The function of watching live broadcasts on Instagram appeared in 2017 and has remained almost unchanged since then. Video shooting is carried out, viewers connect to it and you communicate with them live.
With the help of the new function, bloggers share their impressions from events, immediately answering any questions that arise. The possibilities that open up with the use of this new format are:
- Subscribers are immediately notified that you are telling something directly.
- To promote the new function, Instagram notifies the maximum number of subscribers to the account.
- Considering that such broadcasts are rare and not all authors participate, you are guaranteed to attract attention.
- The broadcast can be transformed into a clip for IGTV with just a couple of clicks.
We use a smartphone for viewing
Watching live broadcasts on Instagram from your phone is the most popular way to do it. You can connect to it whenever it’s convenient for you. It’s not necessary to do it right at the beginning, and if the account owner has saved it, you can still see it later. If you’ve just started using Instagram, it’s easy to watch a live stream from your Android smartphone:
- Open the app and log in by entering your personal information.
- Find the broadcast that interests you.
Use the following methods:
- The easiest way is through the search window. Find the desired broadcast or user profile that is currently live.
- Their avatar will be framed by a black circle and a multicolored circle on the outside. There will be a playback indicator at the bottom.
- Through the story feed. In the app, the profile on the top panel will be equipped with a button with the corresponding inscription.
- Subscribe to the author and receive a notification at the beginning of the broadcast. This method works if there are less than 500 people watching. Then Instagram doesn’t show it in the recommendations list.
- Click on the host’s avatar.
- Join the broadcast. Once you do this, the author and other viewers will receive a notification, and all participants will see your comments and emojis.
Watching live broadcasts on iPhone is similar to watching them on smartphones using Android. Since 2017, Instagram developers have added a streaming function for Apple.
How to watch a stream on a computer
In some cases, the desktop version of the application is very convenient for the user. Viewing posts and stories on a large screen is more enjoyable, and small details are visible. You can also save what you like and leave comments.
However, the functionality is still limited. Watching Instagram live streams on a computer found on Yandex is not possible. For some bloggers who conduct webinars online, it is more convenient to work through a laptop. There are several methods that make this way of communicating with subscribers possible:
- Use an Android emulator. The Instagram application works on smartphones running Android and iOS operating systems. By installing a program that emulates phone operating systems on your computer, you can view live broadcasts on it. For example, the Bluestacks program emulates Android, acting as a full-fledged Android emulator. First, install it, then Instagram, and everything that was previously unavailable, including streams, becomes real.
- On a Windows 10 laptop, you can install Instagram developed for this version. This special application allows you to watch live videos from your computer.
The algorithm is similar to that used on smartphones:
- Install and launch Instagram on your laptop.
- In the news feed, click the magnifying glass icon and find bloggers that interest you.
- Those who are broadcasting will have a “Live” icon. Click on the avatar to view.
- If you are subscribed to the profile, you will receive a notification when the show is on. Go to the user’s page, and the avatar will be framed by a colored circle if the stream is on.
- Click and start watching.
It is not possible to host a live broadcast using this method; other methods must be used.
If you do not use the Chrome browser, download it. Then install the Chrome IG Story Plus extension on it. After that, you will be able to watch Instagram broadcasts through your computer. Here’s how to do it:
- In the browser extension list, find IG Story and install it. Immediately to the right at the top, an Instagram icon appears.
- Launch the application in Google Chrome and log in.
- Click on the extension icon. A list of options appears, including publications by bloggers you are subscribed to.
- Look for the stories tab in the menu. It will contain separately highlighted live shows for viewing.
Search and connect to popular streams
Open Instagram. The easiest way to find live broadcasts is through the Instagram stories feed. Bloggers post recordings there around the clock. If someone starts a live broadcast, their profile photo is highlighted with a colorful circle. And at the bottom, there will be a caption “Live”. By clicking on the avatar, you can watch it. Online interviews with subscribers are conducted, live advertising is demonstrated, or urgent issues are discussed.
Live broadcasts are found by versatile authors who care about the development of their profile and have something to say about important events in life. Watching a live broadcast on Instagram is a good way to communicate directly with the author of the publication and get live feedback on your questions.