Social media is full of curated experiences, but in all that well-crafted content, Instagram Lives is an excellent opportunity for real-time engagement and connection with audiences.
They’re also the source of some of the most iconic events on the platform, as so many are unscripted and unfiltered. Well, minus the actual filters you can put on the Live, of course.
For a curious user, Lives can significantly enhance your Instagram experience. Creators can also gain from watching Lives as they can teach them how to undertake yours, too. In this article, we’ll show you how to find Lives on Instagram.
Why Would You Want to Find Instagram Lives?
Instagram is basically a platform filled with static photos and pre-recorded videos. You only see whatever the creator wants you to. However, the Live feature allows users to broadcast in real-time. That opens the doors to a more interactive and dynamic experience.
Here’s why actively seeking out live content can be rewarding:
- Unfiltered & Authentic Connections: Live streams offer a glimpse into the unfiltered world of creators, fostering a sense of real-time connection and authenticity that heavily curated content might lack.
- Interactive & Engaging: Live streams often encourage audience participation through comments, questions, and polls. This lets you actively engage with the content and the creator in real-time.
- Real-Time Updates & News: Many creators and organizations use live streams to share breaking news, updates, or behind-the-scenes glimpses. These provide valuable, exclusive information that you won’t find elsewhere.
How to Find Live Streams on Instagram
Now, let’s go through some methods for discovering live content on Instagram:
The Home Screen
When someone you follow is live, a red “Live” badge will appear next to their profile picture in the Stories bar at the top of your home screen. Tapping the profile picture takes you directly to their live stream.
The Explore Page
The Explore Page can be helpful in discovering live content. And since Instagram curates content based on your interests and follows, the lives you might find here are likely right down your alley. Look for live videos highlighted within the Explore grid, and tune in.
Hashtags and Live Notifications
Follow relevant hashtags related to your interests. Live streams using those hashtags might appear in the “Recent” section of the hashtag page. Additionally, some creators announce upcoming live streams through their Stories, so keep an eye out for those notifications.
Following Influencers and Niche Accounts
Finally, you can follow creators who are known for hosting frequent live streams or those within your niche interests. These creators would likely have dedicated audiences actively seeking out their live content, so you can hop in whenever they start a life. They’ll also have some experience in Lives that you can implement in yours.
Conclusion
While finding Lives on Instagram has become more difficult since IGTV was removed, they remain the only way you can connect with your favorite creators in real-time. With these tips, you should be able to find some Lives to join on Instagram. Enjoy.
