To go live on Instagram, you’ll use the live broadcasting feature built into the Instagram app. Here’s a straightforward step-by-step guide: Steps to go live
- Open Instagram and access the camera
- From your feed, tap the plus (+) icon at the bottom center, or swipe right from anywhere in the feed to open the camera. Then swipe or scroll to the Live option at the bottom. This is the quickest path to the live studio. [source: general Instagram guidance]
- Set up your live details
- Add an optional title to tell viewers what your stream is about.
- Choose your audience: Public (everyone can watch) or Close Friends (only your selected list). You can also invite guests to join as co-hosts. [source: official Instagram Live tips]
- Go live
- When ready, tap Go Live (or Start Live Video). Instagram will start broadcasting immediately and your followers will be notified that you’re live if you’ve set it to public. You’ll see viewer counts and comments in real time. [source: various creator guides]
- During the broadcast
- Engage with comments, pin questions, and manage guest participation if you’ve invited others.
- You can switch between camera views, add up to two guests (depending on updates), and monitor audio levels. If needed, you can mute yourself or end the live stream at any time. [source: creator resources]
- After finishing
- You can save the live video to your archive in your profile settings, or share it as a reel or story later if you wish. You can also download a copy to your device. [source: Instagram Live features overview]
Tips for a smoother live
- Test your connection and lighting beforehand to minimize interruptions.
- Have a loose outline or topics ready to keep the broadcast flowing.
- Announce your live in advance or schedule it when possible to maximize viewership.
- Use gentle on-screen prompts to encourage comments and interaction.
What to prepare
- A stable internet connection (preferably Wi-Fi with strong signal or a reliable mobile data plan).
- Your device in a stable position with hands-free or tripod if possible.
- Any guests or co-hosts you plan to invite and a plan for engaging content (Q&A, behind-the-scenes, tutorials, etc.).
If you’d like, specify your device (iPhone or Android) and whether you want to go live solo or with guests, and I’ll tailor the steps to your exact version of the app.
