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Looking for Instagram Live ideas and don’t know where to find one? Since Live streaming is on the rise, you have every right to search for new ideas to go Live for your business promotion. And, to be fair, Instagram holds a rightful place among all streaming platforms available today.
Instagram Live presents a great content marketing opportunity for brands. However, there might be challenges with reach, as only 11% of Instagrammers use the Live streaming feature regularly.
Nonetheless, this shouldn’t discourage you from harnessing the benefits of Instagram Live. Success depends heavily on the content and topic of your Live streams. To help you seamlessly incorporate video streams into your Instagram marketing strategy, here are some Instagram Live ideas along with a few examples.
Why Does Your Business Need Instagram Live?
Today’s digital marketing heavily relies on content, and social media marketing is no exception.
Besides, considering the Instagram ads cost ($6 per 1,000 impressions), not every business can afford an expensive advertising campaign. So, the best option is to make your Instagram marketing strategy as diverse as possible.
Also read: Instagram Live Best Practices
Here are a few other reasons why you should consider this content format:
- Build a rapport with your audience: On Instagram, Live stream participants can leave comments, share ideas, and ask questions in real-time. Thus, Live streams facilitate interaction between a brand and its followers.
- Show your brand’s personality. A Live stream is another perfect opportunity to promote your brand and highlight its best qualities.
- Get more brand exposure. Live streams on Instagram appear as Stories, and it has been proven that Stories can get you more followers – 58% of people say they have become more interested in a brand after seeing their content on Instagram Stories.
Now, let’s move on and talk about a few content Instagram Live ideas.
Ready for content ideas for your next Live streaming? Then, let’s not waste the time.
1. Standard Q&A Sessions
Let’s start with the classic Live stream format – a Q&A session. In this way, you’ll give a chance to your Instagram followers to ask any questions regarding your brand and product.
But when are Instagram Live Q&A sessions most efficient and helpful?
When:
- You want to introduce new followers to your brand and product.
- Your company is about to launch a new product, and you want to offer sneak peeks of it.
- You’ve just launched a product and want to answer frequently asked questions about it.
- There are specific questions your customer support often gets, and you want to clear them up.
These are just a few Instagram Live ideas. If you see that your Instagram followers have become inactive and you need to boost your engagement rate, just plan a Q&A session to interact with them.
Now, here’s another question: what do you need to run a successful Live Q&A session?
First of all, decide on your Instagram Live topics. You can include fun topics to talk about on Instagram Live to attract the attention of your audience.
However, it should be related to your brand and product and also your target audience. For instance, in the following example from Chewy, the company’s Senior Vet and a nutritionist discuss how to choose healthy food for the pets in a very friendly and fun manner:
Credit: Chewy
The topic for this Live stream gained popularity among the public since two experts answered the most common questions on how to choose healthier product options.
So, for a successful Q&A session, don’t forget to study the trends in your industry as well. And, of course, don’t forget to schedule your Live stream and promote it to reach as many followers as possible.
2. Educational Live Streams With Your Employees
It’s always a great idea to have your employees participate in or curate a Live stream. They can bring a unique perspective to the Live stream and share insider knowledge and out-of-the-box ideas with your audience.
A Live stream featuring employees can also help target more potential viewers. Reportedly, employee advocacy can increase a brand’s reach by 561%.
Before a Live stream, it is important to write a script with a correctly formulated message.
In terms of topics for Live streams featuring employees, your options are limitless. You can launch a series of Live workshops or have your team show what’s happening behind the scenes. In the example below, Headspace invited one of its meditation coaches to run a guided meditation Live stream:
Credit: Headspace
If you have a new product coming up, the development team can reveal the most remarkable features and show the product Live on Instagram.
One more thing you should do is get your employee’s permission to be featured in the Live streams. Not everyone is eager to broadcast their faces on a public Instagram page. So, it’s crucial to recognize your team’s right to privacy.
Also, don’t shy away from asking your employee’s opinions on the topic of a Live stream. Chances are, they have a myriad of great ideas that could benefit your brand.
3. Learning Sessions With Influencers
Influencer marketing is one of the most powerful ways to bring more people to join your Live stream. A collaboration with an influencer can also get you more Instagram followers.
But how to choose the right influencer for your Live stream?
First, consider the topics your audience will find interesting. You can survey your followers or check the most liked posts through Instagram analytics to see your audience’s current content preferences.
