How to Go Live on Instagram: A Comprehensive Step-By-Step Guide
In today’s digital world, real-time engagement plays an indispensable role in creating interactive experiences. Instagram, one of the leading social platforms, has embraced this trend particularly since social media was started. Instagram Live is a powerful feature that allows users to connect with their audience in real time. If you’ve ever wondered, “how to go live on Instagram?” then read on for our comprehensive guide.
What is Instagram Live?
Instagram Live is an integral feature of Instagram Stories that lets users broadcast videos to their followers in real time. As a viewer, you can comment, like, and interact with the broadcaster during the live session. Instagram Live has become increasingly popular among influencers, public figures, and businesses due to its real-time engagement capabilities.
Why Use Instagram Live?
Using Instagram Live can provide a host of benefits for both individuals and businesses, especially if you’re keen on unlocking new levels of connectivity and engagement. Instagram Live isn’t just a two-way communication channel; it also offers a unique opportunity to give followers a more intimate understanding of your brand. Instant feedback and engagement can be harnessed to gauge follower sentiment, understand their needs, and make necessary modifications to your strategy in real time.
Businesses can leverage Instagram Live in diverse ways. One significant application is product launches. Rather than just dropping a new product on your website or in stores, you can host a live session where you introduce the product, demonstrate its use, and answer any queries that potential customers might have. This not only boosts product visibility but also contributes to building consumer trust and excitement.
Instagram Live also allows businesses to host Q&A sessions. This is a fantastic way to engage with your audience, answer their questions, and dispel any doubts or misconceptions about your products or services. It adds a personal touch and can help create a strong sense of community among your followers.
Behind-the-scenes activities, which might include how products are made, a day in the office, or even how you prepare for a big event, can be shared through Instagram Live. This adds a layer of transparency to your operations, making your audience feel more connected to your brand. In essence, it humanizes your brand, which can be particularly beneficial in building loyalty and trust.
Moreover, Instagram Live can serve as a platform for partnerships and collaborations. Whether it’s a shared live session with another influencer or brand, an interview, or a takeover, Instagram Live can host it all. These partnerships can lead to cross-promotion, expanding your reach to a larger audience.
In short, Instagram Live can be an immensely versatile tool for brand growth. Its real-time interaction capability coupled with its broad range of applications makes it an effective feature in any digital marketing arsenal.
Are you wondering how to live stream video on Instagram from your PC? You can find all about it here.
How to Go Live on Instagram: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to start a live video on Instagram:
- Open Instagram and tap on the camera icon on the top left, or swipe right from anywhere in Feed.
- Scroll to ‘Live’ at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap ‘Go Live’ to start your broadcast.
- Once you’re live, the word ‘Live’ will appear under your profile picture in the stories bar. Your followers may get a notification.
- You can end your live video by tapping ‘End’ on the top right and then confirm by tapping ‘End Live Video.’
Best Practices for Instagram Live
To ensure a successful Instagram Live, it’s essential to understand and follow best practices. Here are some tips to help you maximize the effectiveness of your live sessions:
Before the Live Session:
- Plan and Announce: Announce the date and time of the live session in advance to give your followers a heads-up. Use your Instagram posts, stories, and other social media platforms to make this announcement. Be sure to highlight the theme or topic of the session to pique interest.
- Prepare Your Content: Plan your content in advance. Whether it’s a product launch, Q&A session, or an interactive chat, you should have a clear structure for your live session to ensure it runs smoothly. Even though it’s a live session, it’s beneficial to have a script or a list of points you want to cover.
- Check Your Tech: Ensure your internet connection is stable and your camera and microphone are working properly. Technical glitches during the live session can disrupt the flow and lead to viewer drop-off.
During the Live Session:
- Engage with Your Viewers: Live sessions should be interactive. Acknowledge comments, answer questions, and maintain a dynamic, engaging environment. Engagement is a two-way street, so don’t forget to respond to your viewer’s comments and reactions.
- Maintain a Steady Pace: Don’t rush through your content. Maintain a steady pace to ensure your viewers can keep up with you.
- Use the ‘Wave’ Feature: Instagram Live has a ‘Wave’ feature that lets you acknowledge your viewers without interrupting your speech. Use it to say hello to your viewers and make them feel noticed and appreciated.
After the Live Session:
- Save and Share: Instagram Live videos can be saved to IGTV or shared in your story for 24 hours, extending their lifespan and reach. This allows followers who missed the live session to catch up and provides additional value to those who attended the live.
- Analyze Your Performance: Instagram provides insights such as viewer count, likes, comments, and more. Analyze this data to understand what worked and what didn’t, and use these insights to improve your future live sessions.
Remember, consistency is key. Regular live sessions will help you grow your live audience and create a strong brand presence on Instagram.
Case Studies
Take inspiration from popular influencers and famous people and also businesses that use Instagram Live to effectively engage with their audience and boost their brand visibility. They strategically plan their live sessions, creating a balance between promotional content and interactive discussions.
Numerous brands and influencers have cleverly capitalized on Instagram Live’s power to foster deeper connections with their audience.
One notable example is the epic “Verzuz” battles put together by music producers Swizz Beatz and Timbaland. The face-off between rappers Gucci Mane and Jeezy broke records, with over 9.1 million viewers tuning into the Instagram Live stream. The engagement and numbers reached were monumental, even drawing more audience than the yearly MTV VMA’s viewership, showcasing the raw power and potential of Instagram Live.
In a completely different niche, fitness influencer Joe Wicks, also known as The Body Coach, gained immense popularity through his Instagram Live workout sessions. At the height of the pandemic, his live-streamed workouts reached over 955,000 viewers. By providing valuable, real-time content, he successfully boosted his brand visibility and audience engagement.
On the business front, beauty brand Benefit Cosmetics brilliantly uses Instagram Live for product launches and makeup tutorials. They often collaborate with influencers, merging influencer marketing with real-time engagement to increase their brand visibility and product reach.
Notably, NASA leverages Instagram Live to educate their audience about space and the science behind their missions. Their live interviews with scientists and astronauts have been a big hit, effectively using the platform to deliver educational content.
These examples underline how diversely Instagram Live can be utilized across different industries and niches. Whether it’s entertainment, fitness, beauty, or education, the real-time nature of Instagram Live offers immense possibilities to creatively engage with your audience, foster relationships, and bolster your brand visibility.
Conclusion
With the rise of real-time engagement since social media was started, Instagram Live has become a powerful tool for individuals and businesses alike. From promoting products to fostering stronger relationships with your audience, it is a versatile feature worth utilizing. So, go ahead, tap on ‘Go Live,’ and start exploring the dynamic world of Instagram Live.
