Meta, Instagram’s parent company, is always looking for ways to give its creators a better experience on Instagram Live. Now the company is testing a new way for creators to get the most from the app with its new Live Producer tool.
The tool will allow you to go live with a few partners like Twitch and Youtube using a desktop once you’ve installed streaming software like OBS, Streamlabs, and Streamyard. Previously, live streams on Instagram could only be conducted using smartphones and later broadcasted on their feed.
With this new tool, Instagram creators on Live can now enjoy other functionalities just like on any other live streams, including:
- Ability to add multiple camera views
- Use of additional external microphones
- Increased graphic overlays
Why you should use the Live Producer for Streaming
The ability to create state-of-the-art streams is fundamental for the future of live streaming. The Instagram Live Producer tool will make it easy for you to achieve this. The software systems you will use alongside this tool are reliable and ensure high-quality streams.
Creators now do not have to worry about moving their content to another platform and risk losing followers. With accessible and high-quality live teams on Instagram, influencers and creators can now engage better with their fans. That means it’s now also easier to increase their app followers.
Creators of short-form content can now easily venture into long-form content with the Live Producer tool on Instagram Live and create more engaging content to help them build a sense of community on the platform.
Technical Requirements
Broadcasting using the Live Producer tool will require you to decide on the streaming software you want to use. To optimize the quality and experience for viewers on various devices and networks, Instagram has already done some tests and recommends the following:
Video format
- 9 by 16 aspect ratio (not a requirement but a recommendation)
- 720p @ 30fps. However, the Live Producer tool can support up to 60 fps which will still display 30fps. Instagram plans to correct this in due time.
- The resolution should be 720 by 1280
- The video bitrate range should be 2,250 to 6,000 kbps
- The supported but not recommended alternatives are 480p @ 30fps,360p
Audio Format
Instagram’s recommendations are the default settings for most streaming platforms:
- The sample rate should be 44.1 kHz
- The channel layout should be Stereo
- The Bit rate should not exceed 256 Kbps
How the Live Producer tool works
The tool is currently in its testing stage on Instagram, and only a few people have access. It’s already available on Facebook and will soon roll out on IG too. However, to use it, here is what you should do:
- Choose and download the streaming software you want to use
- Open your streaming software interface
- Identify where to input your URL and streaming key
- Open Instagram on your desktop
- Click the Add post button
- Choose the Live option from the drop-down menu
- Change your stream to public
- Copy the stream key
You will need to choose and key in the live video title within the Go Live interface and select your audience. The Practice option will allow the live video to broadcast, but followers will not e able to view it. This option is perfect if you are preparing for the actual broadcast. Once ready, you can use the Public option to broadcast to your followers. It will work like any other live video.
The screen with the unique URL and line of program code will appear, giving you instructions on what to do next.
You can preview the stream on the Live Producer. The preview should feature a detailed presentation on the streaming platform.
Features and functionalities
Currently, the tool has limited access and features compared to the mobile version.
If you end the stream on your streaming platform before the Live Producer video ends, the live video will keep displaying the streaming software’s last frame. Therefore, Instagram recommends the broadcasters should broadcast to completion on Live Producer before they end the live stream on their streaming app. That way, the live video will end without any problems.
Creators can only view and respond to comments within the Live Producer. The Live Producer does not support Live Rooms, Fundraisers, Q&A, comment spinning, and Shopping. It’s also good to note that Live Producer does not currently support Moderation.
According to Instagram, the final live broadcast is sharable, viewable, and downloadable within the Live Archive. But the broadcaster should first enable the setting. Live Archive is accessible for both desktop and Android users on their profiles.
However, Instagram has also not revealed any limitations on how much subscribers can spend on live streams. The issue of age verification for viewers is still undefined.
Creators can make more money while tapping on direct revenue from their vast fan base.
Bottomline
Instagram Live is a popular platform that enables creators to connect with their fans more engagingly and in real-time. Instagram’s new Live Producer tool. Apart from this tool giving Instagram an edge over its competition, it will allow creators to conduct Instagram Live efficiently, create high-quality content and engage better with their online fans.
The Live Producer tool is currently in the beta stage, and Instagram is yet to announce its launch.
