Raise your hand if you think Instagram ‘going live’ is the worst thing ever. I used to get quite nervous when put in a situation where my true, unfiltered self would be on display for all to see. But it wasn’t until the advent of Instagram Live (and Facebook Live) in late 2016 that I felt truly at ease with the whole “live and unedited” thing.
To be an effective Instagram advocate, I needed to understand this new function and its potential benefits.
My Instagram followers (ahem, @elisedarma) already know that I’m a huge fan of Instagram Live now, three years after it was first introduced.
It’s become one of my go-to functions on Instagram. And the anxiety I used to feel has all but vanished. Simply put, the benefits it provides are too great to pass up.
Let me give you some advice, life coach style.
You should not be afraid to use Instagram Live as part of your Instagram marketing plan for your business. Simply said, you won’t want to miss out. As you’ll see in a while, it’s not quite as nerve-wracking as performing a Mariah Carey song in front of a large crowd.
Now, what exactly does it mean when someone says they are “going live” on Instagram?
It’s a way to interact with your Instagram audience in real time. Just like a news anchor out in the field.
You can’t record something, splice it together, and upload it online.
Instagram Live
You may instantly share your voice and screen with your audience by tapping the Live button (more on this in a second).
There will be no lag time of seven seconds. No filtering.
Reasons why broadcasting on Instagram live is fantastic
I don’t participate in Instagram Live because I enjoy the suspense of worrying that people would think I’m a complete idiot if I go “on the air.”
It’s useful for my company, therefore I employ it.
If it means anything, consider that 80% of brand audiences would prefer watch a company’s live video than read their blog article.
For me, utilising Instagram Live has several benefits:
Unlike a professionally produced and edited film, a live video is more impromptu and raw in its presentation.
Although frightening at first, this is actually beneficial. It’s wonderful for your personal brand since it lets people see the real you.
Most people would rather hear from a real person than a faceless corporation or a rehearsed character.
Visibility
Instagram’s algorithm is a sly b*tch, for sure. It’s continually shifting, leaving us users to wonder what we can do to stay relevant.
Instagram Live videos are a tried-and-true method.
If your followers have alerts enabled, they will be alerted when you go live so that they may join you. I guess so. It’s very cool.
Instagram Stories, of which Instagram Live is a part, allows your content to remain at the top of your followers’ feeds for a longer period of time.
Interaction Instagram Live provides a brand new method to interact with your audience. And there’s communication going both ways.
While livestreaming, you can poll viewers with questions and get responses in the chat. Alternatively, they can pose questions that will appear on your screen in real time, and you can respond to them immediately.
Having a discussion with your fans in this way is the next best thing.
Guidelines for a fruitful Instagram Live broadcast
After years of broadcasting live on Instagram for my company, here are some of the lessons I’ve learned:
Advertise your Instagram Live broadcast ahead of time
It’s important to let your fans know when you’ll be going live so they can make plans to watch.
In order to get the word out about my upcoming Instagram Live broadcasts, I constantly use Instagram Stories. I’ll prepare for it a day or two in ahead, and then again within the hour before I go live.
Seek foreknowledge of what your viewers want to see by polling them
Promote your next Instagram Live by asking your followers what they want to see and hear about with the help of the Instagram questions sticker in your story.
Get them involved by inquiring if they have any questions concerning the next discussion. Keep track of their comments, and use them later on.
Make things seem urgent
You want your audience to feel like they can’t miss your show or video because it’s so good.
Promote your Instagram Live in the hours and minutes leading up to the broadcast by emphasising the sense of impending doom.
Perform pre-launch system checks
When the connection keeps cutting out and the audio/video quality is poor, even the best Instagram Live session might be spoiled.
Don’t go live until you’ve given it a thorough test. How well you can see and hear, how bright the environment is, and how well connected you are.
Perform a simultaneous Facebook and Instagram livestream
When you can simultaneously broadcast the same stream to two platforms, you save time compared to completing two separate live sessions.
I use a tripod to steady my iPhone for Instagram Live and the built-in camera on my laptop for Facebook Live. Then I activate both of them simultaneously.
The same programme was shown on two channels, doubling its reach.
Allow some time to pass before releasing content
Give your viewers a few minutes to tune in after you’ve hit the Go Live button. As people log in, you can greet them by name or username. After a few minutes, get right into the meat of what you’ve prepared to say. Stop staring at your phone as you chat. Introduce yourself to the audience. Respond to their concerns and show appreciation for their feedback. Engage them with questions to which they know the answers.