Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook keep evolving to include more and more features, and you can use these features to help support your business’s social media marketing strategy. In 2016, both Instagram and Facebook launched the ability to broadcast live video. Since then, the feature has become a staple on the platforms for individuals and businesses alike.

In this blog and video, we’ll take you through the steps on how to go live on Instagram and Facebook as well as talk about why going live can be extremely beneficial to your small business. So, if you’d like to know all about how to go live on Instagram and Facebook, check out the video above and then read on.

What is Instagram Live?

Instagram Lives allows users to stream and watch live videos on the app. Anyone with an Instagram account can start a live video that their followers can watch in real-time. The Live can be as long or as short as you’d like. Some users like to go live simply to chat with friends, but as a business, you can use the feature to answer questions, promote new products or services or showcase your work.

How to Go Live on Instagram

Now that you know a little bit more about Instagram Live, let’s get to the fun part—actually going live! You can do so in just a few simple steps:

1. Go to your profile page and tap the plus icon in the top right corner.
2. Select “Live” from the options
3. Add a title to your stream—it’s located just above the stream button.
4. You have the option to choose your audience if you’d like. Choose to go live for everyone, just your close friends, or select "Practice" mode.
5. Swipe through the available effects and add any to your steam if you’d like.
6. Once you’re finished, simply tap the “End” button in the top right corner to conclude your live stream.

And that’s it! Now you can go live on Instagram whenever you have something to share with your followers. Note that we mentioned there is a “Practice” option you can choose. This allows you to try out going live without any watchers. If you’re nervous about being in front of the camera, it’s a great idea to practice a few times before choosing to go live for everyone.

What is Facebook Live?

Similarly to Instagram, Facebook Live is a feature that allows users to broadcast real-time videos to their friends and followers. During a stream, watchers can comment, react and share in real time as well. A recording of the video will be published on your page or profile so your followers can watch it again later. You can start a Facebook Live from both your mobile device and desktop computer.

How to Go Live on Facebook

The process for going live on Facebook is very similar to Instagram. Just follow these steps to start your broadcast:

1. From your home screen, tap the plus button at the top right.
2. Select “Live” from the menu. Add a description to your screen and choose your audience.
3. Choose any of the available effects and add to your steam if you’d like.
4. Once you’re all done, click “Finish” to end your stream.

And voila! You’ve successfully created a live broadcast for your audience. Facebook offers a variety of tools that allow you to further connect with your audience while you’re live. Some of them are live polls, featured links, badges, donations, live shopping and in-stream ads. Try them out so you can figure out the best ways to engage with potential customers and promote your products or services.

What are the Benefits of Going Live on Instagram and Facebook?

In 2024, Facebook is the most popular social media platform in the world and Instagram is the third most popular. Using live videos is a way to tap into a massive user base and stand out from a sea of regular feed posts.

The stats back this up too. Facebook Live has twice the reach of regular Facebook video posts and Instagram Live videos get three times more engagement than regular video content on the platform. So, if you’re not using this function, you’re really missing out on a lot of connection opportunities.

Additionally, creating a live video is fairly low effort and completely free. Making it an extremely cost-effective method of marketing.

Here are just a few ways going live on Instagram and Facebook can help you reach your business goals:

1. Helps you stay top of mind for your customers: Instagram’s algorithm especially favors live video content and Facebook seems to show favoritism to videos as well. When you go live your followers will receive a notification and your stream will skip to the front of the Stories lineup at the top of the page.
2. Helps you build a community: A live stream is a lot more authentic and transparent than a polished and produced video. They help you connect with your audience in a more casual way and promote conversation.
3. Helps you connect with your followers in real-time: Sure, you can respond to comments and direct messages to connect with your followers, but it just doesn’t have the same impact as engaging in real-time during a live stream. You’ll be able to see who is tuning in, say “hi” and thank you for joining as well as answer questions instantly as they appear in the chat.

Ideas for Your Next Live Stream

Want to start streaming but not quite sure what kind of content to cover? There are lots of options and we’ll get you started with a few ideas to try out so you can decide what works best for you and your audience:

• Q&A or AMA (Ask Me Anything)
• Tutorial
• Product Unboxing
• In-person events
• Behind the scenes
• Office tour
• Team introductions

Final Thoughts

You’re already utilizing Instagram and Facebook to post about and promote your business, so why not use it to its full potential? Take advantage of all these social platforms have to offer by streaming live videos to connect with your followers. We’ve given you all the tools you need in this blog and video to get you started, so now it’s time to try out a live video for yourself!

If you liked this content and you’re looking for even more help with your digital marketing strategy, RevLocal is here for you. Reach out to us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.