Requirements to Go Live on Instagram
Unlike TikTok (which requires 1,000 followers), Instagram has no minimum follower count to go live. Any account — personal or professional — can start a live stream.
Requirements:
- Any Instagram account in good standing
- Latest version of the Instagram app
- Stable internet connection (WiFi recommended for video quality)
How to Go Live on Instagram (Step-by-Step)
On mobile (iOS or Android):
- Tap the + (Create) button at the top left of your feed, or swipe right from the main feed
- At the bottom, swipe the format bar to Live
- Add a title for your live (shown to viewers browsing live content)
- Optionally set an audience (Everyone, Close Friends, or Practice — visible only to you)
- Tap the Live button (the large circle)
Your live starts immediately. Instagram notifies your followers that you've gone live, and your stream appears at the front of Stories.
How to Schedule an Instagram Live in Advance
You can schedule a live up to 90 days in advance, which lets you promote it beforehand.
- On the Live creation screen, tap the calendar icon in the top left
- Set the date and time
- Add a title and optional cover image
- Tap Schedule Live Video
Scheduled lives appear on your profile and can be shared — followers can tap "Remind me" to get a notification when you go live.
How to Add a Guest to Your Instagram Live
Going live with another creator exposes you to their audience:
- While live, tap the two-person icon at the bottom
- Tap Add a guest
- Search for the account or select from live viewers
- Send the invite — they accept and join in a split-screen format
You can have up to 3 guests simultaneously (4 total including yourself).
Instagram Live Badges (How to Earn Money)
Viewers can purchase Badges during your live — essentially tips that appear as heart icons next to a viewer's name. Badge values:
- 1 heart = $0.99
- 2 hearts = $1.99
- 3 hearts = $4.99
You receive the badge value (minus Apple/Google store fees where applicable). Badges must be cashed out through Instagram's payment settings.
To enable badges: go to Professional Dashboard → Monetization → Badges and complete the setup.
How to Go Live on Instagram on Desktop
Instagram added limited live streaming on desktop via Creator Studio, but the mobile app remains the primary and most reliable way to go live. For desktop streaming with external cameras and professional setups, you can use third-party software (OBS Studio, StreamYard) that supports Instagram's RTMP streaming — this requires a Professional account and access to Instagram's streaming key in Creator Studio.
Tips for a Successful Instagram Live
Announce it beforehand Post a Story or feed post 24 hours before going live. Tell followers the exact time and what you'll cover. Use the scheduled live feature so they can set a reminder.
Have a topic or structure "Just chatting" lives work for accounts with dedicated communities. Everyone else needs a hook:
- Q&A on your niche topic
- Behind-the-scenes of your work
- Tutorial or demonstration
- Product launch or reveal
- Collaborating with another creator
Go live consistently at the same time A weekly live at the same time builds a habitual audience. Followers will start showing up automatically once they know your schedule.
Interact constantly Say viewer names out loud when they join. Respond to comments verbally. React to Badges by name. The algorithm boosts lives with high interaction — dead air reduces reach.
Save your live After ending, you'll be prompted to save the live as a video. Always save it — you can share it to your feed, IGTV, or Stories for additional views.
Instagram Live vs. TikTok Live: Key Differences
| Feature | Instagram Live | TikTok Live |
|---|---|---|
| Follower requirement | None | 1,000 |
| Max guests | 3 | 5 |
| Monetization | Badges | Gifts |
| Discovery | Followers notified, Stories | For You Page |
| Scheduled lives | Yes | Yes |
Instagram Live tends to reach your existing followers better. TikTok Live has stronger discovery for new audiences.
Summary
To go live on Instagram: tap + → swipe to Live → add a title → tap Live. No follower minimum required.
For maximum impact: schedule it in advance, announce it with a Story, have a clear topic, interact constantly, and save the recording afterward. Regular scheduled lives — combined with consistent posting through PostLink — build the kind of engaged audience that keeps showing up.
