Instagram Live is one of the most effective ways to connect with your audience in real time. Whether you’re a creator, marketer, or business owner, going live on Instagram helps you increase reach, build trust, and drive meaningful engagement — often more than regular posts or Stories.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to go live on Instagram step by step, what you need to prepare, which features to use, and proven tips to make your Live sessions successful.
What Is An Instagram Live?
Instagram Live is a feature provided by Instagram that lets everyone with a profile on the platform live broadcast at any time. When you start broadcasting, your Instagram followers are notified so they can watch you live from all around the world and actively participate by sending comments or even requesting to join the broadcast. If your Instagram account isn't a private one, users who don't follow you can watch the live as well.
Viewers can:
- Watch your broadcast live
- Comment and react in real time
- Ask questions and interact directly with you
Once the Live ends, you can save it to your profile, repurpose it, or share clips as Reels or Stories.
What You Need Before Going Live on Instagram
Before live broadcasting on Instagram, make sure your internet connection is stable to avoid any problems while you are recording. Also, look for the perfect scenario and get yourself in a comfortable position, so it will be easier for you to record, and your audience will enjoy it more as well.
Also, pay attention to the lighting and choose a spot where the noise won't get in the way of people hearing you talk. All of those details will make a difference when it comes to offering a nice experience for the viewers.
You will need:
- Stable internet connection: A strong Wi-Fi or mobile data connection prevents lag, freezes, and unexpected disconnections.
- Camera and audio: use your phone’s rear camera if possible, and test your microphone beforehand to ensure clear audio.
- Lighting: Natural light works well, or use a ring light positioned in front of you. Avoid backlighting.
- Quiet environment: Background noise can distract viewers and reduce watch time.
- Simple content plan: outline your main talking points so your Live feels focused and professional.
How to Go Live on Instagram Using an iPhone or Android Device
The Instagram live feature isn't available on desktop computers or laptops. To broadcast through the platform, you will need to use a smartphone or a tablet. Just follow the instructions:
1- Open the Instagram app and login into the account.
2 - Swipe right;
3- The iPhone camera will open, then, at the bottom of the screen, choose the option "Live";
How to go live on Instagram - menu
4 - Click on the right side of the first icon to add a title;
How to go live on Instagram - add a title
5 - Click on the eye icon to choose if you want your broadcast to be public, which means everyone can watch it, or if you just wish to make it available for just a few people.
How to go live on instagram - broadcast audience
6 - You also have the option to schedule the Instagram live. Click on the calendar icon to do that. This way, people will receive a notification about the date and time that the broadcast will take place.
How to go live on Instagram - schedule
7 - Once you are ready to go live, click on the live icon and start recording.
How to go live on Instagram - live
8 - Click on the "x" icon to end Instagram Live.
How to Manage the Instagram Live Broadcast
Starting the broadcast is one of the things you will have to pay attention to when going live on Instagram. It's also important to know how to use the tools Instagram offers during the broadcast.
You can control the comments that appear during the live broadcast. To deactivate the comments, click on the three dots icon and select turn off comments. If you have any keyword filters on your comments, they will be applied to the broadcast as well.
An amazing Instagram live feature is the possibility of enabling other people to participate in the live broadcast with you. You can enjoy inviting experts to answer doubts from the viewers, for example. You can also enable viewers to make part in the broadcast, and encourage people to send a request to participate. This is an interesting strategy to increase engagement.
The option to ask to go live with you is already enabled; if not, click on the three dots icon and select the option to turn it on. On the other hand, if you don't want to receive any requests, just select the option to turn off the requests.
Instagram Live Features You Should Know
Instagram Live includes built-in tools to help you manage and engage viewers:
- Live titles to describe your broadcast
- Comments and pinned comments to guide the conversation
- Guest invitations to go live with another user
- Filters and effects for visual enhancement
- Moderation tools to block or restrict comments
Using these features strategically helps keep viewers engaged longer.
Instagram Live Ideas
Besides learning how to go live on Instagram, it's very important to offer interesting content, so viewers will want to keep watching your live broadcast. Whether you are a digital influencer, someone who just wants to have fun live broadcasting to your friends, or you intend to make Instagram lives for a brand profile, it's possible to make different types of live broadcasts.
Q&A Instagram Live
The Q&A format is a great one when it comes to promoting engagement. Your followers may have multiple doubts about your brand, for example, and the live broadcast is the opportunity to answer them.
Ask people to send you their questions and select the best ones to answer while broadcasting. The viewers will feel that they matter to you, and that's a great opportunity for companies to get to know their audience better.
Launch a Product
Instagram Live is a great asset for launching products online. Enjoy the live broadcast to show the viewers every detail and the benefits the new product from your brand provides. You can even invite an expert or someone from your team to join and explain more about the item. To promote purchases and encourage people to watch Instagram live, you can offer a special coupon discount only for the viewers.
Expert Talk
What about inviting an expert related to some of the subjects you approach in your Instagram profile and making a live broadcast interviewing them? This way, you can offer high-quality content to your target audience and even promote your brand, products, and services.
Live Broadcast an Event
If you are going to give a lecture, participate in a conference, or any other event that would be interesting to your audience, you can make an Instagram Live from there. This way, the viewers may feel like part of the event and enjoy it with you. You have the option to live broadcast a presentation, show the place where the event is happening, interview the participants, and much more.
How to Increase Engagement During Instagram Live
Engagement is what makes Instagram Live powerful. Try these tips:
- Announce your Live in advance using Stories and posts
- Ask viewers questions throughout the session
- Respond to comments by name
- Pin important comments or questions
- Invite guests to join the Live
- Mention a clear call-to-action during the broadcast
The more interaction you create, the more Instagram promotes your Live.
What to Do After Your Instagram Live Ends
Your Live doesn’t stop being valuable when the broadcast ends.
After finishing:
- Save the Live video to your profile or archive
- Repurpose clips into Reels or Stories
- Share highlights on other social platforms
- Follow up with viewers in comments or DMs
Repurposing Live content extends its lifespan and increases ROI.
