EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT INSTAGRAM’S LATEST FEATURE – LIVE ROOMS

March 7, 2021 | Fox Tales

A new way to go Live on Instagram is here – and we are giving you 4 Ways You Can Use This New Feature!

Instagram Live Rooms? Now what is that?

Instagram is a constantly evolving phenomenon! Staying on top of all the new updates and features is one of the best ways to stay relevant, build and maintain your brand on the platform, and engage with your audience effectively. Earlier this week, Instagram launched ‘Live Rooms’- a highly requested feature that allows up to four users to participate in an Instagram Live session together at one time. Since 2020, Instagram Live has witnessed many unprecedented moments- from news debates including informational talks about science and COVID-19 guidelines, to interviews with celebrities, record-breaking rap battles and live music shows.  Doubling up on their previous feature of allowing only two people to live stream together simultaneously, Instagram hopes this new feature will foster more creative opportunities among users and creators. So far, the reviews for Live Rooms have been very positive and there have been no reports of lags or other technical issues with the new feature.

Alright, But Why Should I Care about Instagram Live Rooms

Live discussions with other content creators, interviews with experts, jam sessions with fellow artists, talk shows and tutorial collaborations, debates, panels, product launches, Q&A sessions with audiences – the creative opportunities with Instagram’s new feature are endless! From beauty bloggers and musicians to fitness instructors, comedians, activists and home bakers, this new feature can be used by any and all types of content creators to engage with their audiences more effectively.

The social media giant also emphasized how Live Rooms provide content creators with additional methods to generate revenue and build their brand. In May 2020 Instagram introduced a feature that allowed Live viewers to purchase badges to support their favourite content creators. These badges appear next to a viewer’s name throughout the live video, thus making them stand out in the comments section. They also unlocked other special features like placement on the creator’s list of badge holders and access to a special icon. Live Rooms expands on that to let viewers buy badges for the hosts and use other interactive features like Live Fundraisers and Shopping, and Instagram promises to offer other interactive features such as moderator controls to streamline this new addition in the coming months.

Hmmm, maybe I will try it out. How do I use Live Rooms on Instagram? 

1. On the latest version of the Instagram app, swipe left and select the Live option.
2. Add a title then select the Rooms icon.
3. Add as many as three users to your live sessions.
4. In the Live Rom, you will remain at the top of the screen as your guests are added. You can add guests together or individually at different points during your Live session.

How can I use Live Rooms for my brand?

As a small business or content creator, staying relevant and engaging with your audiences is essential to grow your brand and thrive on Instagram. Here’s how you can (and should) use Instagram’s newest feature to up your Insta game:

1. Collaborate with similar brands/creators to host a tutorial or discussion about your product:

Using the new Live Rooms feature, you and three other creators/brands can hop on to a Live session to discuss a product or service that you offer. For example, a beauty blogger can host a Live Rooms session with other bloggers to review a new make-up product and discuss their experiences with it.

2. Get customers to offer testimonials in a Live Rooms session:

Small biz owners can add loyal customers to a Live Rooms session to offer their testimonials for other viewers. For example, a home chef or catering business can host a live session with two or three customers to discuss their menu, cuisine, or service. Or even ask customers what they would like to see on the menu!

3. Q&A/ Live demonstrations with audiences:

Taking live questions from your audience is a great way to connect with them and address their queries. For example, a fitness instructor can add up to three members from their fitness class to work out with them on Live Rooms and correct their form/ posture etc. This is a good way to demonstrate the value you bring to your audience and also boosts engagement by providing your followers with the chance to feature on your Live story.

4. Add a surprise guest to thrill your audiences:

What better way to keep your audiences engaged than to introduce a surprise guest to make the discussion more productive and interesting! Whether it is an industry expert, an entertainer, or a popular celebrity, adding a surprise guest to your Live Rooms session can boost engagement and help your brand remain distinct and relevant in the minds of your followers.

So, there you have it! Instagram Live Rooms have rolled out now on both iOS and Android to all global markets. Try out this compelling new feature to better engage with your followers and boost your brand’s presence on Instagram. As with any other Insta feature, remember to be authentic and stick to your brand values and elements!