Instagram Live has become one of the most popular tools for real-time audience engagement. Whether you’re hosting a Q&A, showcasing an event, or just want to chat with your followers, going live can significantly improve your engagement with your audience.
If you’re new to Instagram, or haven’t used the live feature before, it might seem confusing. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Throughout this article we’re going to walk you through how to post a live video on Instagram.
What Is Instagram Live?
Instagram Live is a feature that allows you to stream video in real time to your followers. During the live stream, your followers can engage with you through comments and likes. It’s a fabulous way to build a connection and interact directly with your audience. They can ask you questions, and you can respond or simply say hi to everyone who you see join in!
Live videos can be saved as Stories for up to 24 hours after your stream ends, or you can download them to save for later.
Preparing for Going Live on Instagram
Before you go live, since it will actually be live, it’s crucial to be as prepared as possible. Here are some tips:
- Plan Out Your Content: Knowing what you’re going to talk about or show during the live and having a clear plan will help keep it engaging and focused.
- Check Your Internet Connection: You won’t be able to go live without the internet! Make sure your connection is stable so there won’t be disruptions during your stream.
- Use Good Lighting: Good lighting is key for a live stream. It can significantly improve the quality of your video. Natural light is usually the best, but if it’s not available, make sure your face is well-lit by another light source such as a ring light.
- Turn on Notifications: Make sure you turn on notifications so your followers know when you’ll be going live. Posting an announcement a few hours before can help you gather a larger audience.
Going Live on Instagram
Now that you’re prepared, here’s how to start your live video.
- Open Instagram: Open the Instagram on whatever device you’re going to use
- Access the Camera: Swipe right from your feed or tap the camera icon in the upper left corner to open the Instagram camera
- Select ‘Live’ Mode: At the bottom of the screen, swipe through the options under the record button until you get to ‘Live.’ It will check your connection.
- Start Your Live: Click the large record button labeled ‘Go Live.’ After a three-second countdown, you will be live streaming to your followers. You’ll see who’s tuning in and can read and respond to their comments in real time.
- Interact With Viewers: Engage with your audience by answering their questions and acknowledging their comments. This is what makes streaming so powerful!
- End Your Live: When you’re ready to end the live, tap ‘End’ in the top right corner of the screen. Confirm by tapping ‘End Now.’
After Going Live
- Save the Video to Your Story: This allows followers who missed the live broadcast to view it for the next 24 hours.
- Download the Video: Save a copy of your live stream to your phone for future use.
Final Insights
The bottom line is that going live on Instagram is a powerful way to engage directly with your audience in a personal manner. By preparing ahead of time and following our guide, you should have a smooth live stream session to connect with your community!
