To schedule an Instagram Live, tap Create or swipe right in Feed, choose Live, tap Schedule, add a title and start time, tap Done, then tap Schedule live video. You can book it anywhere from 1 hour to 90 days ahead, but only public accounts with 1,000 followers or more can start a live.
A scheduled live gives people a reason to turn up. Instead of going live and hoping someone notices, you set a time, share it, and let viewers ask for a reminder. Most of the questions people have come down to the same handful, so here they are first.
| You're wondering | The answer |
|---|---|
| How far ahead can I schedule? | Anywhere from 1 hour to 90 days. |
| Who can go live at all? | Public accounts with 1,000 followers or more. |
| What do I need to enter? | A video title and a start time. |
| Can I change the time? | Yes, until 45 minutes before the scheduled start. |
| Will I get a reminder? | Yes, 24 hours and 15 minutes before it starts. |
| Where does it show on my profile? | Your soonest scheduled live sits below your profile picture. |
Booking the live in six taps
- Tap Create at the top, or swipe right anywhere in Feed.
- Tap Live at the bottom.
- Tap Schedule on the left.
- Enter a video title and pick a start time, then tap Done.
- Tap Schedule live video at the bottom.
- To spread the word, tap Share and choose how you'd like to share it.
When you share it as a post or story, it carries the title, the start time and a reminder option for viewers, so people can opt in without you chasing them.
Editing, moving or cancelling a booked live
Plans change. You can edit the title or start time, or cancel the live, from the Schedule screen. The quickest way in is from your profile, where the soonest scheduled live appears below your profile picture and you can tap it to share, edit or cancel.
The menu works slightly differently by phone. On iPhone, tap the scheduled video. On Android, tap Options next to it. Either way you'll see Edit, Cancel live video and Share link. Keep the 45 minute cut-off in mind: after that point the start time is fixed, so move it early if you need to.
Reaching people beyond your followers
If you'd like more people to see the live coming up, you can also schedule a live video ad to promote it to a larger audience. Instagram's help centre suggests scheduling that ad at least two hours ahead, which can help prevent delays before it starts delivering.
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Getting ready for the moment you go live
Scheduling is only half the job. When the reminder lands, you still have to start the broadcast, and the walkthrough on going live on Instagram for the first time covers that part. If you're planning to bring someone on screen with you, read up on adding a guest to your Instagram Live before the day, not during it.
The short version
Pick a time at least a day out so the 24 hour reminder can do its work, give the live a clear title that says what people will get, and share it to your story the moment it's booked. If you also like planning your stories ahead, the guide on scheduling Instagram stories in advance explains what's possible there.
Frequently asked questions
Can I change the time of a scheduled Instagram Live?
Yes. You can edit the title or start time up until 45 minutes before the live is due to start.
When does Instagram remind me about a scheduled live?
You'll get a notification 24 hours and 15 minutes before the time you picked.