Next, to create a successful Live stream, choose an influencer whose target audience is relevant to you. Don’t go for celebrities and mega-influencers; their audience is usually too heterogeneous and is less likely to show interest in your product.
In other words, consider the needs of your followers first. For instance, Valeria Lipovetsky, a model and a YouTuber, often does Live streams with influencers who come from the beauty, self-care, fashion, and leadership niches:
Credit: Valeria Lipovetsky
You can also adopt this Instagram Live idea and turn it into a group mentor session, during which an influencer can share their wisdom with your followers. This way, you create exclusive and highly relevant content that is guaranteed to deliver high engagement.
4. Live Streams Featuring Brand Supporters
You can’t undervalue user-generated content. It is a strong marketing tool that strengthens a brand’s relationship with its customers and positively influences its online image.
Choosing Instagram Live broadcasting to feature the supporters of your brand is one of the great Instagram Live ideas, especially if your social media strategy relies on this platform and your primary audience follows you there.
The opportunities for Live streams with brand supporters are limitless – you can have a Live Q&A session with a regular customer, invite your fans to participate in a debate, or let them talk about their contribution like UNICEF did with a 14-year-old researcher:
Credit: UNICEF
If you decide to involve brand supporters in your Live streams on Instagram, make sure you have their permission.
Also, don’t forget to share the Live stream agenda with them to keep up with the topic for discussion. It’s also important to ask their opinions on the topic and share their questions with you.
5. Video Stream Covering A Burning Topic
You can use the currently trending topics in your industry as a content idea for your Live stream. Covering a burning topic helps build a reputation as a knowledgeable leader and improve online brand image.
And how do you uncover trending topics?
The easiest way is to set up a Google Trends alert. For instance, if your audience is interested in knowing how to sell on Amazon, you can track the keyword Amazon on Google Trends to see if any important news comes up:
Google Trends
If you can afford a paid tool, Buzzsumo is an excellent option. For instance, if you want to watch typography design trends, you can type this keyword in Buzzsumo’s search bar and get the latest content created on this topic:
Buzzsumo
Once you have decided on a topic for your Live stream, you can think about the presentation format. It can be a scripted speech or a free discussion with a person specializing in the topic, like in WWF’s example below:
Credit: WWF
You can also save your Live stream as an IGTV video, especially if its topic will remain on-trend for a while. Live streams can also be repurposed – you can use video editing tools to crop the footage and add fonts and animations to make it more engaging.
6. Show Behind-the-Scenes
Utilizing the power of Instagram Live ideas, taking your audience Behind the Scenes on a Live stream presents a compelling opportunity to showcase authenticity and transparency.
By offering an exclusive look into the inner workings of your brand, from creative processes to day-to-day operations, you create a deeper emotional connection with your followers.
This behind-the-scenes content builds trust and credibility and generates excitement and anticipation among your audience, making them feel valued and involved in your brand’s journey.
7. Promote Your Upcoming IG Live with Stories
In this digital age, anticipation is key, and what better way to generate excitement than by teasing your upcoming Insta Live with captivating Stories?
By sharing a sneak peek of what’s to come and announcing the date and time of your Live event through Stories, you can pique the curiosity of your followers and build anticipation. Utilize engaging visuals, intriguing captions, and countdown stickers to create a buzz around your Live stream.
With each Story, provide a glimpse of the exclusive content, behind-the-scenes footage, or exciting topics that will be featured during the broadcast.
This strategy not only encourages your audience to mark their calendars but also instills a sense of connection and importance as they eagerly await the moment to join your Live event and engage with your brand in real-time.
8. Pin your IG Live Title
Pinning the title of your Instagram Live is a smart and considerate strategy for those who join late. When you pin the title, latecomers can quickly grasp the essence of your Live stream without feeling lost or disconnected.
By coming up with unique Instagram Live title ideas displayed throughout the broadcast, even viewers who join midway can immediately understand the topic, theme, or purpose of the Live event. This ensures that latecomers can catch up seamlessly and actively participate in the ongoing discussion.
Pinning the title also demonstrates professionalism and organization, as it shows that you value every viewer’s experience and want to make it as convenient and informative as possible.
9. Save Your Instagram Lives
Saving your Instagram Live stream is a valuable practice that benefits both those who missed the Live event and those who want to revisit it for reference purposes.
By saving the Live stream as an IGTV video, you offer a chance for your followers who couldn’t make it to watch the content later at their convenience.
This ensures that they don’t miss out on the valuable insights, discussions, or entertainment you shared during the Live session.
