With social distancing had become common during the Covid-19 pandemic, brands and celebrities had extensively used social media to stay connected. Instagram Live is an excellent tool for letting users broadcast live videos to their followers. 

Research shows that live video is very engaging. Eighty percent of people prefer it over blog posts, and 82 percent prefer it over regular social media posts. This is why live shopping is trendy, allowing businesses to show products, offer live discounts, and answer real-time questions.

Instagram Live helps make interactions more personal and immediate. You need to know its features and best practices to use it effectively. This guide will help you understand how to start and make the most of Instagram Live.

What is Instagram Live?

Instagram Live is a feature that allows audience stream live videos to their followers directly from the Instagram app. Unlike regular posts or stories, Live videos are broadcast in real-time and disappear once the stream ends, although they can be saved to your IGTV or highlights.

Why Use Instagram Live?

Instagram Live offers several benefits:

  • Real-Time Interaction: Engage with your users in real time, answering questions and responding to comments as they come in.
  • Authenticity: Showcase a genuine, unedited side of your brand or personality, creating deeper connections.
  • Increased Visibility: The Instagram algorithm often prioritizes live videos, which appear prominently in your followers' feeds.
  • Enhanced Engagement: Live videos encourage active participation, with viewers able to comment and react during the stream.

How can you effectively use Instagram Live to engage your audience and grow your follower base?

Instagram Live is a dynamic feature. It’s a powerful engagement, interaction, and growth tool, providing a more authentic and immediate connection with your audience. If you’re looking to boost your follower count before going live, tools like Blastup  can help you get started by increasing your visibility. 

Follow this procedure to effectively use Instagram Live to engage the audience and grow your follower base:


Setting Up for Success

Prepare Your Content

Before going live, plan what you want to share. Consider the following:

  • Define Your Objective: Whether it’s to share behind-the-scenes content, host a Q&A, or launch a new product, having a clear goal will keep your stream focused and engaging.
  • Create a Script or Outline: A basic outline or script may help you stay on track and cover all essential points.

  • Practice: Read your content or critical points to feel more comfortable and prepared.

 

Optimize Your Equipment

High-quality video and audio are crucial for a professional-looking stream:

  • Camera: Use a good-quality camera or smartphone with a high-resolution capability.
  • Microphone: Invest in an external microphone, if possible, to ensure precise audio.
  • Lighting: Good lighting improves video quality. Natural light or soft, diffused artificial lights can help.

  • Stability: Use a tripod or stable surface to keep your camera steady.

 

Choose the Right Time

Timing can influence the success of your Instagram Live:

  • Know Your Audience: Consider your followers’ time zones and typical online activity. Use Instagram Insights to determine when your user is most active.
  • Promote in Advance: To build anticipation, announce your live session ahead of time through posts, stories, and reminders.

Engaging During the Live Stream

Interact with Your Audience

Engagement is critical to a successful live session:

  • Greet Viewers: Start by greeting viewers and acknowledging their presence. This helps create a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Respond to Comments: Read and respond to comments in real time. Answer questions, acknowledge feedback, and engage with viewers' reactions.
  • Encourage Participation: Ask viewers questions or conduct polls to involve them in the conversation.

 

Provide Value

Make sure your content is helpful to your audience:

  • Share Insights: Provide helpful information or tips about your industry or interests.
  • Offer Exclusive Content: Give your viewers exclusive content or previews they can’t get elsewhere.
  • Host Special Guests: Invite experts, influencers, or other exciting guests to join your live session for added value and diversity.

 

Manage Technical Issues

Be prepared to tackle any technical difficulties that arise:

  • Check Your Connection: Ensure you have a proper internet connection to avoid interruptions.
  • Have a Backup Plan: If needed, prepare for potential issues by having a backup device or alternative content.
  • Stay Calm: If something goes wrong, remain calm and address the issue smoothly. Your audience will appreciate your professionalism.

Promoting Your Instagram Live

Use Instagram Stories and Posts

Promote your live session using various Instagram features:

  • Stories: Create stories leading to the event with countdown stickers and reminders.

  • Posts: Share posts about your upcoming live session, highlighting key points and encouraging followers to tune in.

 

Collaborate with Influencers

Partnering with influencers can expand your reach:

  • Co-Host Live Sessions: Collaborate with influencers to co-host a live session, bringing their audience to your stream.

  • Shout-Outs: Have influencers promote your live session on their accounts to drive more viewers.

 

Utilize Other Social Media Platforms

Cross-promote your Instagram Live on other platforms:

  • Facebook and Twitter: Announce your live session on other social media channels to attract a broader audience.
  • Email Newsletters: Include details about your live session in your email newsletters to notify subscribers.

Post-Live Strategies

Save and Repurpose Content

After your live session:

  • Save Your Stream: Save the live video to IGTV or highlights so followers who missed the live session can watch it later.
  • Repurpose Content: Create shorter clips or highlights from your live session to share in posts or stories.

Analyze Performance

Review your live session’s performance using Instagram Insights:

  • Viewership Data: Check the number of viewers, peak live viewers, and engagement rates.
  • Feedback: Analyze comments and feedback to understand what resonated with your audience and areas for improvement.

 

Follow Up with Your Audience

Engage with your audience post-live:

  • Thank Your Viewers: Show appreciation for those who tuned in by posting a thank-you message or story.
  • Address Unanswered Questions: Follow up on any questions or comments not addressed during the live session.

Conclusion

Instagram Live is a helpful feature for building connections, enhancing engagement, and growing your follower base. 

By preparing effectively, engaging actively during the stream, promoting strategically, and analyzing performance, you can use Instagram Live to create meaningful interactions and drive growth for your brand or personal account. 

With consistent effort and creativity, Instagram Live can be a cornerstone of your social media strategy, helping you connect with your audience dynamically and impactfully.