Explore our newest Instagram integration with Meta's Live API and connect to Instagram without a stream key.
How to connect to Instagram
From your home screen, click the Channels button.
Click Add New.
Select Instagram.
Click Connect with Facebook account, then follow the prompts to grant the necessary permissions.
If you wish to connect with a stream key instead, follow this guide.
Complete the authentication steps. For ease of use, we recommend you opt in to all current and future Instagram accounts.
Choose the Instagram account Restream will connect to. If you only have a single Instagram account, the process will be completed automatically.
Your Instagram channel is set up - you just need to choose how you'll go live.
Requirements
You must have 1,000+ followers, and the account must have been created 60+ days ago.
You must set it to a Public Creator or Business account and link it to a Facebook Page you manage.
Instagram limits live streams to one hour. Streams exceeding this time limit may automatically end.
For the most visually appealing stream, use Portrait Mode in Restream Studio, as it's the ideal format for mobile platforms like Instagram.
Instagram Live uses a vertical 9:16 format (720 × 1280).
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
How do I switch my Instagram account to a Professional (Business or Creator) account?
How do I switch my Instagram account to a Professional (Business or Creator) account?
You can follow the steps in this guide.
Will Instagram save my stream?
Will Instagram save my stream?
Yes, if you have live archiving enabled in your Instagram settings. Learn more here. Note that this is a private archive, not a stream replay for your followers.
What if I stream in landscape mode?
What if I stream in landscape mode?
When streaming from Restream Studio in Landscape Mode, we auto-transcode to keep your stream centered and avoid cropping edges.
However, if you stream in landscape mode from OBS, Zoom, or a scheduled pre-recorded video, Instagram will trim edges and display only the central portion. To prevent this, switch to Restream Studio or purchase Transcoding hours to manually adjust your settings to a 9:16 ratio.
Does Instagram work with Restream Chat?
Does Instagram work with Restream Chat?
Yes, the new Instagram integration supports chat. Chat is not supported for streams that connect to Instagram via a stream key, though.
If you'd like to turn off chat for your stream, click 'Edit' on the Instagram channel under your stream setup and toggle off "Chat on stream"
Why can't I see my stream on Instagram?
Why can't I see my stream on Instagram?
If you attempt to view the live stream on your own Instagram profile while broadcasting, you may appear offline. To preview the stream on Instagram, log into a different account and view your profile from there.
Do I need a Facebook Page to connect Instagram?
Do I need a Facebook Page to connect Instagram?
Yes, if you're connecting Instagram through Meta's official Live API using the Facebook Page method. Your Instagram account must be linked to a Facebook Page that you manage.
Alternatively, you can use the manual stream-key method without linking a Facebook Page.
Do I still need a stream key to go live on Instagram?
Do I still need a stream key to go live on Instagram?
Not if you've connected Instagram through Meta's official Live API. The connection is handled automatically for each broadcast, so you won't need to copy and paste a new stream key every time you go live.
If you're using the manual connection method, you'll still need to retrieve a new stream key from Instagram Live Producer for each broadcast.
Why can't I see my Instagram account when connecting?
Why can't I see my Instagram account when connecting?
If your Instagram account doesn't appear, verify your Facebook Page connection and try again. You can also select Use Stream Key Instead to connect manually.
Can I use my existing Instagram Reels connection for Live?
Can I use my existing Instagram Reels connection for Live?
No. An existing Instagram Reels connection doesn't automatically support Instagram Live. You'll need to connect your Instagram account separately for live streaming.
💡 Studio's Portrait Mode is perfect for streaming to mobile platforms.