New To Instagram Live? Here's How To Show Up Like A Pro Live streams have surged in popularity. Here's how to ensure yours goes smoothly.
By Nick Wolny Edited by Jessica Thomas
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From the entertainment sector to the health and fitness industry, stay-at-home orders have forced many entrepreneurs to improvise and share their skills virtually. Instagram Live has emerged as an outlet of choice for enterprising business owners. Hop on Instagram right now, and you'll likely see dozens of users and brands either going live or advertising an upcoming live stream.
Though it's becoming more popular in recent months, live-streaming has largely been underestimated. But it won't stay that way for long: Instagram's algorithm rewards live-streaming with additional push notifications and a position at the front of the line in users' Stories feed, so it's only a matter of time before brands and businesses catch on. Streamers can also see and respond to comments in real time, which opens up the potential to directly communicate with and engage your audience.
Related: 5 Ways to Get More Followers and Brand Exposure With Instagram Live Videos
If you're looking to use Instagram Live to create content or even sell virtual services at this time, here are four tips to help give you a running start.
Free up your Wi-Fi
In 2015, the average American household had around 10 smart devices; the advent of internet-connected appliances is rapidly driving this number up. Studies project this number has since doubled and will eventually reach 50 devices per home.
Smart speakers, smart doorbells and smart security cameras all tug at your Wi-Fi connection throughout the day. When it's time to go live, you want the maximum available bandwidth possible. Consider closing down or temporarily disconnecting devices tethered to your Wi-Fi connection. This minimizes the chances that you'll experience interference, a pixelated feed or a blip in internet connection that short-circuits your stream entirely.
If you see yourself live-streaming regularly for the foreseeable future, hardwire your setup and connect your phone directly to your internet router via Ethernet cable. A lightning-to-Ethernet adapter is here, a Micro USB-to-Ethernet adapter (for Android devices) is here, and a USB-C-to-Ethernet adapter is here.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About Instagram Takeovers
Consider the split-screen live feature
Since late 2017, Instagram has made it possible for two accounts to live stream at the same time. During a time when most people are home and many are spending more time than usual on social media platforms, a two-screen offering can create freshness and variety.
Here's how to create a two-person Instagram Live:
Coordinate beforehand with your guest or live stream co-host; they will need to be viewing your live video already before you can invite them to join.
Go live on Instagram, then locate the two faces icon at the bottom of the screen.
Viewers who are watching your live stream will appear as co-host options; select your guest and invite them to join. Once they accept, the split-screen will appear.
It can sometimes take 15 seconds or more for users to be notified that you've gone live; consider preparing an introduction of some kind to fill the dead air time before your guest arrives and is able to join you on your feed.
Concerned about going live, having your stream look presentable and pressing the right buttons? Make a dummy Instagram account and practice as often as needed to boost your confidence before you broadcast to an actual audience.
Related: Interact With Customers Through Instagram Stories and Live Videos
Leverage Story highlights
Instagram launched Stories in 2016 as a response to Snapchat, but any content created would disappear after 24 hours. In December 2017, though, Story highlights were added, and users can feature past Story content or live-streamed content below their profile description.
Consider creating a Story highlight to show off your live streams. The majority of viewers watch your replay, not your actual live stream, and your content will reach a larger total audience when replays are available. Don't let a low number of live viewers discourage you.
You can also grab a hyperlink from any Stories post. Simply go to the icon at the bottom right of the screen, tap, then tap "Copy Highlight Link." Your Instagram live replay can now become source content for email campaigns or other initiatives and help you cross-pollinate your audience to Instagram.
Related: How to Use Facebook Live and Instagram Live to Boost Your Business
Put your phone in "Do Not Disturb" mode
If you do all this work, but then receive a phone call during a live stream, the call will take priority and your stream will pause or end altogether. Don't let this happen to you, especially when you've hustled to gather your followers in one place.
Toggle on the "Do Not Disturb" function in your smartphone's settings section. If you plan to live stream regularly, you may want to create a pre-broadcast checklist; include this settings tweak in your preparation.
Live streaming can be scary at times — don't let fear or gear stop you from sharing your expertise with your community, especially when they're stuck at home and unable to consume your services in person. Use this time to learn the ropes, and you'll have a new strategy for your future marketing toolbox.
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