Instagram has added a new display option that allows creators to list their upcoming live streams on their profiles.
As hinted by Instagram’s head in a tweet late last month, Instagram is now adding the ability for creators to list their upcoming live streams right on their profiles.
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The new display option for scheduled live events will allow creators to add details about the event, register participants, and allow users to set up a calendar reminder for the event right from visiting the creator profiles and in just a few steps.
The option provides another way for creators to raise awareness of their upcoming events.
As Instagram head Adam Mosseri pointed out late last month, up until now, live streaming events could be shared only through feed posts and Stories, which – depending on the user’s settings – may only reach followers.
By allowing live streams to be added to the creator’s profile, anyone able to visit the creator’s profile will be able to see their scheduled, upcoming live session.
https://twitter.com/mosseri/status/1486400435300622343#
In his announcement, Mosseri shared two screenshots of the added feature, demonstrating how the new display option will enable creators to list their upcoming live streams on their Instagram profiles. As shown in the pictures, tapping a listed event will pop up additional details of the event and provide a prompt where users can quickly sign-up and set their reminders.
“Creators have been able to schedule lives for a while now, but now, you can separate scheduling a live from creating a feed post, or even now a Story post, about that Live. You also get a little badge on your profile that’s lets followers know, or anybody know that goes to your profile, that there’s a Live coming up and they can subscribe to be reminded,” he explains.
Creators with multiple scheduled streaming sessions can list as many events as they see fit on the new profile display option.
It could be a handy addition for those who broadcast via IG Live, which could prompt more people to tune in by raising more awareness about your broadcasts.
Until now, the only way to notify people about your upcoming streams in the app has been, as Mosseri notes, through posts and Stories, which limits the reach of those notifications to, generally, your existing followers. Now, anyone who comes by your profile will be able to see that you have a live broadcast coming up, which could bring in more viewers.
Since the pandemic and Instagram’s expansion into e-Commerce options, Instagram Live has gained popularity in the app. The platform first introduced the ability to schedule live streams in October, just days before announcing shops for affiliate creators.
Just before the holiday season, the platform expanded the feature to allow Live shopping events to provide the possibility to purchase products and services right at the event. Other social media platforms, like Twitter and YouTube, have also launched similar features on the occasion of the holiday shopping season.
In addition to facilitating a more direct way for fans to engage with their favorite creators and brands, the feature adds a further tool to map out an effective social shopping strategy with Live events.