If you’re wondering how to grow on Instagram, live streaming could be the answer! It’s a great way to connect and build a relationship with your followers.
Plus there are some great new Instagram features that will help you stream so much better than before. Which is we’re going to show you exactly how to go live on Instagram like a pro!
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Instagram recently unlocked access for professional live streaming apps. This means you can now Instagram live stream using pro-level software like Ecamm Live, OBS Studio, vMix and Wirecast to name a few.
But that’s not the only way to go live on Instagram. There’s more basic AND more advanced options available. So there are great ways to go live for every type of content creator.
In this complete tutorial, we’ll go step-by-step through all the Instagram live streaming options & how to use them so you can pick the best one for you. You’ll be live streaming like a PRO on Instagram in no time.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- #1: Built-In Instagram Live App
- #2: Instagram Live Producer
- #3: YoloLiv Instream Live Streaming Device
We’ll start with the easiest way to Instagram live stream and work up to the more advanced options.
Let’s get started.
#1: Built-In Instagram Live App
Using the Instagram app is a great option if you just need basic tools to create Instagram live videos.
To do this, open the Instagram app on your device and make sure you’re logged into your Instagram account.
There are two different ways to access the built-in live streaming functionalities. Open Instagram and go to the main Instagram feed. Then:
- Swipe right. Then down the bottom scroll across to Live.
OR - Press the + button in the top right corner. Then down the bottom scroll across to Live.
Setting Up Instagram Live Stream
Before you start the live broadcast, there are a few settings and tools you can set up.
Give Your Live Stream A Title
Press the top icon on the left side of the camera screen. This is where you can give your livestream a title. You can also add any brand partners if you’re partnering up for the live.
Set Your Broadcast Audience
Press the Eye icon in the left menu. This is where you can set your audience to public (meaning anyone can watch your live stream) or practice (meaning you can go live by yourself or with others but no one will be notified).
PRO TIP: If you select Practice under the Broadcast Audience, you’re still able to invite people into the practise stream. This means you can use this mode to run private live streams as well.
Schedule Your Live Stream
Press the Calendar icon. This is where you can schedule your live broadcast video if you want. You can pick a date and time that you plan to go live.
Add Effects & Filters To Your Live Stream
At the bottom of the screen is the Go Live button (more on that later!). But if you swipe across, this is where you’ll see a bunch of effects and filters you can use in your stream.
How To Go Live On Instagram App
Once you’ve finished setting everything up, hit the Go Live button at the bottom of the screen to start streaming.
There are a bunch of tools you can use during your Instagram live video:
- Add an image: Instead of just doing a ‘talking head’ stream, you can bring up visuals into your stream from your camera roll. This is awesome to make your presentation more interactive and engaging.
- Mute: Tap the Microphone icon to mute your audio
- Disable Video: Tap the Camera icon to turn off your video and have audio only
- Reverse Camera: Flip your camera from front to back or vice versa
- Filters & Effects: Tap the Effects icon and all the different presets will appear down the bottom of your screen
- Comments: These will appear as a live feed on screen – you can interact and respond to them
- Requests to Join: This where you’ll see if anyone has requested to join your live stream
- Invite Guests: The Invite icon is where you can search for Instagram accounts and then send an invite for others to appear on your live
- Questions: People can submit questions here rather than in the comments section, making it easier for you to filter through & answer questions
PRO TIP: You can lock down the exposure by tapping on a certain area of the screen. For example, if you tap on your face it will adjust the exposure for that area and then lock it in, so when you move around it won’t automatically make it lighter or darker.
As you can see, you do have access to some good tools & controls. But this method of live streaming is nowhere near as professional as the next two options!
So stay tuned if you’re looking for something more advanced!
#2: Professional Live Streaming Software Via Instagram Live Producer
This is a new mode on Instagram that allows you to create an Instagram live video from your desktop using professional live streaming software. Think Ecamm Live, OBS, vMix, Wirecast – any tools that allow you to create an RTMP stream.
Instagram is in the process of rolling out this new feature and at the time of writing this, we don’t have access. Luckily, our good friend Tiffany aka Coach Glitter was kind enough to give us a walkthrough!
How To Go Live on Instagram Live Producer
To get started, log in to Instagram on a desktop computer. In the left menu select Create. If you have access to this feature, you’ll see the option to select Live video.
A window will appear where you can enter the live stream name and select your audience.
