Streaming to Instagram via API is now natively available, but you can still connect Instagram manually using a stream key from Instagram Live Producer.
How to connect to Instagram with a stream key
⚠️ Instagram requires a public account with 1000+ followers to go live.
Make sure you have a Professional Instagram account.
From Instagram on your desktop, click + Create, then Live video.
Enter your video title and choose your audience.
Public will broadcast to all your followers.
Practice will keep your stream private.
Close friends will broadcast to your close friends list only.
Copy your stream key.
In a separate tab, go to Restream's home screen. Do not close the Instagram tab.
Click Channels, then Add New, and select Instagram.
Click Use a Stream Key instead.
Enter your Instagram username and paste the stream key from Instagram.
Click Add Channel.
Your Instagram channel is set up - you just need to choose how you'll go live.
A few seconds after you start streaming, you'll see a stream preview on Instagram.
Click Go Live in the top right corner.
To finish your live smoothly, stop the stream on Instagram before ending it on Restream.
Requirements
Instagram limits live streams to one hour. Streams exceeding this time limit may automatically end.
Once you see your preview on Instagram, you have up to 5 hours to click "Go live".
The stream key is not permanent. You'll need a new one for each new stream.
Always keep the Instagram Live Video tab open to prevent the stream from ending unexpectedly.
End the stream on Instagram first. Ending it only on Restream or your streaming software can cause the live video to freeze for 4 minutes.
Chat isn't supported when connecting to Instagram with a stream key. Use the Instagram Live integration to get chat support.
Recording on Instagram begins when you initiate the stream in Restream, even before selecting "Go Live" on Instagram. Be mindful to avoid unwanted portions in your archive.
Instagram has the following recommended stream settings:
Video Guidelines
Aspect ratio: 9x16 (recommended but not required)
Resolution: 720x1280 (recommended)
FPS: 30 (recommended), max 60. When using 60, the preview will display 30.
Video bitrate range: 2,250-6,000 Kbps
Audio Guidelines
Sample rate: 44.1KHz
Channel layout: Stereo
Bitrate: max 256 Kbps
FAQ
Can I switch from a stream-key connection to the official Instagram Live API?
Can I switch from a stream-key connection to the official Instagram Live API?
Yes! If your Instagram account meets Meta's eligibility requirements, you can use the official Live API connection instead.
With the Live API, you won't need to manually retrieve a new stream key for every broadcast.
Do I need a new stream key for every Instagram Live?
Do I need a new stream key for every Instagram Live?
Yes. Instagram generates a new stream key for each broadcast. If you use the stream key connection method, you'll need to copy the new key from Instagram Live Producer and update your Instagram channel in Restream before every stream.
Skip the stream key and enjoy our new Instagram integration