.
That’s right. Instagram has over 2 billion users and 500 million daily active users. And you know what, among them, 100 million are watching and creating live videos.
This is amazing for a feature that shows the real feeling of the moment. It is not like the polished Carousel posts and edited Feed posts that try to look perfect, which is what Instagram is known for.
Instagram Live focuses on spontaneous content. Each time someone goes live, it’s different and keeps people interested. This is why people watch Live videos for about 24.41 minutes, which is 27% longer than the 18 minutes they spend on regular videos.
And there’s even more to it. The best part is how simple it is to go live. You can stream straight from the mobile app, and the menu is there for all users. And if you qualify, you can also go live from your desktop, but that option is still in beta.
Live on Instagram is more than just a feature. It’s a big part of our culture. It highlights our desire for real-time connection in social media era. That’s why apps like TikTok are also getting so many users from TikTok Live.
Read: What is Facebook Live Stream
Benefits of Going Live on Instagram
As a part of the Instagram for Creators, what Instagram Live has to offer for you as a live streamer?
Anyone Can Use It
Instagram Live is a feature for everyone, not a program for specific users. You can just press the “Live” button on the app and start sharing your videos right away.
And, you don’t need a specific number of followers to go live. Anyone can join your stream, which helps you reach more people. Just remember, your account must be at least 30 days old, and your profile needs to be public.
Whether you’re a influencer or an established brand, Instagram Live is a useful feature to use.
Show Authenticity
Going live on Instagram shows your authentic self. It means your audience can see behind-the-scenes moments and how you handle unexpected moment and spontaneous conversation in real time.
That can be hard and that’s why you need to know how to go live on Instagram.
You need to be authentic and at the same time plan great content for your fans, especially if you’re an influencer. Why? About 50% of your viewers value authenticity as the top quality in you.
Boost Visibility
What if you could tell everyone you’re live, and your content is right at the top of their Instagram feeds? That would be great to boost your views.
And you don’t have to shout. Instagram will let your followers know when you go live, so they’ll see you’re on. And being at the top of the feed? That grabs attention fast, right? It really helps your live stream reach more people than regular posts.
Get Real-time Interaction
Going live on Instagram is a great way to connect with your audience right away. You can answer questions and chat directly with your followers. It really helps create a welcoming and personal vibe.
Plus, when you’re active and responsive, it shows your audience you care. Not to mention that before starting Instagram live, you’ll know who are active by the time you prepare for your live session.
Get Better Engagement
For the audience, going live is all about catching it or missing it. It’s not like regular posts that they can check out anytime. They really have to be there when you’re going live on Instagram.
When people join a live event on Instagram, they feel part of something exciting. They get instant updates, making them feel special. That’s why Instagram Live gets more likes, comments, and shares (engagement). Everyone wants to be the first to react, especially for their favorite creators.
So, when you ask: How effective are Instagram lives for content creators? It is effective if you know how to get live on Instagram right.
Drive More Traffic
So, let’s say you want to promote your new merchandise as a content creator. Or a brand promoting a new product. You could offer a special discount to the lucky few who join your Instagram Live. Exciting, right?
That’s why so many people go live on Instagram. It really helps boost traffic by creating a sense of urgency or offering limited edition deals. You can send your viewers to your website to make a purchase.
Many brands and content creators do this, like Tanya Tailor, who promotes her new fashion collection on Instagram Live Events.
Earn More from Your Content
We’ve talked about making money on Instagram with features like Badges. When you go live, your followers can buy Badges to support you. It’s a great way for your audience to show appreciation for your content right away.
You can also explore other ways to make money, like affiliate marketing. Just share your unique links for followers to buy products. This can turn your love for content creation into great income, right?
Test New Ideas and Formats
Sometimes you just want to test out new ideas and formats without all the prep, right? That’s where Instagram Live comes in. It’s a great way to see if things work.
For example, if you’re curious about whether a giveaway works for your audience, it’s worth a try. Giveaways are said to boost engagement. Plus, brands that do giveaways on Instagram grow their followers 70% faster than those that don’t.
How to get live on Instagram on Mobile
From the Instagram app, whether it is Android or iPhone, this is how to go live on Instagram:
- Open the Instagram App — Launch the app on your mobile device and make sure you have logged in to your account.
- Access the Camera — Tap the Plus icon at the bottom center of your home feed or at the top right of the app.
- Select ‘Live’ Option — At the bottom of the screen, you’ll see options like ‘Post’, ‘Story’, and ‘Reels’. Swipe right until you find Live and tap on it.
- Add Title — You can add a title to your live video to let your followers know what it’s about, but this is optional.
- Choose Everyone — By default, you will go live on Instagram in front of your followers, but you can also set it to just your close friends, or practice.
- Tap Live — Simply tap Live to go live on Instagram when you have a countdown timer to get ready.
Some steps to add on how to get live on Instagram:
- Customize — Basically, that’s how to go live on Instagram. But if you want to add some fun, you can customize effects or invite people to join your live.
- Additional Settings — You can stick with the default settings, but you can also add a moderator, turn off comments, or disable requests to go live based on your preferences for each session.
- Control Duration — It’s a good idea to activate the timer so you know how long you’ve been live on Instagram. This helps you manage the duration that works best for your audience based on your data analysis.
- End the Session and Share — To end your Instagram live session, simply tap the X button. You’ll be asked if you want to share it, save insights, or discard the media.
How to Go Live on Instagram on PC
Most of the time, using the Instagram app is enough to go live in front of your audience for the first time. But if you want to go live on Instagram using a PC, here are the steps:
- Go to instagram.com and log into your account.
- On the right-hand side, click “Create” and choose “Live Video.”
