How to Find and Watch Live Videos on Instagram Like a Pro

If you‘re looking to find and watch live videos on Instagram, you‘ve come to the right place. As a streaming and tech enthusiast, I‘m going to walk you through everything you need to know to become a power user when it comes to Instagram Live.

From step-by-step instructions to expert tips, this comprehensive guide will teach you how to easily track down the most interesting lives, interact with your favorite broadcasters, and even grow your own audience with live streaming. Let‘s dive in!

A Quick Intro to Live Video on Instagram

But first, what exactly are live videos? Instagram Live allows users to broadcast video in real time to their followers and the wider Instagram community.

When someone goes live, a "Live Now" badge appears on their profile picture. Viewers can join the live video with just one tap and start interacting via comments and reactions.

Live video has exploded on Instagram since launching in 2016. According to Instagram, over 2 million people go live daily and the number of live videos posted has increased 70% year-over-year.

Live streaming offers a spontaneous, raw way for creators to engage their audience. It‘s the closest thing to hanging out in-person!

Now that you know the basics, let‘s get into how to actually find these lives on Instagram‘s app.

See Lives From People You Follow

The easiest way to find live videos is to check who among your own followers is streaming right now.

Here‘s a simple 2-step process:

1. Open Instagram and go to your main feed. Look at the profile pictures at the top.

2. If you see the "Live Now" badge on any profile pic, it means they are live. Tap to join the live video!

However, this method only works for people you already follow. To discover a wider range of live videos, you‘ll need to try the IGTV browsing method next.

Browse All Live Videos with IGTV

While Instagram doesn‘t have a central live feed, their IGTV video hub does allow you to browse and find lives from across the entire platform.

It takes a few more steps than just scrolling your feed, but this process opens up a whole new world of live broadcasts to enjoy:

1. Tap the search icon on Instagram‘s bottom toolbar.

2. Search for "IGTV" and select the #IGTV tag from the results.

3. Tap any video with the IGTV logo icon to open it. Avoid non-IGTV videos.

4. Tap "Watch IGTV Video" to expand the video to full screen.

5. In the bottom right corner, tap "Browse IGTV."

6. Scroll through the IGTV browse page until you see the "Live Now" section.

7. Tap "See All" to view live videos happening now from across Instagram.

It may take a few tries to find the "Live Now" section, since livestreamers aren‘t always active. Check back often if you don‘t see it at first.

Comparing Instagram Live to Other Platforms

How does Instagram Live stack up against dedicated streaming platforms like Twitch or the live streaming option on YouTube? Here are the key differences:

• Twitch – Made for gamers, tons of discovery features, large concurrent viewership possible, ability to monetize. But less casual than Instagram.

• YouTube – Stream to massive existing audience, generate ad revenue, but lacks the intimate feel of Instagram.

• Instagram – Purely mobile experience, strong tools for viewer interaction, cultivate personal community of fans. But smaller concurrent viewership than Twitch or YouTube.

So while Instagram has its limitations for concurrent viewers, its live video excels at crafting an intimate, interactive experience perfect for influencers and personal brands.

Pro Tips for Finding the Best Live Videos

The IGTV live feed displays broadcasts chronologically, not based on popularity. Here are some of my pro tips for digging up the good stuff:

• Lives higher up in the list tend to have more viewers already, so start your browsing there.

• Scroll down further to find lives just getting started if you want to get in on the ground floor.

• Check for "Live Now" badges on profiles you already love and follow. Their existing fanbase gives them a boost.

• Drop in at different times of day to see a varying selection of live videos.

• Tap around rapidly to preview different lives until you find one that grabs your attention!

Excellent Ways to Interact with Live Videos

Now that you know how to find lives, let‘s talk about engaging with them. Instagram Live isn‘t merely a spectator sport — the audience is an active participant!

Here are some of my favorite ways to interact during a live video:

• Tap the screen to open the viewer list and see who else is watching. Say hi in the chat!

• Double tap to "like" standout moments you enjoy from the broadcaster. Show them love!

• Use Instagram‘s emoji reactions like clapping hands or laughing crying face to respond to what‘s happening.

• Join in the conversation happening in the live chat. The vibe is laid back.

• Share the live video to your own Story or DM it to friends if it‘s really good. Spread the word!

• Follow broadcasters you discover to get notified next time they go live. Support emerging creators!

• Don‘t be shy — interact and make your presence known. The most rewarding live videos feel like a two-way conversation.

Creating Captivating Live Content

Now let‘s flip the script. Once you‘ve watched enough lives, you may be inspired to start streaming yourself!

Here are my top tips for creating compelling live video content that engages:

Pick a Consistent Time and Stick to It

Build up anticipation and loyalty by going live reliably at the same time each week. You could even name your show and treat it like an ongoing series!

Tease the Live Ahead of Time

Drum up excitement by promoting the live video on your profile, Stories, and other social channels beforehand. Give fans time to adjust their schedules.

Interact Constantly with Viewers

Respond to comments, invite followers to join you, and ask questions to make it an inclusive experience.

Choose Visually Interesting Environments

Stage the broadcast somewhere visually engaging, not just a plain wall. Show off a location!

Go Behind the Scenes

Give viewers insider access they can‘t get anywhere else. Share your process, workplace, etc. Let your personality shine through!

Have a Clear Call to Action

End each live video by directing viewers to take a specific action, like engaging with your other content. Drive them to subscribe, follow, or turn on notifications.

Live Streaming Gear and Setup

Level up your live production value with the right gear:

• Ring Light – Even out lighting and create a flattering look.

• Phone Gimbal – Steady handheld shots for cinematic movement.

• Lapel Mic – Enhance audio quality by mic‘ing up.

• Streaming Software – Add overlays, switch between camera angles, and more.

You don‘t need fancy equipment when starting out, but consider investing as you grow your live shows!

Growth Hacks for Building Your Audience

If you broadcast compelling content consistently over time, the viewers will come. Here are some growth strategies:

• Collaborate with other creators and go live together to share audiences.

• Go cross-platform and promote your Instagram lives on other social networks.

• Run giveaways and contests during your live videos to incentivize viewership.

• Reuse content by downloading your live videos and repurposing clips into IGTV, Reels, and more.

• Go longform by broadcasting for 1+ hours consistently to increase watch time.

If you keep at it, stick to a schedule, and incrementally improve the quality over time, your live videos will become a magnet for attracting new loyal followers.

Key Takeaways

Hopefully by now you feel equipped not only to watch live videos, but also to create your own stellar broadcasts as well.

Here are the core takeaways:

• Check your Instagram feed for "Live Now" badges to see who you follow is streaming.

• Dive into IGTV and look for the "Live Now" section to find lives from across Instagram.

• Go beyond just watching by interacting via likes, comments, and shares.

• Build a recurring show around live streaming to grow your audience over time.

• Have fun connecting in the moment! Live video is the closest we can get digitally to hanging out IRL.

The world of Instagram Live is now yours to explore. Get out there and start streaming or enjoying other people‘s broadcasts!