How to Go Live on Instagram

Recently, Instagram administration has been adding new features to help us interact more frequently with our audience. Live broadcasts have become one of the most powerful tools for live communication with subscribers. However, many users face a problem: how to start a live broadcast on Instagram? Unfortunately, there isn't a dedicated button to go to the live broadcast start window on either Android or iOS. If you want to start a live broadcast but don't know how, we will detail each step to help you. In this article, we will thoroughly explain how to launch a live broadcast on Instagram on Android and iPhone, how to set up the broadcast, invite guests, and what useful features are available for streams. This material will be useful for both aspiring bloggers who are just mastering the live broadcast format and experienced users who want to improve the quality of their broadcasts.

What is Instagram Live and why do you need it

Live (Live) is a function that allows you to broadcast video in real time to all your subscribers. Unlike regular Stories, live broadcasts have no time limit – you can stream for hours. After the broadcast ends, it can either be deleted (by default) or saved to the "IGTV" (now "Video") section so that subscribers can watch it later.

Why stream on Instagram:

Live communication with the audience. You can answer subscribers' questions in real time, getting instant feedback.
Live broadcasts have priority in the news feed. Subscribers receive a notification about the start of the broadcast, which gives high reach.
You can invite up to 3 guests to the live broadcast simultaneously, which is convenient for interviews, joint streams, discussions.
During the broadcast, viewers can send questions, likes, and donations (if monetization is enabled).
It's an excellent tool for announcements, unboxings, answering frequently asked questions, master classes.

How to start an Instagram Live on Android

Steps to set up a live broadcast on Android do not require special skills or additional equipment. All you need is a smartphone, stable internet, and the latest version of the app.

Preparing for a live broadcast

First, make sure you have a modern smartphone and the latest version of the app installed. Only then will you be able to conduct a high-quality and stable live broadcast. An outdated device may overheat, lag, or even shut down during a long broadcast.

Step-by-step instructions for launching a live broadcast on Android

First step. Go to the Instagram app on your smartphone. Make sure you are logged into the account from which you want to broadcast.

Second step. We need to click on the story add button in the story feed. This button is located at the top of the main screen - your avatar with a plus sign or the camera icon in the upper left corner. It is through this interface that we will need to start the live broadcast.

Third step. In the opened story creation window, swipe right and go to the live broadcast window. You will see the "Live" option with a red microphone or camera icon.

Fourth step. If you are launching a live broadcast for the first time, the app may request access to your microphone and camera. Allow access for the broadcast to work correctly.

Fifth step. If desired, you can add a broadcast title (e.g., "Answering questions," "Unboxing a package"). The title attracts viewers and explains what the broadcast will be about.

Sixth step. Configure additional settings. To do this, click on the gear icon. You will be able to choose whether to save the broadcast after it ends, whether to send notifications to subscribers, enable "Close Friends" mode, and other options.

Seventh step. Click the "Start Live" button. The broadcast will begin. Your subscribers will receive a notification that you are live.

Eighth step. During the broadcast, you will see the number of viewers and their comments. You can respond to comments verbally or by text. You can also invite guests by clicking on the icon with two faces.

Ninth step. To end the broadcast, click the red "End" button (cross or X). After that, you can share the broadcast recording in your Stories or IGTV.

How to start an Instagram Live on iPhone (iOS)

The process on iOS is almost identical to Android. The differences are minimal and related to the interface design.

Step-by-step instructions for iPhone

First step. Open the Instagram app and go to the main screen.

Second step. Tap the camera icon in the upper left corner or swipe right anywhere on the screen. You will enter Story creation mode.

Third step. At the bottom of the screen, find and select "Live." Swipe right through the shooting modes (Normal, Boomerang, Hands-Free) until you reach "Live."

Fourth step. If necessary, add a broadcast title. Click the "Start Live" button.

Fifth step. During the broadcast, you can turn the microphone on and off, switch the camera from main to front, and invite guests.

Sixth step. End the broadcast with the "End" button. Choose whether to save the recording to your gallery or share it in Stories.