- Finding a live Instagram video in your Feed
- Watching an Instagram live video on the website
- What other people see when you join an Instagram live video
- Joining in: comments, likes, reactions and shares during an Instagram live
- Finding an Instagram live video after it has ended
- Why you can't see an Instagram live video
- Who can host an Instagram live video
- Reporting an Instagram live video you've seen
- Frequently asked questions
To see an Instagram live video, look for the profile picture of someone you follow at the top of Feed with a colourful ring and the word Live, then tap or click it. You can watch in the Instagram app or on Instagram.com. Be aware that the person live, and other viewers, may be able to see that you've joined.
Watching someone's Instagram Live is the quickest way to hear from a creator, a brand or a favourite local business as it happens. If you run your own account, knowing what viewers see helps you plan your own broadcasts. I've followed Instagram's help centre for everything below, so the steps match what Instagram says to do.
Finding a live Instagram video in your Feed
Instagram's help page says that when someone you follow shares a live video, their profile picture appears at the top of Feed with a colourful ring around it and the word Live. Tap the picture in the app, or click it on the website, and you'll start watching.
- Open the Instagram app, or go to Instagram.com in a browser.
- Look along the top of Feed, where stories usually sit.
- Find a profile picture with a colourful ring and the word Live.
- Tap or click it to join the broadcast.
No ring and no Live label means nobody you follow is live at that moment. The page only describes live videos from accounts you follow, so I won't promise a way to browse other broadcasts.
Watching an Instagram live video on the website
Instagram says you can watch live videos on the Instagram app or on Instagram.com. On a computer you'll use the same idea: the Live marker at the top of the page, and then your mouse instead of a tap. Commenting on the web has its own controls, which I've covered below.
What other people see when you join an Instagram live video
This is the part many viewers don't realise. Instagram says that when you start viewing a live video, the person sharing and anyone else who's viewing may be able to see that you've joined. It also says anyone viewing can see when you like or comment on the video.
So if you'd rather not be noticed, think before you tap the picture, and keep comments for when you're happy to be seen. I'd treat a live broadcast like a room: everyone can see who walks in.
Joining in: comments, likes, reactions and shares during an Instagram live
According to the help page, while you're viewing a live video you can:
- Leave a comment: tap Comment in the app, or click Add a comment in the bottom right on Instagram.com, and type.
- Like a comment: tap Like below the comment. The number of likes appears under it.
- Reply to a comment: tap the comment and then Reply to in the app, or click Reply below it on the website.
- React to the video: tap Like in the bottom right and pick an emoji.
- Share the video: tap Share in the bottom right, or Share Video, and choose who gets it.
If you're a business owner, replying to comments live is one of the easiest ways to show up for your customers. If you'd like to talk to someone directly rather than in a broadcast, my guide to calling someone on Instagram covers voice and video calls.
Finding an Instagram live video after it has ended
Live videos don't have to vanish. Instagram says that once a live video has ended, the person who made it can share a replay to their profile and Feed as a reel. If someone has shared a live video replay to their profile, you'll find it when you tap Reels on their profile. You can then like, comment or send the video in a direct message.
There are a few details about replays worth knowing, and they come straight from Instagram's pages:
- Replays won't include the likes or comments from the original live video.
- The number of viewers restarts once a replay is shared.
- The person who made the live can't edit or trim it before sharing it as a replay.
If the creator hasn't shared a replay, there's nothing for you to find. It's their choice, so ask them whether they plan to post one.
Why you can't see an Instagram live video
If you expected a live and you can't see one, run through these quick checks:
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- Are you following the account? The Live ring appears for people you follow.
- Is the live still on? Once it ends, the ring disappears and you'd be looking for a replay instead.
- Is your app up to date? Instagram's troubleshooting page asks you to run the latest app and phone software before you try other fixes.
- Try Instagram.com in a browser if the app misbehaves.
Instagram's help pages say some features aren't available to everyone yet, so one friend seeing something you can't isn't always a fault.
Who can host an Instagram live video
Instagram's page on starting a live video says only Instagram users who have a public account with 1,000 followers or more will be able to start a live video. It adds that the ability to start a live is off by default for Teen Accounts, and that younger teens need a parent's or guardian's permission to turn on live broadcasting, while older teens can turn it on without permission.
It also says you may not be able to go live if you've previously posted something that was removed for going against the Community Standards, and that newly created accounts may not be able to go live. If you're only here to watch, none of that applies to you.
If you're thinking of going live yourself, my guide to reading your Instagram dashboard numbers will help you judge how it went.
Reporting an Instagram live video you've seen
If you see a live that you think goes against Instagram's Community Standards, Instagram has a help page for reporting a live broadcast. Report it to the platform, and if you or someone else is in danger, contact the police.
This guide is part of my Instagram Help: 81 Guides to Followers, Hashtags, Money, Accounts and Fixes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I see an Instagram live video?
Look for a profile picture at the top of Feed with a colourful ring and the word Live, then tap or click it. You can use the app or Instagram.com.
Can people see that I'm watching an Instagram live?
Instagram says the person sharing and anyone else who's viewing may be able to see that you've joined. Anyone viewing can also see when you like or comment.
Can I watch an Instagram live after it ends?
Only if the person shared a replay to their profile as a reel. Instagram says you'll find it when you tap Reels on their profile.
Can I comment on an Instagram live video?
Yes. Tap Comment in the app, or click Add a comment in the bottom right on Instagram.com. You can also like and reply to comments and react with an emoji.
Who can go live on Instagram?
Instagram says only users with a public account with 1,000 followers or more can start a live video, and the ability is off by default for Teen Accounts.
