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Posted by SocialSellinator Team on Apr 14, 2023 6:38:14 AM

Have you been thinking about taking your Instagram presence to the next level? Going live on the platform can be a great way to connect with your followers in real-time and give them a behind-the-scenes look at your brand or personal life.

In this article, 'The Ultimate Guide To Going Live on Instagram', we'll cover everything you need to know about going live on the platform. From preparing for your first live stream to maximizing engagement and interaction with your viewers, this guide will provide you with all the tips and tricks you need to make your live streams successful.

We'll also talk about the different types of content that work well on Instagram Live and how to keep your audience engaged throughout your live broadcast. You'll learn the best times to go live, promote your live streams in advance, and interact with your followers in real-time.

So, whether you're a brand looking to connect with your audience, or an individual looking to grow your brand, this step-by-step guide is a must-read.

So, please grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let's dive into the world of Instagram Live!

 

What is Instagram Live?

Instagram Live is a feature on Instagram that allows you to go live and broadcast a video to your followers in real-time. Imagine you're at a concert or a fantastic event and want to share the experience with your friends and followers.

With Instagram Live, you can turn on the feature and broadcast live. Your followers will receive a notification that you're broadcasting live, and they can tune in to watch your stream.

It's a great way to connect with your followers and give them a behind-the-scenes look at your life or brand. You can interact with your followers by responding to their comments, which makes the experience even more engaging and personal.

Read more: Best Marketing Campaigns

Why Use Instagram Live?

Instagram Live is a great and fun way to create engaging and interactive content. It can grow your brand, build relationships with your followers, gain insights into what your viewers care about, and promote upcoming events or products.

Besides these benefits, Instagram Live allows you to show off your creativity. You can experiment with different types of content, such as Q&As, interviews, product tutorials, behind-the-scenes looks at your workplace or office space, and more.

Businesses can use Instagram Live to drive sales by promoting products and allowing viewers to ask questions about the product. This immediacy helps people make more informed decisions and builds trust between you and your audience.

Preparing For Your Instagram Livestream

Before you start broadcasting, there are a few things you should consider. First, decide on the content that you want to create. Do you want to do a Q&A session? An interview? A product tutorial? Whatever you decide, ensure the content is relevant to your audience.

It would be best if you also planned out what you want to say during your live stream and came up with a few talking points. This will help ensure you keep track of what you are saying and need more things to discuss mid-stream.

Now that you know what content to create, it's time to prepare for your live stream. First, make sure that your lighting and sound are both on point. You want your stream to look professional, so take the time to adjust the settings and ensure everything is correct.

You also want to write an engaging description of your stream that will excite people and make them want to tune in. You can also use the description to give viewers a glimpse of what they can expect from your stream.

Finally, decide on the best time to go live. The best times for live streaming are usually during peak hours when most of your followers are online. Using analytics tools like the Instagram app insights, you can find out when peak hours are.

Here's How to Go Live on Instagram

  1. The first step is to open the Instagram app and tap the "camera" icon at the top left corner. Then, select "Live" from the options provided. Once your camera is set up, you can write a description for your livestream that will attract viewers.
  2. When the camera screen is ready, hit the "Start Live Video" button to start broadcasting live. Your followers will receive a notification that you're live, and they can tune in to watch your stream in real-time.
  3. Now it's time to engage with your viewers! Welcome them to the livestream and thank them for joining by name. Ask viewers questions, respond to comments, and encourage them to interact with you.
  4. You should also ensure that your stream is exciting and enjoyable for viewers. Keep the conversation lively, add jokes, and don't be afraid to pop up and get creative!

Ready to Go Live? Here are 8 Influencer-Backed Tips When Using Instagram Live

Get comfortable before going live, ensure you're satisfied with the content, and know what to expect from your viewers.