Just like when going live in the Instagram app, you can choose between a Public or Practice live stream.
Once you’ve entered those details, hit Next.
Then you’ll have access to the live streaming information that you need to copy and paste into your live streaming software.
Now you can open up your live streaming platform.
In this case, Tiffany used StreamYard so we’ll run through that as an example. But keep in mind the process will be very similar no matter what application you’re using.
PRO TIP: Check out our Complete StreamYard Tutorial.
Go to Create, then Live Stream and select a new destination. From here, select Custom RTMP. This is where you can paste the Stream URL and the Stream Key.
In StreamYard, you can enter a Nickname and save this as a preset for later use.
Then select Add RTMP Server to save that.
Once the details are in, you can select Create Broadcast.
From here, you’d set up your broadcast as usual. Bring in your cameras, graphics, titles and anything like that.
Once you’re all ready to go, hit the Go Live button.
At this point, your live streaming software will be sending your live stream through to Instagram. BUT, you’re not actually live on Instagram yet.
So go back to the Instagram Live Producer window where you previously copied the live stream details from. Now you’ll see a live stream preview appear in that window.
When you’re ready to go live, simply hit the Go Live button in the top right corner of that Instagram window.
Now you’ll be live on Instagram!
During the Instagram live broadcast, you can view and respond to comments in that window. However all the controls will be back in your live streaming software.
So you would switch back to your live streaming software to switch cameras, bring on guests, add fancy animations and all of that stuff.
But right now, you need to go back to the Instagram Live Producer window to view and interact with comments.
When it’s time to end the live stream, you want to end it in the Instagram Live Producer window first. Click End Live Video in the top right hand corner.
One thing to note is that some live streaming software don’t support vertical streaming yet. They only support widescreen live streams which means your stream won’t be fullscreen and it will be pushed to the top. See the image below as an example.
At the time of writing, StreamYard is one of the platforms that does not have any preset templates to help you create portrait live streams.
But other options such as Ecamm Live and OBS Studio do support vertical live streams.
This is something StreamYard and other platforms will hopefully roll out soon.
PRO TIP: Find out the Best Live Streaming Software for Mac, Windows PC and Android/iOS.
#3: YoloLiv Instream Live Streaming Device
This is a portable live streaming device that’s specifically designed to help you go live in portrait using professional cameras.
If you want to go live on Instagram professionally, the YoloLiv Instream is a great way to do it. Especially if you don’t have access to the Instagram Live Producer yet.
Full disclosure: YoloLiv sent out this product. We’re under no obligation to create any videos or do anything at all with it. We’re only mentioning it because we think it’s pretty damn awesome!
While in Option #2 you can go live using professional live streaming tools, the Instream does all of that without the need for a computer.
Some of the specs include:
- USB & SD card input so you can get any files & videos you want to use in the Instagram live
- For internet access there’s ethernet, wifi and a sim card slot
- For audio there’s HDMI, two mic inputs and a headphone jack for monitoring audio
- Built-in touch screen for you to control everything AND you can output the HDMI feed to a larger screen
Essentially this is a large Android device. It has a bunch of apps pre-installed that will help you with your live broadcasts. There’s Instagram, TikTok, Zoom, Facebook and CapCut.
Having access to these apps means you can edit and post videos from your Instagram live straight from the Instream device.
You just open the apps up and go live as usual. But the kicker is that you can connect professional cameras that make your live stream look awesome.
You have access to a ton of great features that you’d usually need the pro-level live streaming software for, like video switching and bringing up titles. You can literally just tap on screen to switch between different tools and graphics while you’re live.
It’s awesome that you have access to all of this stuff in one place. You don’t need to have a different tab open for the Instagram Live Producer.
If you want to create pro-level Instagram live videos while using professional cameras but not needing to rely on a desktop computer – the Instream is an awesome option.
YoloLiv Instream Pricing
You can pick up a YoloLiv Instream for $1299.
It’s definitely not on the cheaper end of things but given what you’re getting access to, it could be the best option for you.
So those are our top methods for Instagram live streaming.
If you’re interested in leveling up other aspects of your Instagram strategy? Learn How To Create Instagram Stories or How To Create Instagram Reels like a PRO!
Recommended Gear & Resources
Check out an up-to-date list of all the gear, software & tools we use and recommend right now at Primal Video on our resources page here!
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