Go live on Instagram in a few steps.
So, how do you go live on Instagram? It’s easier than you think.
Here’s how to start a Live broadcast in the Instagram app with your iPhone – for Android, the steps are quite similar. You find them in the Instagram Help Centre.
- Swipe right anywhere in your feed, then scroll down to “Live”.
- Add a title by tapping “Add Title” and entering a catchy description. Then tap “Done”.
- Tap “Go Live” at the bottom. You’ll see the number of viewers at the top of the screen and comments at the bottom.
- You can add a comment by tapping “Comment” at the bottom of the screen. Tap a comment and then tap “Pin Comment” to make it more visible to viewers, for example, if you want to encourage them to ask questions.
- When you’re done with your Instagram Live, tap “Close” in the top right corner and then tap “End Now” to confirm. From here, you can share the video on your profile by tapping “Share”.
Once your Live broadcast has ended, you can share a recording of it or view it in your Live archive. Please note: When you save your Live broadcast to your profile or download it from your Live archive, only the broadcast is saved; comments, likes, views, etc., are not saved.
Also note: Only Instagram users who have a public account with at least 1,000 followers can start a Live broadcast. Also, the ability to start a Live broadcast is disabled by default for teen accounts. Teenagers under the age of 16 require permission from their parents or guardians to enable Live broadcast capability. Teenagers aged 16 to 17 can enable the feature without permission.
What gear do you need for Instagram Live?
You don’t need a full production studio to run a great Instagram Live – but a few tools can make a big difference.
Here’s the essential gear to consider:
- Smartphone: Any recent model with a good front-facing camera will do. A newer iPhone or Android device should be more than enough.
- Tripod or phone stand: Keeps your video stable and hands-free. Look for one with an adjustable height and phone clamp.
- Ring light or softbox: Lighting is key. A basic ring light dramatically improves video quality, especially in low light.
- External microphone: Your phone mic works, but a clip-on or plug-in mic ensures better clarity and less background noise.
- Headphones: Helpful for monitoring sound or avoiding echo if you’re co-hosting.
- Wi-Fi connection: Use a stable Wi-Fi network or a strong mobile signal to avoid lags or interruptions.
- Optional: power bank or charging cable. Live sessions can drain your battery fast.
Most of these tools are affordable and easy to set up – ideal if you want to go live regularly or make live streaming part of your content strategy. In addition to your equipment, you should also choose your location carefully. Make sure there’s no background noise and keep your surroundings neat and tidy. First impressions count.
You’re live. Now what? Here are some proven ways to keep your audience watching, reacting and coming back for more:
- Promote your Instagram Live beforehand: Use countdown stickers in Stories to notify your followers or promote your Live session on your website and other social media channels.
- Choose the right time: Consider the time zone and habits of your target audience. Use Instagram Insights to find out when your followers are most active.
- Test your equipment: Test your equipment before you start broadcasting to ensure a smooth Instagram Live experience.
- Plan your flow: Outline your main talking points before starting Instagram Live. Even a casual chat needs structure.
- Start strong: Hook your viewers in the first 10 seconds – state the value of your session up front.
- Engage consistently: Greet viewers by name, answer questions and encourage interaction.
- Be authentic: Your audience tunes in because of you or your brand, so be authentic! Authenticity creates a genuine connection with your followers.
- Keep it steady: Use a tripod or phone stand to avoid shaky visuals.
- Optimise lighting and sound: Natural light and a basic mic can make all the difference.
- Stay live for at least 10-15 minutes: This gives more followers time to join and engage.
- Ask for feedback: During your live stream, it’s important to keep your viewers entertained. So, don’t be afraid to ask for feedback. This will help you tailor your next live stream and make it even more exciting.
Once you’re done, save the Live to your profile so others can watch it later. This extends its reach far beyond the moment and gives followers who were unable to watch the opportunity to ask questions. So, keep an eye on the comments section!
How to create a presentation for your Instagram Live session with Adobe Express and AI.
Want to take your Instagram Live session up a notch? A clear, well-designed visual presentation can help you stay on track and keep your audience engaged.
With Adobe Express and the generative AI tools, you can create a professional-looking presentation in minutes — even if design isn’t your thing.
Here’s how:
- Open Adobe Express.
- Import your own slides or choose a template.
- Now it’s your time to shine. Customise your slides with images, videos or design elements from our extensive Adobe Stock library. OR: Use generative AI to create and tweak images and videos, write text, adjust colours and much more.
- Now you can enhance your presentation with ready-made charts, tables or collages.
- Happy with your design? Download your slides as images or a PDF – ready to share or screen-share during your Live.
Bonus tip: If you’re streaming from a desktop with screen sharing, the presentation works just like a webinar. If you’re mobile-only, show slides using another device or turn them into a Story highlight beforehand.
