Live streaming has become an increasingly popular way to connect with your audience and share your content in real-time. While Instagram Stories and Instagram television are great for pre-recorded videos, you might want to consider live streaming if you want to engage with your followers in real-time. In this post, we will walk you through the steps to live stream on Instagram using your computer.
Make sure your computer meets the requirements: Before you get started, you will want to ensure that your computer meets Instagram's minimum system requirements. You will need a computer with a web camera, microphone, and a stable internet connection. You can also use an external web camera or microphone for better quality.
Download and install the required software: you will need to download and install open broadcaster software, Streamlabs open broadcaster software, Xsplit, Wirecast or other live streaming capable program, some of which are free and open-source software. These computer software programs allow you to stream video and audio from your computer to various platforms, including Instagram.
Set up your Open Broadcaster Software or Streamlabs Open Broadcaster software: You can launch open broadcaster software, Streamlabs open broadcaster software, Xsplit, Wirecast, etc. and configure it to your liking. You can add sources, such as your web camera, microphone, and screen capturing software, and customize your stream's settings. You will want to make sure to set up your stream key in your Instagram account settings.
You can obtain your Instagram stream key by logging into your Instagram account using a web browser on your computer. Then you will want to click on the + sign "Create" icon on the lower left hand corner. Then choose "Live Video" from the two choices available.
You will view a "Add live video details" page. You will want to add in an appropriate title. Now you will be able to view three choices in the "Audience" drop down menu list.
If you want to test you can choose "Practice". "Public" will make your live stream viewable to your Instagram followers and anyone else that can access your public live stream page. If you choose "Cancel" that live stream wil be cancelled.
You will need to click on "Next". This next window you will be able to view both the stream uniform resource locator and key. Your key is dynamic and is required in order for you to live stream on Instagram using a computer.
This key changes after each live stream you create. However, this may or may not change in the future. This is the stream key that you want to enter into your streaming software program.Connect your Instagram account to open broadcaster software: Click on the "Settings" button in open broadcaster software and then choose the "Stream" tab. Under the "Service" drop down menu, you can select "Instagram" if it is available and enter your Instagram uniform resource locator and stream key. This will allow open broadcaster software to stream directly to your Instagram account.
There might only be one field to enter in your steam key. The server may already be static and not editable. As of the time of this blog post creation, the Instagram uniform resource locator does not change.
Since it does not change you are using the exact same server address each time. Also, I think they are regional addresses that are specific to your location. However, this could change in the future.
If Instagram is not an option in your streaming software program, you can select "Custom RTMP", "Custom" or something similar. You will then be required to enter in the correct uniform resource locator server address and stream key into their appropriate fields. One more important piece of information pertaining to your streaming server, is that Instagram uses secure real time messaging protocol servers.
What this means is that you will want to use this example server address rtmps://edgetee-upload-staging-sea4-1.xx.fbcdn.net:443. RTMPS means that it is a real time messaging protocol secure server. Also, the 443 port makes is secure. If you use rtmp:// instead of rtmps:// you will not be able to stream.
Although this could certainly change in the future.
Start livestreaming: Once everything is set up, you can select the "Start Stream" button in open broadcaster software or other streaming software program. This will begin streaming your video and audio to your Instagram account. You will need to wait until you can preview your live stream on the left hand side.
On the top right hand corner of this window, you will see "Go live". However, this is disabled until your preview starts working. Then "Go live" is activated and you can simply click on it.
You can now interact with your followers in real-time by using the comments section.
Monitor your stream: While livestreaming, you may want to keep an eye on your stream's performance by checking the open broadcaster software monitoring window or other live streaming software preview window. This will show you your stream's bitrate, framerate, and any potential issues. If you experience any technical difficulties, you can attempt to adjust your stream settings or internet connection.
End the livestream: When you are done live streaming, you can simply click the "End live video" link in the top right window in your web browser. Instagram recommends that you end your live stream through their web based interface. Then after selecting end live video, you can choose the stop stream button in open broadcaster software or similar software program. This will stop the stream from going to your Instagram account.
Congratulations, you have now successfully set up live streaming on Instagram using your computer! Remember you may want to engage with your audience, answer their questions, and share valuable content to keep them interested. Good luck with your live streams!