1. Know your audience
Understand who is watching your stream and tailor the content accordingly.
2. Have a clear purpose.
Decide what you want to accomplish with your live stream, whether to share a product, answer questions, or have a casual chat.
3. Interact and engage with viewers.
Ask questions, respond to comments, and keep the conversation going. Also, use polls and quizzes to keep your audience entertained and encourage them to interact with you.
4. Have fun and be authentic.
Be bold, get creative, and make the livestream enjoyable for viewers to retain your followers' attention. Be yourself and let your personality shine through. This will help build a connection with your followers and keep them returning for more.
5. Be consistent
Try to go live at the same time each week or month so your followers can expect when to tune in.
6. Keep it short and sweet
People have short attention spans, so aim to keep your Instagram live broadcast video under 30 minutes.
7. Promote your stream

Let your followers know you are about to go live, and encourage them to tune in. Share your Instagram live videos on your Instagram story and other social media platforms to reach a wider audience.

By following these influencer-backed tips, you can ensure that your Instagram Livestream is engaging and successful. With the proper preparation, you can connect with your audience in real-time and create a meaningful experience for everyone involved.

Instagram Live Stream Ideas for Business.

1. Host a Q&A: Allow your followers to ask you questions and answer them live on stream.

2. Showcase new products or services: Show viewers what's new with your business, such as items currently in production or upcoming projects.

3. Do tutorials and demonstrations: Show viewers how to use your products or services by doing demonstrations and tutorials.

4. Run a contest: Ask followers to participate in a competition, such as sharing the best photo related to your product or service.

5. Interview an industry expert: Invite guests from the same industry as you and have them answer questions about their experiences.

6. Stream behind-the-scenes footage: Show viewers what happens in the day-to-day operations of your business.

7. Host customer case studies: Invite customers to share stories about their experience with your products or services on stream.

Following these tips can create an engaging and successful livestream for your business. Whether showcasing products or services, giving tutorials, interviewing experts, or running contests, you can create an exciting stream that will help build a connection with your audience and grow your business.

How to Promote Your Instagram Live event

To promote your Instagram Live video event, there are a few things you can do:

1. Utilize your Instagram stories: Share a countdown on your Instagram stories to let your active followers know when the stream will start by posting a countdown on Instagram, Twitter, and other social media platforms. This gives most followers a sneak peek of what they can expect. You can also use Instagram's "Live" sticker to tell your followers when you're going live.

2. Create reminders: Use scheduling tools or post reminders for key dates leading up to the event so your followers won't miss it. A few hours before the event, remind your followers about the event so they remember.

3. Invite and collaborate with other influencers or brands: Invite influencers with large followings to participate in your stream and share it with their followers. Partnering with others in your industry can help you reach a larger audience.

4. Run a contest leading up to the event: Ask viewers to post photos related to the livestream on Instagram, tag you, and use specific hashtags for a chance to win prizes or special discounts.

5. Host a livestream on multiple platforms: Stream the event on various platforms, such as YouTube and Facebook, to increase viewership and reach more people.

6. Use relevant hashtags: This will make your live video discoverable to those searching for related content.

7. Engage with your followers: Ask them to share your Instagram Live videos with their friends and family, and encourage them to participate in the event by asking your followers questions and leaving comments.

By following these tips, you can create an engaging promotional campaign for your Instagram Live stream that will help to build awareness and drive engagement from your followers. With the proper preparation and promotion, you'll be sure to reach more people and make your stream successful.

Managing Comments During Your Live Stream

When it comes to managing comments during your live stream, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Monitor the conversation: It's essential to be aware of what viewers are saying, so you can respond appropriately and address any issues that arise.

2. Moderate comments: Have someone assigned to monitor offensive comments and moderate comments as they come in. This will help to ensure that the conversation is kept respectful and on-topic.

3. Respond quickly: When viewers leave comments or ask questions, respond promptly so your audience knows you're listening and willing to engage with them.

4. Try not to take things personally: Remember that not every comment will be positive, and some viewers may leave inappropriate words or offensive comments. Try not to take things personally, as this could negatively impact your user's live video stream's energy.

5. Offer solutions: If viewers leave comments with suggestions or recommendations, try to offer solutions where possible. This will show them that you value their input and can help to keep the conversation focused and positive.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your Instagram Live video remains a positive experience for you and your viewers.

How to Share or Save Your Instagram Live Video

After your Instagram Live event, you can share or save the video for future reference. Here are a few tips on how to do that:

1. Share the video: You can easily share the recording of your livestream on other social media platforms, such as YouTube and Facebook, so that more people can view it.

