Instagram is testing a new Live Producer tool that allows broadcasters to go live from a desktop using streaming software, such as OBS, Streamyard, and Streamlabs. The meta company told londonbusinessblog.com that the tool is still in the testing phase and has not yet been fully rolled out.
“We’re always working on ways to make Instagram Live a meaningful place for shared experiences,” a Meta spokesperson said in an email. “We are now testing a way to let broadcasters go live with streaming software with a small group of partners.”
Instagram says the new integration opens up production features beyond the traditional phone camera, including additional cameras, external microphones and images.
To use the new tool, you must first select which streaming software you will be using for your live event. You can start by opening the interface of your streaming software and finding where to enter your URL and stream key. Instagram says that with the URL and stream key you can broadcast your streaming software installation directly to Instagram Live. Next, you need to open the desktop version of Instagram and click the “Add Post” button and select “Live” from the drop-down menu.
Image Credits: Instagram
You can then enter the title of your live video into the “Go Live” screen and select your audience. Selecting “Practice” will not broadcast your live video to anyone. If you select “Public”, you broadcast to your followers as a normal live video would. You will then see a screen with your unique URL and stream key, with instructions on how to use it.
Inside the Live Producer viewer on instagram.com, you can see an example of what your stream will look like. The Live Producer preview should match what you set up in the streaming software.
Instagram notes that if you end your stream in the streaming software before ending your Live Producer broadcast, the live video will continue displaying the last frame received from the streaming software. The company encourages users to first end the broadcast on Live Producer before ending the stream on the streaming software to ensure their live video runs smoothly.
In addition, broadcasters can only view and respond to comments within Live Producer. Other Live features including Live Rooms, Shopping, Fundraisers, comment pinning and Q&A are not supported by Live Producer. Moderation is also not currently supported by Live Producer, the company says.
Instagram notes that you can view, share and download your finished broadcast in the Live Archive. However, you can only share and download a finished live video from the Live Archive if you have enabled it. The Live Archive is accessible on Instagram mobile from your profile.
The company has not said when it plans to roll out the tool to all users.