Additionally, saving the Live stream allows viewers to take notes and absorb the information at their own pace, which can be especially helpful for educational or informative content.
It also provides an opportunity for new followers to discover your brand through the saved IGTV videos, extending the lifespan and reach of your content beyond the initial Live broadcast.
Overall, saving your Instagram Live not only serves as a considerate gesture to your audience but also maximizes the impact and value of your Live events in the long run.
10. Elevate Your Look with Stunning Instagram Effects
In the dynamic world of social media, visuals play a crucial role in capturing your audience’s attention. With Instagram Effects, you have a powerful tool to elevate your appearance and create visually appealing content that stands out from the crowd.
Whether it’s adding filters, creating fun animations, or incorporating eye-catching stickers, Instagram Effects allow you to infuse creativity into your posts and Stories effortlessly.
These effects not only enhance the aesthetics of your content but also help reinforce your brand’s identity and messaging.
By utilizing Instagram Effects strategically, you can create cohesive and visually stunning feed designs that keeps your audience engaged, intrigued, and coming back for more.
Last Words on Instagram Live Ideas
If you haven’t tapped into Instagram Live, you should. It’s an awesome opportunity to get closer to your followers and strengthen your online presence. Besides, you can be as creative as you want.
Not sure how to start Live streaming on Instagram and are preoccupied with the thought of new Instagram Live ideas? Start with a simple Q&A session first. You can discuss your product or answer the most asked questions about your brand. Then, you can start featuring employees, influencers, and brand supporters. Finally, regardless of the Live stream format, always think about whether your topic resonates with your audience.
FAQs
Now that you know enough about IG Live ideas, it’s time to take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions regarding some tips for going Live on Instagram. Ready? Let’s go.
1. What Is IG Live?
IG Live, short for Instagram Live, is a feature on the popular social media platform Instagram that allows users to broadcast Live video content in real-time.
It enables users, such as individuals, brands, businesses, and influencers, to connect with their followers instantly through Live video streams.
When going Live, the user’s followers receive notifications, encouraging them to join the Live stream and engage in real-time interactions.
During the broadcast, viewers can leave comments, ask questions, and react to the content, creating an interactive and engaging experience.
Once the Live video ends, it can be saved as an IGTV video for viewers who missed the Live session to watch it later.
Instagram Live is a powerful tool for connecting with your audience, building brand awareness, and fostering a sense of community on the platform.
2. How to Start IG Live?
Still wondering how to do Instagram Live?
To start an IG Live on Instagram, open the app, access the Stories camera, choose “Live,” add a title (optional), and tap “Start Live Video.” Engage with your audience in real-time through comments and reactions. When done, tap “End” and save the video as an IGTV post for viewers who missed it.
3. How Do I share my IG Live Link?
You can easily invite guests to join your Instagram Live broadcast using Live Rooms. To do so, follow these steps:
1. Tap the “create new” button at the bottom or swipe right anywhere in your Feed.
2. Scroll to “Live” at the bottom and tap on it.
3. Tap the “camera” icon to go Live.
4. Here, you’ll find requests from users who want to join your Live room. You can also search for a specific user or tap next to their username to invite them.
5. Tap the “double smiley face” icon to invite your followers to join your Live broadcast.
6. Send the request to the user you want to invite by tapping “Send Request.” Note that the guest accounts must be following you on Instagram to be invited.
7. If the user accepts your invitation, they will appear in your Live room, and you can start broadcasting together. You’ll be able to see if they decline or remove someone from the Live room by tapping “X” in the top right of their video frame.
Alternatively, if you want to join someone else’s Live broadcast, follow these steps:
1. While viewing the Live broadcast, tap the “paper airplane” icon at the bottom of the screen.
2. Select “Request to join” and tap “Send Request.”
3. If your request is accepted, you’ll receive a notice that you’re about to join the Live room.
4. Sometimes, you may automatically see a prompt in the comments section, asking if you want to request to join the Live room.
By using Live Rooms and following these steps, you can easily collaborate with up to three guests during your Instagram Live broadcast or request to join someone else’s Live session for a more interactive experience.
4. Can You Go Live on Instagram without Followers?
Yes, you can go Live on Instagram without followers. But who is your audience then?!!
5. Where Can I Find My Instagram Live Video?
After ending your Instagram Live broadcast, you can find your Live video in two different places on the Instagram app:
1. IGTV Tab: If you choose to save your Live video, it will be automatically saved as an IGTV video.
You can access it by going to your profile and tapping on the IGTV tab (the TV-shaped icon). Look for the video with the “Live” label on it, and you’ll find your previously Live-streamed video there.
