No doubt, Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms that constantly provides its users with the best features. One of the standout features that has captured the attention of millions is Instagram Live.
This is a dynamic and real-time broadcasting tool that has redefined the way individuals and businesses connect with their followers. In this article, we will be providing you with everything you need to know about Instagram Live.
What is Instagram Live?
Instagram Live is a feature on the popular social media platform Instagram that allows users to broadcast live video streams to their followers in real time.
It was introduced as a part of Instagram Stories, which are temporary photo and video posts that disappear after 24 hours. It, however, is distinct in that it provides a live and interactive experience for both content creators and their audiences.
How Does It Work?
When a user starts an Instagram Live broadcast, their followers receive notifications, and they can join the live stream to watch, comment, and interact with the broadcaster. During a live session, the broadcaster can respond to comments and questions.
Also, feedback from viewers creates an immediate and engaging conversation. Once the live stream ends, it can be saved to the user’s Instagram Stories for 24 hours, allowing those who missed the live broadcast to watch it as a replay.
This feature has been widely adopted by individuals, influencers, businesses, and organizations. This is because this tool is a powerful tool for sharing live events, and conducting question-and-answer sessions.
Also, showcasing products, and connecting with their audience in a more personal and spontaneous manner. It has played a significant role in reshaping how content is shared and consumed on the platform, emphasizing real-time engagement and authenticity.
Who Can Be a Part Of Instagram Live
This feature is available to every account owner on Instagram. Aside from the usual posting of photos and short videos that are associated with Instagram, every user can now slide to the Instagram live session, where they can record, as long as they want, the activity they are currently involved in.
All followers (except those otherwise set on Instagram live settings) will be able to see and participate in a certain user’s live session. In fact, all followers of a user will be automatically notified once a user is about to start his or her Instagram live session.
It is really cool because, apart from seeing what the user is doing right now, followers could like, love, or drop comments based on what the live session is really about. It is quite interesting when you have a large audience of active followers.
How Long Does the Instagram Live Session Last?
Well, on average, a live session could be as long as one hour. This means that users can put up whatever they are currently doing on their Live spanning for about an hour.
That should be enough to showcase exactly what you are doing. However, even if a follower is not available to be a part of a user’s live session, such a user can always go through the Live of the user whenever they are available.
All live sessions are always stored at the top of every user’s Instagram feed, alongside all Instagram stories. The only issue is that, just like Instagram stories. The live sessions would only be available for viewing for the next 24 hours after completion.
This means that every follower can access and enjoy a user’s live session within 24 hours of the user putting it up. After which, it will disappear. Fair enough, right?
Activities That Could Be Up on Instagram Live
This is a platform that is open to all users as there are lots of activities that users can put up live. Users can put up the following activities in their live session.
- Lectures in school.
- Football matches from the screen.
- Makeup sessions by makeup artists.
- A craft that could benefit other followers.
- Interviews.
- Hangouts with friends.
- Family times with members of the family. And so on.
In fact, there seems to be nothing that cannot be added to one’s Instagram story. Just make a pick for what will interest your followers the most.
How To Go Live On Instagram
Instagram Live can be accessed from the Instagram feed page of every Instagram account owner. Just follow these short and easy steps:
- Go to your Instagram feed page, where posts from you and all your followers always appear.
- On top of the page, swipe to the left to switch to the “Live” session.
- You could also click on the Instagram story icon, where there is a plus sign (+) right beneath your profile picture.
- Click on it.
- On the Instagram story page, swipe the available options and click on “Live.”
- There will be a time after which you can start your Instagram live session.
Note that this is only possible when you are using the Instagram app on your mobile devices. It is also worthy of note that you can either record with the front camera. Alternatively, if you want to capture just activities involving you, you could switch to the back camera if you want to capture events that are not involving you.
How To Watch Instagram Live
In this section of the article, we will be showing you steps and guidelines on how to watch Instagram Live. Firstly, you must have an Instagram account before you can access this feature. Also, you need a stable internet connection with a mobile device. Then follow the steps and guidelines below:
- Firstly, when someone shares a live broadcast, you will find their profile picture at the top of the feed with a colorful ring.
- Also, you will find the word “live.”
- To watch it live, click on their profile picture.
- Lastly, wait for it to load, and you can start viewing.
There you have it. Streaming other people live on Instagram is easy and simple to do. Note: You can either stream Instagram Live on the mobile app or visit the official website online.