Instagram Live is a function on Instagram Stories that permits users to stream video to followers and interact with them in real-time.
Below are 7 great Instagram Live stream ideas to encourage your next Instagram Live. Use this list the next time you need some help coming up with an interesting Instagram Live stream for your audience.
7 Instagram Live Stream Ideas
1. Collaborate with an industry influencer
There is no better, more proven methods of spreading brand awareness and getting more followers than collaborating with an industry influencer.
These are people who your target audience already recognizes and respects. If you work with them, they bring clout to your brand and introduce more people to your brand.
Instagram Live is an ideal platform for these collaborations. With their “Add a guest” function, you could bring influencers on for interviews, Q&A sessions with your viewers, or just to have them on for a chat.
Choose the Add a guest button at the bottom (the one with two smiling faces) and it will provide the option to select another guest in your stream. When the guest joins, their video will appear with yours on a split-screen.
Here is an instance from The Lyons’ Share Wellness, a fitness coach who welcomed a running expert on her Instagram Live to give audiences some nice insights on health.
2. Go live at an event
There is no better place to go live than at an industry event that you or someone else is hosting.
Maybe your business is up for an award? Stream the ceremony live for your followers to see.
Maybe you are at a conference and there is a panel you think your audience would like?
Show them through Instagram Live that is one of the best Instagram live stream ideas.
Maybe it is just a party or fundraiser your business is hosting? That’s a great chance to show your followers the human, fun-loving side of your brand.
Streaming live at events also helps increase that all-powerful FOMO (fear of missing out) factor, helping to build hype and anticipation for your next event. That is good if you want your followers to join you at another event later on.
Here’s a good instance from Cristiano Rinaldo who streamed his promotional visit to a Nike store from Instagram Live.
3. Host a tutorial or a workshop
Instagram Live is a good place to host a how-to workshop for your followers. Not only can you stream to the audience across the world, however, you also have the chance to reply to any questions they could have in real-time.
A person who does this very well is John Mayer on his Instagram Live streams. He usually turns to the platform to provide guitar masterclasses to his fans.
These videos are fun, informative, and very engaging. He regularly takes the time to reply to questions his followers have for him.
Kim Kardashian also made a Live makeup tutorial for all of her Instagram fans.
You may not be a well-known rock star or a reality television mogul, however, there are many methods your brand could offer lessons to your viewers as well.
4. Q&As
A good way to begin building engagement with your audience is by answering their questions. That is particularly effective when you have thought leaders in your organization.
Simply hop onto Instagram Live and solicit questions from your audience. They could range from topics like the newest news round your industry, to what the inner workings of your business look like.
Here’s a video of entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk conducting a Q&A for his Instagram Live stream.
Make sure to announce that you are going to hold a Q&A for your followers before you go live so that they know to come with questions ready. This also helps build hype for your stream in advance.
5. Interview a coworker
One good method to build transparency and showcase your business’s human side is by interviewing a coworker during an Instagram Live stream.
It is a good opportunity to put a face to your company, while also giving some love and appreciation to your employees.
And it does not need to be a hard-nosed, Barbara Walters-esque interview. Just sit them down and ask them about their role, what they do day-to-day and how they help your audience with your brand.
Just make sure to give your coworker a heads up before you shove an iPhone in their face like the paparazzi.
Caption: Don’t be like Leonardo DiCaprio.
6. Talk to a customer
You don’t need to speak to an industry thought leader or influencer to help enhance your brand. Talking to a buyer about how much they love your services or products is just as effective at engaging your audience—and much cheaper.
Do you offer fitness coaching? Interview a customer who was able to run a marathon because of your business.
Do you teach people personal finance? Talk to one of your students about how they got out of debt utilizing your recommendation.
These are just some examples. Basically, in case your customer had a positive experience with your business, they’re perfect candidates for an Instagram Live interview.
And since Instagram provides you the option to avoid wasting the video after you are finished, you could keep it on your Instagram profile as a video testimonial. Double win!
7. Review
It is a close cousin to idea #2.
You could give your instant reaction to an event, ebook, film, lecture, or whatever else for an Instagram Live stream. As long as it’s associated with your industry and/or your audience is, it’s fair game.
For instance, when you just watched a talk given by a prominent thought leader in your field, you could go on Instagram Live afterward and provides your immediate thoughts on it.
Or maybe you just read the newest book about your industry—and you have a blistering hot take on it that nobody else has thought of before. Hop on Instagram Live and spill the T!
(That is something the kids say, nowadays. Right?)
Just be sure you do not say anything you may regret while you are so fired up.
You could also review different services and products related to your business. Use a new laptop for your business? Or maybe you have been trying out a new camera? Review of all these products live is one of the best Instagram live stream ideas!
Frequently asked questions about Instagram Live
Where can I find my Instagram Live video?
After you complete your live video, you have the option to avoid wasting and share the video.
When you choose End during your session, Instagram permits you to share the Instagram Live stream to your Story. You could then view it there.
In your Story, you will also have the option to save the video utilizing the save icon at the bottom.
Can I restrict who sees my Instagram Live?
Sure! Instagram provides you with the option to limit who sees your Instagram Live stream.
The setting works the exact same method as it does on your Instagram Stories (since that’s where your video will “live”).
Just choose the camera at the top left corner. Then tap the gear or settings button at the top left corner.
Then go to the Hide Story From part and select who you want to hide from your Instagram Live stream.
Alternatively, you could also tap on Close Friends and select a smaller audience of people you wish to share your Story with.
How do I turn off the comments?
You have the option to turn off the comments on an Instagram Live video by tapping the three dots in the chat box and tapping Turn Off Commenting.
How do I answer questions on Instagram Live?
You could solicit questions from your followers through your Instagram Story for a Q&A.
Create a Story post with a question sticker containing the question you wish to ask.
In terms of time for your Instagram Live stream, you will be able to access them all through the questions button. Choose the button and a drawer appears containing all of the questions you could reply to.
Choose one of the questions and it’ll appear on your stream for your followers to see. Develop and Engage Your Followers Through Instagram Live