2. Save the video: You can also save the recording of your livestream on your device so that you can refer to it later or use it as a reference for future projects.

3. Promote your live video: Once you've saved or shared your Instagram Live video, promote it on other social media platforms to help increase its reach.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your Instagram Live event lives on even after it's over. This will allow you to continue engaging with viewers and sharing your content with a larger audience.

Multiple User's Live Videos

Let's talk about using video cameras for live streaming on social media. Have you ever used the video camera icon on Instagram to start a live video? You can have up to three guests join you on the same camera screen, making it fun to connect with others. After the live session, you can delete the video from your camera roll.

You can see your live audience and interact with other users in the live room. To create a live space for something new, go to the new post page and start a live video from the top right corner of the menu bar. There are also other features like Instagram reels and the ability to join other users' live videos by tapping the "Join your live" button on their posts with your mobile devices.

If you want to split the screen and have multiple people on the same video, there's a split screen option in the top left corner. You can also add a co-host by tapping the circle button in the right-hand corner and selecting "Add a Co-Host."

Another fun feature is that you can use the video camera on your mobile device to capture video content and share or post it on other social channels. To start a new video, tap the plus sign on the left side of the screen. If you want to access more options, you can find them by tapping the three dots in the top right corner. And if you want to access your previous posts, you can do so by swiping left on the screen.

FAQ

How many followers do you need to go live on Instagram?

There is no set number of followers required to go Live on Instagram. However, it's recommended that you have at least 1000 followers before going Live, as that will help to ensure that your livestream reaches more people.

How do I turn off the comments?

To turn off the comments for your Instagram Live video, you will need to go into the Instagram settings of your live video. Once there, you can select the option to turn off comments, preventing users from posting comments or questions in your livestream.

Can anyone go live on Instagram?

Yes, anyone can go live on Instagram. However, it's essential to remember that certain restrictions may depend on your age or location. It's always best to check the Instagram help center for more information.

Can you live stream a video on Instagram?

Yes, you can live stream a video on Instagram. To do this, click the Go Live button at the top of your homepage and select the video file you want to livestream.

How do you request someone's Instagram live?

To request someone's Instagram Live, you can tap request to send them a direct message or comment on one of their posts. Alternatively, you can tag them in the comments section of your livestream and ask if they would like to join.

Why can't I Request live on Instagram?

There are a few reasons you might not be able to request someone's Instagram Live. These include if the person has already started their livestream if they have disabled the Request feature in their settings, you would not be able to tap send request, or if they have blocked you from viewing their profile. In any of these cases, it will not be possible for you to request an Instagram Live from them.

Always be respectful when requesting someone's Instagram Live, as not everyone may want or be able to participate in your livestream. If they decline your request, don't take it personally and move on to another potential guest.

Can you do Instagram live with one person?

Yes, you can do Instagram Lives with one person. To do this, click the Go Live button at the top of your homepage and select the person from your list of contacts you would like to invite. You can also share a link for them to join your livestream directly.

How do you request to go live with someone on Instagram?

To request to go live with someone on Instagram, you can send them a direct message or comment asking if they would like to join your livestream. Give them enough time to respond, and be respectful if they decline your invitation. You can also share a link for them to join the livestream directly.

Why can't I go live on Instagram?

There are a few reasons you might not be able to go live on Instagram. These include if your Instagram account is too new, has been reported or blocked for violating the terms of service, or has been temporarily banned from going live. It's always best to check the Instagram help center for more information on this issue.

The Ultimate Guide To Going Live on Instagram - Conclusion

Live streaming is a great way to authentically and interactively engage your audience. With the right tools and strategies, you can create successful Instagram live streams that will help you to reach more people and build relationships with your followers.

By following the tips outlined in this step-by-step guide, you are well on becoming an expert Instagram live streamer and engaging with more people than ever before. Good luck!

Thanks for reading! We hope you found our guide helpful in your streaming journey. If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us anytime! We're always here to help. Happy streaming!

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SocialSellinator Team

SocialSellinator is a full-service digital marketing agency for startups, small and mid-size B2B/B2C businesses. Our clients benefit from increased brand awareness and leads, created by our data-driven approach to social media marketing, content marketing, paid social media campaigns, and search engine optimization (SEO).