- Add the title for your live session, just like you would on your device.
- Choose Public, Close Friends, or Practice.
- Click Next to get the Stream URL and Stream Key.
- Go to your streaming software, like Restream or StreamYard, and set it up using the information from Instagram.
Read:
IG Live Tips for Content Creators
You know how to get live on Instagram, right? If you want to start going live right now, what tips can help make your live session stand out?
Dont Go Unprepared Too Often
Instagram Live is about being real, so go live whenever and wherever you want. But remember to prepare a little before you start.
Choose a quiet place for your live session. Background noise can drown you out and make your audience lose interest. Whether you’re going live from your car, like what Gary Vee usually did, just avoid busy areas. Focus on good sound quality while keeping it spontaneous and genuine.
Use the Practice Mode
No pressure! You don’t have to go live on Instagram if you’re not ready. If you’re a beginner, try “Practice Mode” to get comfortable first. This feature lets you test your setup and learn the live interface without going live.
Want to invite friends for a collab live? You can. In Practice Mode, invite them privately to see how they interact. This helps ensure everything runs smoothly before you go live to your audience.
Read: How to Collab Post on Instagram
Define Your Goal
It’s not just about having great video or audio on Instagram Live. You really need to figure out what you want to achieve with your broadcast.
Are you promoting a product, sharing useful information, or engaging with your audience? Knowing this will help you organize your content and deliver a clear message. Different goals need different approaches.
Promote Your Instagram Live
Unless you’re very famous, you’ll need to promote your Instagram Live. Sharing details about your session creates excitement. Tease the topics or special guests in advance to attract more interest.
If you’re planning a yoga session, post a few days ahead with, “Tomorrow-Sunday morning – 10:30 AM. I will be teaching a beginner yoga class..” This reminds followers and builds anticipation, making them more likely to join.
Don’t Forget to Engage With Your Audience
It’s not enough to just know how to go live on Instagram, you also need to talk with your audience.
Start by welcoming your viewers and responding to their comments. Using their names makes it feel personal and shows you care. Remember to ask questions, use polls, and give shoutouts to keep things fun.
Try Different Format of Live on Instagram
The last thing you want is for your Instagram live to be boring. So, mix it up a bit. Even if you’re mostly promoting your merch, try using different angles and formats to keep things engaging.
For example, if you’re a fitness influencer, you could share workout tips, give behind-the-scenes looks at your trainers, or invite well-known athletes to join you.
Also, don’t forget to use built-in features like filters, stickers, and music to elevate your content. Filters add a creative touch, and stickers make your posts more interactive!
Share Behind-the-Scene Moments
Instagram stories are a great way to share behind-the-scenes moments. Take a picture, post it, and it’s gone in 24 hours. But going live on Instgram takes it to the next level.
This is your chance to show the real content: the messy desk, brainstorming sessions, and funny moments. Sharing your daily life helps your audience feel like they are part of the action, not just watching from the sidelines.
Not everyone will see your live stream, but those who do might share it. They’ll get a sneak peek into something special that others miss.
Use Instagram Live Badges
A top tip for going live on Instagram is to use live badges. These are gifts that viewers can buy to show their support, and you keep all the earnings—unlike the 50% cut on TikTok Live.
This setup is a win-win! Fans get to support their favorite creators and earn badges, which really strengthens that connection. And for creators? It’s awesome because they get direct financial support from fans to keep chasing their passion.
How to Get Live on Instagram: Wrap-Up
Going live on Instagram is a breeze, right? You can just choose the Live feature when creating a new post and hit the Broadcast button to start.
Despite its simplicity, Instagram Live offers many benefits. It can showcase your authenticity as a content creator while at the same time boosting your content visibility and even helping you earn more from your content.
That’s all for now. We hope this helps you leran how to go live on Instagram. And to earn money beyond Instagram Live, you can always join Gank for free and start making money from donations, merchandise sales, and memberships. See you!
FAQ about How do You Go Live on Instagram
What do you need to go live on Instagram?
To go live on Instagram, here’s what you need: a working Instagram account that has been active for at least 30 days, a smartphone or tablet with a front-facing camera, and a good internet connection. Also, make sure you have the latest version of the Instagram app on your device.
Why can’t I go live on Instagram
There are a few reasons this might be happening. Your internet could be slow, there might be an issue with your phone, or your Instagram app may need an update. You could also be violating Instagram’s community guidelines.
If you’ve checked all this and still can’t go live, try reaching out to Instagram’s support team for help.
When to go live on Instagram
It actually depends on many factors, including your target audience, your time zone, and your content. But you can refer to the best times to post on Instagram at first. Generally, weekdays between 9 AM to 11 AM are good times for engagement.
To be sure, you can test going live on Instagram. Check Instagram Analytics to see what time works best for you.
How many followers do you need to go live on Instagram?
You don’t need a certain number of followers to go live on Instagram. If you have an active account, you can go live. Just make sure your account is at least 30 days old
How do you turn on live status on Instagram?
It’s all about your activity status. You need to check this by going to the Settings and Privacy menu. Then, scroll down and tap on Messaging and Story Replies. Make sure your Show Activity Status is turned on. This way, when you go live, you will share your online status with all your followers.
How to go live with someone on Instagram?
The question is always how to go live on Instagram with someone else. Well, collaborating lets you reach the audience of both accounts. It’s simple: tap the two-face icon to enter the invite page, then search for the name of the person you want to join your Instagram live.
How long can you go live on Instagram?
The maximum duration for an Instagram live session used to be one hour for personal accounts. Now, every account can go live for up to four hours. After that, they can upload their video as long as it is within the 15-minute limit.