2. Stories Archive: If you do not save your Live video as an IGTV video, it will still be available in your Stories archive for 24 hours after the broadcast. To access it, go to your profile and tap on your profile picture, which will show your current Stories and the archived ones.
Look for your Live video in the archive, and you can watch it or repost it as a Story Highlight if you wish to keep it on your profile for a longer duration.
Remember that if you don’t save your Live video, it will disappear from both the IGTV tab and Stories archive after 24 hours.
So, if you want to keep your Live video accessible for a more extended period, make sure to save it as an IGTV video or feature it as a Story Highlight on your profile.
6. Does Going Live on Instagram Help Gain Followers?
Yes, going Live on Instagram can be an effective strategy to gain followers. Instagram Live provides a unique opportunity to engage with your audience in real-time, allowing for direct interaction and connection with your followers.
When you go Live, your followers receive notifications, which can prompt them to join the Live session and actively participate through comments and reactions.
Engaging Live content can attract new viewers interested in your brand or content. It provides a chance to showcase your personality, expertise, and authenticity, which can resonate with potential followers.
Additionally, Live broadcasts often appear at the front of the Stories queue, increasing visibility and attracting more viewers.
7. What Are Some ‘Going Live on Instagram’ Tips?
Going live on Instagram can significantly benefit your presence and engagement on the platform. To ensure a successful broadcast, follow these effective tips:
- Plan Your Content: Outline the purpose, topic, and key points to keep the stream engaging and focused.
- Promote in Advance: Build anticipation through Stories and posts to inform followers about the date, time, and topic.
- Choose the Right Time: Consider your audience’s time zones to pick a suitable time for maximum participation.
- Check Your Connection: Ensure a stable internet connection to avoid interruptions or buffering.
- Introduce Yourself: Start by warmly greeting your audience and explaining the purpose of the broadcast.
- Interact with Viewers: Respond to comments and questions to enhance engagement and community feeling.
- Invite Guests: Collaborate with others to add variety and excitement to your content.
- Be Authentic: Show your personality and be genuine to build trust with your audience.
- Keep it Concise: Respect viewers’ time by delivering value without becoming too lengthy.
- Save the Live: Save the video as an IGTV post or Story Highlight for extended visibility.
- Promote Engagement: Encourage likes, comments, and shares to boost interaction.
- Have a Call-to-Action: End with a clear call-to-action to guide audience engagement.
- Analyze Insights: Review Instagram Insights to gain feedback and refine your strategy.
8. What Are Some Instagram Live Ideas for Business?
Instagram Live offers businesses a variety of engaging ideas to connect with their audience and promote their brand. Here are some IG Live ideas for businesses:
1. Product Launch and Demos: Unveil new products or services through live broadcasts, showcasing their features and benefits.
2. Q&A Sessions: Host live Q&A sessions to address customer questions and offer valuable insights related to your industry or offerings.
3. Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Take your audience behind the scenes of your business operations, giving them an exclusive look at your workspace or day-to-day activities.
4. Expert Interviews: Invite industry experts or influencers for live interviews, discussing relevant topics or collaborating on valuable content.
5. User-Generated Content Showcases: Share user-generated content from customers, featuring their experiences with your products or services.
6. Educational Workshops: Conduct live educational sessions, tutorials, or workshops related to your niche.
7. Special Offers and Giveaways: Announce exclusive deals, discounts, or limited-time offers during live sessions.
8. Celebrations and Milestones: Commemorate business milestones or achievements with your audience.
9. Team Spotlights: Showcase your team members’ skills, expertise, and personalities.
10. Customer Testimonials: Go live with satisfied customers sharing their experiences and testimonials.
11. Virtual Events: Host virtual events, webinars, or conferences on Instagram Live.
12. Product Sneak Peeks: Offer sneak peeks of upcoming product launches or updates.
13. Interactive Polls and Contests: Engage your audience with live polls, quizzes, or contests.
14. Industry Insights and Trends: Share valuable industry insights and news during live sessions.
15. Community Q&A and Feedback: Open live discussions to gather feedback and involve your audience in shaping your brand’s direction.
By utilizing these ideas for Instagram Live, businesses can create authentic, interactive, and memorable experiences that foster meaningful connections with their audience and enhance brand engagement.
