Instagram is a photo and video sharing application catered to the users like a mobile application. However, Instagram has added multiple features and functions to the application to make the application fun and engaging. Among these features includes the Instagram live feature. Despite Instagram’s key layout being for mobile users, PC and Mac users can also easily navigate through the application from their devices. Here, we look into the live feature and how to go live on Instagram from PC.
Instagram does not directly allow its users with the feature to go live from their PC. But, this is not a problem, as you can still go live with the help of third-party applications. Here, we show you how creators can use the live feature on Instagram.
What Is Instagram Live
Instagram Live is a feature within Instagram stories where you can stream real-time videos to your followers. The functions within the live include selecting your audience, interacting with your audience through likes and a comment section. Some of these features can also be disabled to curate the live session according to your preference; look here to disable comments on an Instagram live.
Another fun function of an Instagram live is that you can let other people join your live sessions and hold a join live stream. Up to 3 different people can join your live session on Instagram.
Why Go Live On Instagram PC
Some users may want to know why you would go live on Instagram from your PC. Whether you have a public or a private account, going live can be a great way to engage with your followers on Instagram. Moreover, going live on Instagram from your PC can have the below advantages over going live from your mobile device.
- A PC has better technical specifications, from picture quality to sound.
- For a stable surface and better video quality, going live on a PC can be advantageous. Unlike a mobile device that needs to be carried on hand or requires a tripod, you can go live on a PC with stability.
- Internet connection on your PC is usually better than on a mobile device. The uninterrupted broadcast will help you stream efficiently and effectively on Instagram.
Ways To Engage On A Live From PC Or Mac
Now that we looked into the benefits of going live from your PC or Mac on Instagram, here are the different ways to engage on a live from PC or Mac.
Use Your Windows 10 Browser To Watch Live Streams
An easy way to watch the live streams of your followers is by going to the official Instagram application on a Windows 10 PC. On the users who are going live, the story panel will show their profile icons with a bright red frame and a sign ‘Live’ underneath it, indicating they are live. Tap on it to access the live stream and watch it. Authorize and view live streams as the interface of this Instagram application on your PC is similar to a browser.
Use Phone Emulators To Access Live Videos
BlueStack installation is an easy way to look at lives from your PC. Run the Instagram application on your browser through the emulator and tap on the user’s avatar to access their live sessions on Instagram.
How To Go Live On Instagram From PC Or Mac
There are multiple phone emulators and third-party applications that you can use to go live on Instagram from a PC or Mac. Here are the steps you can follow for some authorized and reliable sources to go live on Instagram from PC or Mac.
Go Live From BlueStacks Phone Emulator
BlueStacks is an Android emulator that is available for both Windows and Mac operating systems. Follow the steps below on how to go live on Instagram with BlueStacks.
Step 1: Download BlueStacks And Install Application
First, download the BlueStacks application on your device. Once you download it, install the application into your device.
Step 2: Search For Instagram From Google PlayStore Or Appstore
Open BlueStacks and go to the Google Playstore or Appstore on there. Next, search for Instagram on the search bar and open it. The interface is similar to that of a normal Playstore or Appstore.
Step 3: Install Instagram And Log in
Install the Instagram application. Once you install it, open the application to the login landing page. Log in using your username and password.
Step 4: Go Live From Story Panel
Once you are logged in, Instagram will open to the home page of your account. On the top left corner of the screen, tap on the circular profile icon to access your story panel. On the bottom, you will see the ‘Live’ option to the right below the circular icon. Tap on it to start your live session.
Use Streamon And OBS Studio To Live Stream
Streamon and OBS studio are used together to broadcast live from your PC or Mac. You can also use YellowDucks instead of Streamon, but both their functions are similar. Streamon must generate a link for your stream, and OBS Studio allows you to go live. These applications are available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
The steps to follow to go live with Streamon and OBS Studio are below.
Step 1: Download And Install Streamon And OBS Studio
First, download and install the Streamon and OBS Studio applications on your device.
Step 2: Settings In Streamon
Open Streamon. Sign in by logging in to your Instagram account with the username and password. Streamon will then generate an RTMP link and keyword. Keep the dialog box open and move on to OBS Studio.
Step 3: Settings From OBS Studio
Once you have OBS Studio launched, it will offer you camera settings. You can choose between broadcasting and recordings; these settings can be changed later as well. Once you have adjusted the settings, you will get the option to select which social media you want to work with.
Step 4: Set Up Instagram On OBS Studio
On the bottom right of the screen, tap on the ‘Start Streaming’ option. A dialog box will open up; tap on the ‘Open Settings’ option.
Step 5: Set Up Stream
You have an option of more than 70 alternatives on OBS Studio; however, you will not see Instagram as an option. Instead, choose the ‘Stream’ option on the left corner of the dialog box that opens up. There, you can select the ‘Custom’ option in ‘Service.’
Step 6: Set The URL And Server Key From Streamon
Next, in the text field for ‘Server,’ you can copy the URL from Streamon and paste it. Then, on ‘Server Key,’ take the generated key from the Streamon application and paste it there. Then tap on ‘OK’ to confirm.
Step 7: Start Your Live Stream
You can then tap on the ‘Start Streaming’ option on the OBS Studio application. Finally, you can tap the ‘Stop Stream’ from Streamon and OBS Studio to finish your live. Make sure you stop streaming from both applications. The settings on which layout you want to stream in your live is under ‘Sources’ in OBS Studio, which you will see on the square dialog box on the bottom left corner of the screen.
Functions When You Go Live And After The Live Stream On PC
We have looked into the steps of how to live stream on your PC using different emulators and third-party applications. Now, we look into the functions and features provided in your live stream on your PC. In addition, you will be able to change the settings from the live itself by looking into how to go live on Instagram.
The live settings include the title for the live session, the camera settings, and the audience setting. You can also change the viewer’s list of your live. You will get to interact with your audience from the comment section of the live. The comment section on your live can also be disabled if you do not want it.
Similarly, you have the option to change the people who get to see your live sessions too. You can also invite other viewers into your live sessions with you. Finally, once you stop the live session, you get to either share the live video, download the entire live video, view the live archive, or delete the video.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some frequently asked questions on how to go live on Instagram from PC are below.
How To Make Instagram Live Full Screen On Laptop
When you go live on Instagram through your laptop, it will not be full screen on the first go. So while you are live, look at the bottom right corner of the screen. You will see a grid square. Click on the icon to make your live full screen on your laptop.
Conclusion
In conclusion, even if Instagram doesn’t let users directly go live from a PC, you can still go live using third-party applications. The overall process is longer than going live on a mobile phone, but the benefits of going live on a PC are there. If you have no option but to go live on PC, you can follow the above steps and quickly go live through your PC.
