This is one of the most appreciated features of Instagram – a feature that allows you to go live like Facetime. It was introduced in 2016 and later had many additional features. However, in the start, it did not have that many add-ons. For example, if you were using Instagram Live in 2016, options to include questions, stickers, polls, AR filters, virtual backgrounds, themes, music, etc., would not be possible to add.Instagram Live is still one of the strongest engagement tools in 2026. You can now co-host with up to 4 guests, run live shopping, add badges, use screen sharing, and earn through tips and ads.
| Feature | 2016 | 2026 |
| How to Start Live | Tap the camera icon and select “Live.” | Tap "+" icon or swipe right → choose "Live." Set title, audience (Public or Close Friends), then go live. |
| Customization | None | AR filters, themes, music, moderation tools, AI voice filters, and virtual backgrounds. |
| Guest Features | Not available | Co-host with up to 4 participants via Collabs feature. |
| Engagement Tools | Comments and basic reactions only. | Polls, Q&A, screen sharing, Badges, interactive stickers, and Broadcast Channels. |
| Post-Live Options | Couldn’t save or replay. | Save to profile, share to Stories, create Reel clips, and view advanced analytics. |
| Monetization | Not available | Badges, tipping, Gifts from fans, ads, and Live Shopping integration. |
| Analytics | Basic viewer count and comments. | Advanced metrics: engagement, retention, conversions, and Content Health Score. |
| E-commerce Integration | Not available | Live Shopping, product demos, and in-app checkout. |
| VR and AR Features | None |
Advanced AR filters available during Live — full VR Live streaming not yet confirmed |
| Teen Restrictions | None |
Users under 16 need parental approval to go Live. |
| Desktop/PC Streaming | Not available |
Supported via Instagram Live Producer using OBS + stream key. |
| AI Features | None |
AI content suggestions, AI-powered moderation, and AI voice filters during Live. |
| Category | Requirement |
| Account | Must be a Public account — private accounts cannot go Live (UK & worldwide) |
| Content | Must comply with Instagram's Community Guidelines as no copyright violations |
| Account Age | At least 30 days old |
| Camera and Microphone Access | You must grant Instagram permission to access your device's camera and microphone |
| Follower Limit | Minimum 1,000 followers required (introduced August 2025, applies in UK & worldwide) |
| App Version | Latest version of Instagram app required |
As soon as you go live on Instagram, selected followers receive a notification — Instagram only notifies closer followers and those most likely to tune in, not your entire follower list. People start watching what you are doing in real time.
It can be used for multiple reasons. When it comes to showing BTS (behind the scenes) of your brand or company, it helps followers connect deeply. You can also schedule your Live in advance — once scheduled, it appears on your profile and followers can set a reminder before you go live.
Also, you can reply to messages on Instagram while someone goes live. Even if you are not a brand owner, you can show whatever you enjoy — a charity event, real-time concert, a product launch, or a live Q&A session.
See, you can go live on Instagram with and without a friend. Other than that, you can also join someone's live video.
In this section, I will explain all three ways of going live.
Here are some steps you have to follow to go live using an iPhone.
Step #1: Open your Instagram application on your iPhone.
Step #2: Once you can see the homepage, tap the "+" button on the top-left corner of your feed or profile page. Alternatively, swipe right from your feed to open the camera.
Device Note: These steps work on all iPhones running iOS 16.3 or later with the latest Instagram app installed. The experience is identical across iPhone 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16. If you are on an older iPhone with iOS 15 or below, some Live features may not be available.
Step #3: Swipe right from your feed to open the camera, then scroll down until you see the "Live" option. Tap it.Swipe right from your feed to open the camera, then scroll down until you see the "Live" option. Tap it.
Step #4: The camera will now appear on your screen. You will see several options to set up your Live session — add a title, choose your audience (Public, Close Friends, or Practice mode), select a nonprofit if you want to fundraise, or schedule your Live for a future time.
Step #5: When ready, tap the Live button at the bottom centre of the screen. Instagram will show a 3-second countdown before your stream starts. Selected followers — those most likely to tune in — will receive a notification that you are live.
Step #6: When you are done, tap the "X" icon in the top-right corner and confirm by tapping "End Now." You will see a summary of how many people watched. You can then share the replay to your Stories, save it to your profile, or download it — Instagram automatically saves your Live archive for 30 days.
Other than going live on Instagram alone, another option is adding a guest from Instagram too. For example, if you went online and another IG user wanted to join your live session, you can let the user go live with you.
For that, you have to follow the steps explained below.
Step #1: Launch or open the Instagram application on your iPhone.
Step #2: Tap the camera icon on the top-left of your screen or swipe right from your feed.
Step #3: Tap "Live" at the bottom of the screen.
Step #4: The camera will display; you can add other details, like the video's title, to start recording or going live. Additional features and fundraising can also be added.
Step #5: Go live the way you did while being live solo.
Step #6: Once you are live, tap the people icon next to the comments bar. Search for the person you want to invite. Remember, you can only invite someone who is already watching your Live session. Tap their name to send them a request.
Step #7: As soon as your request is accepted, the screen automatically splits and your guest appears alongside you. To remove someone at any time, tap the "X" on the top-right corner of their split screen.
Step #8: When done, tap "X" in the top-right corner and confirm "End Now." You will see a viewer summary. You can then share the replay to Stories, save it to your profile, or download it — Instagram saves your Live archive for 30 days.
Lastly, please follow the steps explained below to send a request to add you to a live Instagram session.
Step #1: Open the Instagram app and tap on the Live video of the user you want to join.
Step #2: Tap the "Request" button at the bottom of the screen to send a request to join the live session. Note — the host must have their join requests turned on. If you do not see the Request button, the host has disabled this option.
Step #3: As soon as the host accepts your request, the screen will split automatically and you will appear alongside the host in the live session.
Note: Your account must have at least 1,000 followers and be a public account to participate in Instagram Live sessions
You can now follow three different ways to go live on Instagram using your iPhone. These steps work on all iPhones running iOS 16.3 or later with the latest Instagram app installed.
Remember — you need a minimum of 1,000 followers and a public account to go live on Instagram in 2026, whether you are in the UK or anywhere worldwide.
Want more control over your Live quality? You can also go live from your desktop or PC using Instagram Live Producer with OBS and a stream key — check Instagram's Help Centre for full desktop setup instructions.
If you have any questions, leave a comment below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
