How Many Followers Do You Need to Go Live on Instagram: Requirements and Features

Instagram Live requirements and eligibility

To go Live on Instagram, you need a public Professional account. Instagram Live is available to users aged 13 and above. Key features include the ability to host up to 3 guests, save broadcasts, and access to viewer analytics. Users don't need a minimum number of followers to go Live on Instagram. To be eligible to go live, users must comply with Instagram's Community Guidelines and Partner Monetization Policies.

Account requirements to go Live on Instagram

• Public Professional account: Switch to a Professional account (Business or Creator) to access Instagram Live features
• Age requirement: Users must be at least 13 years old to use Instagram, including the Live feature
• No follower minimum: Instagram Live is available regardless of how many followers do you need to go live on Instagram
• Public profile: Your Instagram account must be set to public, not private, to use Live features
• Compliance: Users must adhere to Instagram's Community Guidelines and Partner Monetization Policies to be eligible to go live

How to go live on Instagram

1. Open the Instagram app on your mobile device
2. Tap the "plus" button at the top right corner
3. Select "Live" from the options
4. Tap "Go live" to start broadcasting

Key features and limitations for Instagram Live

• Multiple guests: Host up to 3 guests simultaneously in your Live broadcast
• Broadcast duration: No set time limit, but longer sessions (over 15 minutes) tend to attract more viewers
• Viewer interaction: Enable comments, questions, and reactions from your audience
• Save broadcasts: Option to save your Live video for 30 days after the broadcast
• Practice mode: Test features and rehearse before going live

Best practices for Instagram Live

• Promote in advance: Announce your upcoming Live session through Stories, posts, and other platforms
• Engage with viewers: Respond to comments, answer questions, and create interactive content
• Use visual aids: Share images or videos from your library during the broadcast to enhance content
• Clear call-to-action: End your Live with a specific action for viewers to take

Analytics and performance for Instagram Live

• Viewer count: Monitor real-time viewer numbers during the broadcast
• Engagement metrics: Instagram Live videos receive 3 times more engagement than regular video content
• User preferences: 80% of Instagram users prefer watching Live video over reading blog content

Benefits of going live on Instagram

To connect with followers in real time, Instagram Live offers real-time audience connection. Instagram Live enables creators to connect with followers in real time, host interactive events, and potentially earn revenue through monetization with Instagram Badges. It also provides increased visibility on the platform, helping build a stronger community. Notably, you don't need a specific number of followers to go live on Instagram, making it accessible to all users.

Key benefits of Instagram Live

Real-time audience engagement

• Direct interaction: Connect with followers in real-time through live comments and reactions, allowing for immediate feedback and conversation
• Q&A sessions: Host live question and answer sessions, addressing viewer queries instantly and fostering trust with your audience
• Humanize your brand: Provide behind-the-scenes content and showcase the human side of your business, strengthening connections with followers

Monetization opportunities

• Instagram Badges: Eligible creators can earn money directly through the app as viewers purchase badges during live videos for $0.99, $1.99, or $4.99
• Exclusive offers: Promote special deals or giveaways available only to live stream viewers, encouraging participation and potential sales
• Product demonstrations: Showcase products in real-life situations, potentially driving sales through live shopping features

Increased visibility and reach

• Algorithm boost: Instagram's algorithm typically displays livestreams at the beginning of the stories thread, maximizing visibility
• Collaboration opportunities: Use the add friends feature to interview up to three guests simultaneously, expanding your reach beyond your own audience
• FOMO effect: The ephemeral nature of live content creates a sense of urgency, encouraging viewers to tune in and engage

Content versatility

• Multiple content types: Use Instagram Live for product launches, educational workshops, behind-the-scenes tours, and more
• Repurposing content: Save and share live videos to your feed, IGTV, or extract highlights as separate Insta Story clips for extended content life

Best practices for successful Instagram Live sessions

Preparation

• Set clear goals: Establish specific objectives for each live session, such as reaching new audiences or announcing product launches
• Promote in advance: Use teasers and countdown stickers to generate buzz and maximize viewership
• Technical checks: Conduct test videos to ensure clear audio, steady camera, and good lighting

During the live stream on Instagram

• Engage actively: Acknowledge viewers by name, prompt for feedback, and maintain an interactive atmosphere
• Moderate effectively: Be prepared to mute or turn off comments if necessary to maintain a positive environment
• Vary content: Switch between front and rear-facing cameras and add effects to keep the content fresh

Post-live actions

• Share and save: Make the live video available in your Insta Story for 24 hours and save it for future use on IGTV
• Follow up: Review direct messages and engage with viewers who reached out during the livestream

