The developers of the social network have implemented a new feature that allows gathering a huge audience at the same time in one place – Instagram live. However, despite the convenient communication tool, many web users still do not know how to use this option. This article will discuss the principle of operation and ways to enable the live stream.
Live streaming – why and what is it needed for
Many internet users do not know what Instagram Live is and how to use it. Essentially, it is a feature organized by individuals who want to communicate or share valuable information. The principle of the function is simple – a user can record a live video and show their target audience what communication, advertising campaign, or important information means. If there is something to share with your own followers, you can use the service at any time and gather people in a live broadcast.
Before creating a broadcast, it is worth considering the following nuances:
- the live broadcast cannot last longer than one hour;
- when a broadcast is created, subscribers receive an automatic notification about it;
- a pink button is displayed on the “Story” panel during the stream;
- the audience has the right to send comments to the founder of the LIVE conference;
- the stream is automatically disconnected after the allotted time has expired.
Useful to know! Popular video bloggers, stars, and artists use Instagram Live to hold fan meetings with their own fans. It is worth remembering that when this option is turned on, a large number of people may show up, as each of the subscribers will receive an invitation.
How to access Instagram live stream on your phone
The easiest way to go live on Instagram is from your phone, as every mobile device is equipped with a front camera that provides comfortable communication. You can go live on Android, IOS, and Windows operating systems.
On Android
To start a live broadcast on a mobile device, follow these steps:
- Open the “Stories” mode.
- Tap on the camera icon or swipe to the right.
- Select the “Live” tab.
- Choose the “Start Broadcast” button.
To end the live notification, use the “Finish” graphic button.
On iPhone
To do a live broadcast on Instagram on IOS operating system, activate the mobile application and follow these steps:
- Open the start page.
- Click on the camera icon.
- Go to the “Live” tab.
- Press the “Start” button, after which a report will be generated and the broadcast will begin.
- You can end the online session by clicking the “Disconnect” button at the top of the page.
When the LIVE conference ends, the recorded videos are not saved, and it will not be possible to view the material later. Only pinning the clips to Stories for the next 24 hours will help.
Rules for live streaming
Activate the social network function using the appropriate application. When the service is turned on, the program will suggest the following steps:
- Login to the start page in your own account.
- Open the “Feed” section and click on the “Start broadcast” button.
During the broadcast, the resource offers the use of a mask. During the process, the organizer can observe the number of subscribers who are in the stream. You can add comments, write messages, and so on at a convenient time.
If the topic suits two users at once, there is an opportunity to start a joint online conference. First, you need to send an invitation, and then start the session. Under these circumstances, the screen will be divided into two equal parts. This move ensures simultaneous monitoring of both organizers.
Note! It is worth reminding that after 60 minutes, the stream is automatically paused.
On the computer
Unfortunately, there are no specialized programs to start a live broadcast on Instagram from a computer. This means that it is impossible to join an online conference and record video on a computer even with a camera and corresponding program with all the functions.
However, a PC allows for viewing a live session. First, you need to install a special service and log in to your account. After logging in, follow these steps:
– Tap on the icon displaying interesting audience in the news window (magnifying glass icon).
– A story will open at the top of the page.
– Look for the user who created the conference, marked with the “Live” label.
– Click on the user’s profile picture icon to be redirected to the live stream.
Important note: When a user receives a message from the organizer of the session, simply go to their page on the network.
How to create a joint online broadcast
To go live together on Instagram, you need to send an invitation to a friend with whom you want to organize a broadcast. As mentioned earlier, this option splits the screen into two parts. This feature is extremely popular in 2019 and can be used for both entertainment and business promotion. If you are starting a joint broadcast, you need to:
1. Choose “Live” on your account.
2. Click on the gear icon and set the necessary parameters before the conference.
3. In the window that opens, specify the number of people who are not allowed to view.
4. Send an invitation to your friend to join the session (they must confirm the request after receiving it).
Important! It is worth noting that joint broadcasts can be saved and shared with friends.
Preservation of the live broadcast
Personal online conferences can be saved on a mobile device. To do this, open your account, conduct the session, and at the end of the process, before clicking the “Done” button, click on the “Save” icon. The remaining videos can be added to stories in small fragments or as a whole clip. The material will be available for viewing within the next 24 hours.
How to pin a comment or disable it
Periodically, to fully explain the topic, it is necessary to answer the same questions from subscribers. To avoid repetitive actions, it is worth pinning the comment in the main broadcast window. The procedure can be carried out by touching and holding your finger on the necessary message. Then, add the resulting answer using the “Pin comment” button.
Online broadcast rules – common mistakes
It’s not difficult to conduct a successful live stream on Instagram, the main thing is to follow certain communication rules. To launch a useful stream, it is worth adhering to the following principles:
- Choose the right target audience. Novices often fail here. The problem is that subscribers are not interested in information that is not useful to them.
- Create your own unique style of presenting information. People love simple things that are presented in a special style.
- Ensure high quality visual and sound components. It’s hard to watch the organizer of an online session when the sound and video are noticeably poor.
Any creators of streams should remember that the main source of success is brevity and clarity.
Popular topics
In the social network Instagram, the live broadcast feature stands out because during the conversation, there is the possibility to add any topic for discussion. Of course, it is better to prepare a list of accumulated questions or useful information that will be presented in a certain way before filming. It is also worth deciding on the topic of the conversation in advance, as this approach will ensure maximum effectiveness of the broadcast.
If the goal of the LIVE conference is to promote business, then it is best to pay attention to the following ideas:
- activation of new services or products;
- advertising campaign or promotion;
- gathering useful information and feedback from customers;
- mutually beneficial conversation;
- tours and sightseeing;
- procedure for creating projects and adjusting publications;
- cooking delicious dishes with step-by-step instructions.
This is only a brief list of possible discussion topics. Each user can rely on their own imagination or intuition.
By carefully studying the information presented in this article, every web surfer can independently start a live broadcast on the social network Instagram and hold a useful conference. Follow the rules described above, and in this case, success awaits you.