How to Go Live on Instagram
Who can go live, step-by-step instructions for the app and Live Producer, adding guests and a link, and what happens to the replay, from Instagram’s Help Center.
In short: you need a public account with at least 1,000 followers. In the app, swipe right in Feed, choose Live, add a title and tap Go live. You can invite up to three guests (they must follow you), add one external link, pin comments and turn comments off. When you end, share the replay to your profile or find it in your Live Archive. From a computer, use Live Producer with streaming software.
Last reviewed: 6 October 2026
Who can go live on Instagram?
Independent guide. Viral In City is an independent social media agency. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to Instagram or Meta. Every rule quoted below comes from Instagram’s or Meta’s own Help Center or official blog, linked so you can check it at the source. Platforms change features often, so confirm details on the linked pages.
According to Instagram’s Help Center (Start a live video on Instagram):
- Only public accounts with 1,000 followers or more can start a live video.
- Teen Accounts: going live is off by default. Teens under 16 need a parent’s or guardian’s permission to turn it on; teens aged 16 to 17 can turn it on themselves.
- Newly created accounts may not be able to go live.
- You may not be able to go live if you’ve previously posted something that was removed for going against the Community Standards. Check Account status in the app to see your permissions.
If you don’t see Live, check these points first. With fewer than 1,000 followers, use Stories and Reels to grow, then come back to Live. Our guide on how to get more Instagram followers can help.
Checked 6 October 2026 on Instagram’s Help Center and the official Instagram blog.
How to go live on Instagram from your phone
- Swipe right anywhere in Feed (or tap Create), then scroll to Live at the bottom.
- Tap Add a title, enter a title and tap Done.
- Choose your audience if offered. Instagram’s blog says you can go live to all your followers or to your Close Friends list (Instagram blog).
- Tap Go live. The viewer count appears at the top and comments at the bottom.
- To highlight a comment, tap it and tap Pin comment.
- When you’re done, tap Close in the top right, then End now. You can then tap Share to share the replay to your profile.
Steps from Start a live video on Instagram (iPhone and Android). Button names can vary slightly by app version.
Controls during a live video
- Turn off comments: tap Options, then Turn off commenting. Any keyword filters you’ve set also apply to live comments.
- Turn off requests to join: tap Options, then Turn off requests to go live.
- Show photos or videos (iPhone): tap Add from camera roll. This isn’t available in a live room with guests.
- Moderators: Instagram lets you assign a moderator to your live broadcast; see the Live section of the Help Center.
Instagram’s blog also notes that viewers who post comments similar to ones previously reported as offensive get a warning to keep comments positive.
How to go live with guests (Live Rooms)
You can invite up to three guests to join your live video using Live Rooms (Invite guests to join your live broadcast).
- Tap Create or swipe right in Feed and swipe to Live.
- Tap the guests icon to see requests to join your room.
- Tap to invite followers, then tap Invite. If a guest accepts, they appear in your live room.
Guests must follow you (the broadcaster) to be invited. To remove someone, tap the X in the top right of their video frame. Viewers can also ask to join your live; you choose whether to accept.
Live Rooms work well for interviews, Q&As with an expert, or a launch with a partner brand.
Add a link to your live video
Meta’s Business Help Center says businesses can add one external link to an Instagram live broadcast, for example your website or a WhatsApp link (Add an external link to a live video).
- Tap + Create, then Live.
- Tap Link on the left.
- Enter the destination URL and a title (for example, “Shop now at our store!”), tap Done, then Confirm.
The link shows at the bottom of the screen for all viewers. You can also add or edit it during the live. If the link opens a website, the live keeps playing in the background; if it opens WhatsApp, the live stops playing for that viewer.
For links in Stories and your bio, see how to add links to Instagram Stories and bio.
Go live from a computer (Live Producer)
To stream from a camera setup or streaming software, use Live Producer on Instagram.com (Instagram Help):
- On Instagram.com, click Create and select Live video.
- Enter a title and choose an audience. Practice doesn’t go live for anyone; Public goes live to your followers.
- Copy the stream URL and stream key into your streaming software as a Custom RTMP destination. The stream key refreshes each time you use Live Producer.
- Start the stream in your software, check the preview, then click Go live.
- To finish, click End live video in Live Producer before stopping your software; otherwise the last frame keeps showing.
After the live: replays and archive
- Share the replay to your profile when you end, or later from your Live Archive. Instagram’s blog says you can share it as a reel.
- Download it: when you save a live or download it from Live Archive, only the video is saved, not comments, likes or viewers.
- Archive setting: the blog notes lives are stored in your archive if Live archive is turned on before you go live.
Cut the best minute into a Reel afterwards. Our Instagram Reels size guide has the export settings.
How to plan a live that people join
- Pick one clear topic and a length (20 to 30 minutes is easy to plan for).
- Announce it in advance. Instagram lets you schedule a live so people can see the details and set reminders; promote it in Stories and posts.
- Prepare an outline and questions in case comments are slow at the start.
- Check light, sound and connection. Use Practice in Live Producer to test a computer setup.
- Welcome late joiners with a quick recap every few minutes.
- End with one action: follow, visit the link, or book.
Live ideas for businesses: product launches, Q&A with the founder, behind the scenes, tutorials, expert interviews and live shopping demos.
Why can’t I go live on Instagram?
- Fewer than 1,000 followers, or a private account.
- Teen Account without the setting turned on (under 16 needs a parent’s permission).
- New account.
- Past content removed for breaking the Community Standards; check Account status.
- Old app version; update the app and try again.
Want help with Instagram for your business?
We plan and publish Reels and posts every month, and can help you plan launches and lives. Start with a free social media audit or ask for a custom quote. If you prefer chat, message us on WhatsApp at +91 8827409728. See our Instagram management service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many followers do you need to go live on Instagram?
1,000. Instagram’s Help Center says only public accounts with 1,000 followers or more can start a live video.
Can a private account go live on Instagram?
No. Instagram says only public accounts with 1,000 or more followers can start a live video.
How many people can go live together on Instagram?
You can invite up to three guests using Live Rooms. Guests must follow you to be invited.
Can I add a link to an Instagram live?
Yes. Meta says you can add one external link, such as your website or a WhatsApp link, by tapping Link on the left before or during the live.
Can I go live on Instagram from a computer?
Yes, with Live Producer on Instagram.com and streaming software that supports a custom RTMP URL and stream key.
Are comments saved when I download my live?
No. Instagram says only the video is saved, not comments, likes or viewers.
Why don’t I have the Live option on Instagram?
Common reasons are fewer than 1,000 followers, a private account, a new account, Teen Account settings, or past content removed for breaking the Community Standards.
Sources
- Instagram Help Center: Start a live video on Instagram
- Instagram Help Center: Invite guests to join your live broadcast on Instagram
- Instagram Help Center: Live
- Meta Business Help: Add an external link to a live video on Instagram
- Instagram blog: All about Instagram Live
Sources checked on 6 October 2026.
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