Potential challenges and solutions

Technical issues

• Connection problems: Ensure a stable internet connection before going live
• App updates: Keep your Instagram app updated to avoid compatibility issues

Content creation challenges

• Planning engaging content: Prepare a rough structure, key points, and interactive segments in advance
• Maintaining audience interest: Incorporate Q&A rounds, fun facts, and challenges to keep viewers engaged

How to start an Instagram Live broadcast

To start a live broadcast on Instagram, open the app, tap the "+" icon, select "Live", set up your broadcast details, and tap "Go Live". You don't need a specific number of followers to start a live broadcast. Ensure a stable internet connection (ideally 10 Mbps upload speed) and use good lighting and audio for best Instagram Live quality.

Equipment and setup for Instagram Live

Internet connection for IG Live

• Stable internet connection: Aim for an upload speed of at least 10 Mbps for smooth, high-quality streaming on Instagram Live
• Wired connection: Use an Ethernet cable for more stable streaming compared to Wi-Fi when starting a live broadcast
• Speed test: Check your upload speed at Speedtest.net before going live on Instagram

Device for Instagram Live

• Smartphone or tablet: Use a device with a good camera and the Instagram app installed (iOS or Android) to start a live broadcast
• iPhone 14 Pro Max: Offers highest-quality video recording and improved low-light capture for IG Live
• iPad Pro 12.9: Ideal for livestreaming with a bigger display compared to smartphones on Instagram Live

Audio for IG Live

• External microphone: Use a 3.5mm or XLR microphone for better audio quality during Instagram Live
• Blue Raspberry or Rode Videomic Me: Recommended external microphones for improved sound on IG Live

Lighting for Instagram Live

• Ring light: Use a portable option like the $69.99 iOgrapher ring light for better lighting during IG Live
• Natural lighting: Combine with studio lights to create the desired effect for your Instagram Live broadcast

Stabilization for IG Live

• Tripod: Use a Manfrotto Pixi Evo Tripod for stable shots during Instagram Live
• Gimbal: Consider a DJI OM 4 for smooth handheld streaming on IG Live

Starting the Instagram Live broadcast

1. Open the Instagram app on your mobile device
2. Tap the "+" icon at the top of the screen
3. Select "Live" from the options at the bottom
4. Set up your broadcast:
   • Add a title (optional)
   • Choose privacy settings
   • Select any filters or effects (if desired)
5. Tap "Go Live" to start broadcasting on Instagram Live

Tips for a successful Instagram Live

• Test before going live: Do a private test run to check audio, video, and connection quality for IG Live
• Engage with viewers: Respond to comments and questions during the Instagram Live broadcast
• Plan your content: Have a rough outline of what you'll cover on your IG Live
• Promote in advance: Let your followers know when you'll be going live on Instagram
• Use landscape mode: For a wider view, especially for demonstrations or multiple people during IG Live
• Save your broadcast: Enable the option to save your live video to your camera roll after Instagram Live

Troubleshooting Instagram Live

• If experiencing lag: Close unnecessary apps, restart your device, or switch to a different internet connection for smoother IG Live
• For poor video quality: Ensure good lighting and a stable internet connection during Instagram Live
• If audio is unclear: Use an external microphone and check for any obstructions during your IG Live broadcast

Instagram Live swipe up feature

• The swipe up feature is available for accounts with 10,000+ followers or verified accounts
• You can use this feature to add links to your Instagram Live broadcast, enhancing viewer engagement

Remember, regardless of how many followers you have, you can start a live broadcast on Instagram and enjoy the benefits of IG Live to connect with your audience.

FAQ

What are the minimum follower requirements for Instagram Live?

There are no minimum follower requirements for Instagram Live. Any user with a public Professional account can go live, regardless of their follower count.

How can I make money from Instagram Live?

You can make money from Instagram Live through Instagram Badges, where viewers can purchase badges during your live videos for $0.99, $1.99, or $4.99. Additionally, you can promote products or exclusive offers during your live streams.

Is there a difference between Instagram Live and IGTV?

Yes, there is a difference. Instagram Live is for real-time, interactive broadcasts, while IGTV is for pre-recorded, longer-form video content that can be viewed at any time.

Why am I not able to go live on Instagram?

If you're unable to go live on Instagram, ensure you have a public Professional account, are at least 13 years old, and are complying with Instagram's Community Guidelines. Also, check your internet connection and app version.

Do I need 10,000 followers to use the swipe up feature in Instagram Stories?

The swipe up feature in Instagram Stories is available for accounts with 10,000+ followers or verified accounts. However, this feature is separate from Instagram Live functionality.