If you’re looking to maximize your Instagram Live sessions, scheduling them in advance can be a game-changer. Gone are the days of spontaneous Lives where only a fraction of your audience is online. Now, you can build anticipation, give your followers a heads-up, and ensure a bigger turnout by scheduling your Instagram Lives in advance. In this article, I’m going to guide you through the exact steps to make that happen and answer the most common questions about this feature. By the end, you’ll know how to create a buzz and make your Instagram Lives more successful.
Why Should You Schedule Instagram Lives in Advance?
Instagram Lives are a great way to connect with your audience in real time. Whether you’re sharing a tutorial, hosting an interview, or just catching up with your followers, it’s one of the best features for engagement. However, the key to a successful Instagram Live isn’t just showing up—it’s about getting people to show up with you. Scheduling your Live in advance gives your audience time to plan, and it helps you promote the event across your other social media channels or within your Instagram community.
According to Instagram, engagement for scheduled Lives is higher because people are reminded multiple times before the event. In fact, scheduled Lives often see a 20% increase in attendance compared to impromptu ones. So, how do you set this up?
How to Schedule Instagram Lives in Advance?
Let’s jump into the step-by-step guide on how to schedule your Instagram Live ahead of time:
- Open Instagram and Access Live: First, open your Instagram app and swipe right from the home feed to open the story creation screen. From there, scroll over to the “Live” option at the bottom.
- Tap on the Calendar Icon: Once you’re on the Live screen, you’ll notice a small calendar icon on the left side of the screen. Tap on that to start scheduling your Live.
- Set the Date and Time: A new screen will appear where you can select the exact date and time for your Live. Make sure to pick a time that aligns with when your audience is most active. Studies show that evenings and weekends generally perform best for Instagram Lives.
- Add a Title: After setting the date and time, you’ll need to add a title for your Live. This is important because your audience will see this title when they get notified. Keep it clear and concise, like “Q&A Session on Fitness Tips” or “Exclusive Product Launch Live.”
- Schedule the Live: Once everything is set, tap “Schedule.” Your followers will now be able to see the scheduled event and can even set reminders for themselves.
- Promote Your Scheduled Live: After scheduling, it’s time to promote! Share the scheduled Live in your Instagram Stories, feed, or even through a post. Instagram automatically creates a countdown sticker that you can use to keep reminding your followers as the date approaches.
- Go Live on the Scheduled Date: When the time comes, simply head back to the Instagram app, go to the Live section, and start the broadcast. Followers who opted for reminders will receive a notification when you go live.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scheduling Instagram Lives
1. Can I reschedule an Instagram Live once it’s been set?
Yes! If something comes up and you need to change the time of your Live, Instagram makes it easy to reschedule. Just go to the scheduled event, tap on the calendar icon, and update the date or time.
2. How do my followers get notified about a scheduled Live?
After scheduling your Live, Instagram will automatically notify your followers. They can choose to set a reminder so they get notified before you go live. Additionally, Instagram sends out another notification when your Live begins.
3. Can I schedule a Live with a co-host?
Absolutely! You can schedule a Live with a co-host, and both of you can promote it in your respective stories and feeds. Once the Live starts, you can invite the co-host to join you.
4. How far in advance can I schedule an Instagram Live?
Instagram allows you to schedule a Live up to 90 days in advance. This gives you plenty of time to build hype and ensure your audience knows about the event.
5. Can I cancel a scheduled Instagram Live?
Yes, if you need to cancel, just go to the scheduled Live, tap the three dots in the top right corner, and select “Delete.” Your followers won’t be notified of the cancellation, but it’s always a good idea to let them know through a post or story.
The Benefits of Scheduling Instagram Lives
Scheduling Instagram Lives comes with a host of benefits that make it worth the effort. Here’s why you should consider it:
- Increased Engagement: Scheduled Lives have a higher attendance rate because your followers have time to plan ahead and show up.
- Better Promotion: You have the opportunity to promote your Live multiple times before the event, building anticipation. This is especially useful for product launches, Q&A sessions, or any content where viewer participation is key.
- More Control: By scheduling your Live, you give yourself time to prepare content, gather any materials you need, and ensure everything is ready for a smooth broadcast.
A Personal Experience: How Scheduling a Live Made a Difference
When I first started doing Instagram Lives, I was winging it. I would go Live randomly, and while a few people would join, I often felt like I wasn’t getting the audience I was hoping for. Then, I decided to experiment with scheduling my Lives in advance. I scheduled a Live Q&A session for my followers, gave them a week’s notice, and promoted the event through my stories and posts.
The difference was night and day. Not only did I have more people joining the Live, but they were also much more engaged. By the time the event rolled around, I had a list of pre-submitted questions and topics to discuss, which made the Live feel more structured and interactive. It was a reminder that planning and promoting make all the difference when it comes to audience engagement.
Scheduling my Lives has become my go-to strategy. It allows me to create anticipation and gives my followers the time they need to tune in. If you’re looking for a way to increase your Instagram Live attendance and make your broadcasts more impactful, scheduling them in advance is the way to go.
Conclusion: Scheduling Instagram Lives Is a Must
If you want to make the most out of your Instagram Lives, scheduling them in advance is essential. Not only does it give your followers a chance to prepare, but it also allows you to promote the event and ensure a bigger audience. Whether you’re hosting a product launch, a Q&A, or just chatting with your followers, scheduling your Lives gives you the control and planning needed to make your broadcasts successful.
So, what are you waiting for? Start scheduling your Instagram Lives today, and watch your engagement soar.