Tried going live on Instagram, only to find out that you aren’t able to? Wondering why this is happening and how to fix it? If you’re looking for answers and solutions to get back to broadcasting live, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog, we’ll explore the common reasons why you can’t go live on Instagram and provide you with simple fixes to resolve the issue. Let’s get started and get you back to going live on Instagram!
Table of Contents:
- Why Can’t You Go Live on Instagram? Common Issues and Solutions
- Do You Need to Meet Any Requirements to Go Live?
- Common Reasons Why You Can’t Go Live and How to Fix Each One
- Other Methods You Can Try To Go Live On Instagram
- FAQs on Why can’t You go live on Instagram
- Pro Tip: Make the Most of Your Instagram Live
- Conclusion
Why Can’t You Go Live on Instagram? Common Issues and Solutions:
If you’ve tried to go live on Instagram and found you can’t, don’t worry – it happens! There are a few common reasons why Instagram might not let you stream, but the good news is that most of these can be easily fixed. Let’s go through the main issues and solutions, step by step, so you can get back to going live in no time.
Do You Need to Meet Any Requirements to Go Live?
First, let’s make sure you meet the basic requirements. You don’t need a certain number of followers to go live on Instagram. Anyone can stream, whether you’re a regular user, a business, or a creator. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Account Age: Your account needs to be at least 30 days old before you can start a live stream.
- Community Violations: If you’ve posted something that violated Instagram’s guidelines in the past, your account may be temporarily blocked from going live.
- Permissions: Instagram needs access to your phone’s camera and microphone to broadcast live. Make sure you’ve granted these permissions.
- Copyrighted Music: If Instagram detects copyrighted music in the background of your stream, it may block your ability to go live.
With that in mind, let’s dive into the most common reasons why you can’t go live and how to fix each one.
Common Reasons Why You Can’t Go Live and How to Fix Each One:
1. Outdated Instagram App:
Sometimes, the issue is as simple as using an old version of the app. Instagram regularly updates its app, and if you haven’t updated it, you might run into problems, including being unable to go live.
Solution: Open your app store (Google Play Store or Apple App Store). Search for Instagram and check if there’s an update available. Tap “Update” if there is one, and then try going live again. Updating your app should fix this issue quickly.
2. Poor Internet Connection:
A weak or unstable internet connection can also prevent you from going live. Instagram needs a solid connection to stream your video smoothly.
Solution: Check your Wi-Fi or mobile data connection to see if it’s stable. If you’re on Wi-Fi, try moving closer to the router or switch to mobile data if your Wi-Fi is weak. Test your internet speed using other apps or websites to make sure it’s fast enough for streaming. A better connection will help you go live without any interruptions.
3. Instagram Account Restrictions:
Instagram may block your ability to go live if your account has been flagged for violating their Community Guidelines. This could be due to inappropriate content or spammy behavior.
Solution: Check if any of your posts have been removed or flagged for violating Instagram’s rules. If your account is restricted, you may have to wait until the ban is lifted. Instagram will usually send a notice if that happens. Review Instagram’s Community Guidelines to make sure your future posts don’t violate any rules. If you think the restriction is a mistake, you can contact Instagram’s support for help.
4. Camera and Microphone Permissions:
If Instagram doesn’t have permission to access your phone’s camera or microphone, you won’t be able to go live. This is an easy fix, but you might need to check your phone settings.
Solution: Go to your phone’s settings. Find Instagram from the list to check if it has permission to access both your camera and microphone. If it doesn’t, turn on those permissions and try again. Once Instagram has the right permissions, you should be able to go live.
5. Copyrighted Music:
Instagram is strict about copyrighted music. If the app detects music that you don’t have the rights to, it might block you from going live temporarily.
Solution: Avoid using copyrighted music in the background of your stream. If you want to add music, use Instagram’s built-in music library, which has songs that are safe to use. Alternatively, you can turn the music off or use royalty-free music to avoid issues. Using music from Instagram’s library or no music at all will keep your live stream safe from being blocked
Other Methods You Can Try To Go Live On Instagram
If none of the previous solutions worked, there are a few more things you can try to get Instagram Live working again.
1. Use a VPN
Sometimes, Instagram Live may be restricted in certain regions or countries. If you suspect this is the case, you can use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to change your location.
- Download and install a VPN app on your phone or device.
- Choose a server location where Instagram Live is available and connect to it.
- After connecting, try going live again.
A VPN can help you get around any regional restrictions and allow you to use Instagram Live.
2. Create a New Account
If any of your posts have violated Instagram’s Community Guidelines, you may not be able to go live. In this case, you can try creating a new account. Once the new account is at least 30 days old, you’ll be able to start going live again.
- Simply create a new Instagram account.
- Use the new account for a while, making sure to follow Instagram’s guidelines to avoid any future issues.
- After 30 days, you’ll be able to access Instagram Live on the new account.
If your original account was restricted, starting fresh with a new account could be a quick way to get back to live streaming.
3. Report the Issue to Instagram’s Help Center
If you’ve tried everything and the issue still isn’t resolved, you can report the problem directly to Instagram.
- Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
- Tap the three lines in the top right corner to open the menu, then go to Settings.
- Scroll down to Help and tap on Report a Problem.
- Choose Something Isn’t Working, describe the issue you’re facing (e.g., unable to go live), and hit Send.
Instagram’s support team will look into your issue and get back to you with a solution.
FAQs: Why Can’t You Go Live On Instagram:
1. Can I go live if my account is private?
Yes, you can still go live if your account is private. However, only your followers will be able to watch your live video.
2. What should I do if Instagram isn’t recognizing my camera or microphone?
If Instagram isn’t letting you go live, it might be because it doesn’t have access to your camera or microphone. Go to your phone’s settings, find Instagram in the app permissions, and make sure both the camera and microphone are turned on. Once that’s done, try going live again.
3. Why is my Instagram Live video blurry?
If your Instagram Live video is blurry, it’s usually because of a weak internet connection or a camera setting issue. To resolve this Check your internet connection, as a slow or unstable connection can affect the video quality. Switch to a more stable Wi-Fi network or use mobile data. Make sure your camera lens is clean and that you’re not in a low-light environment. Poor lighting can cause the video to look blurry and If the issue persists, close the app and restart it, or reinstall it if necessary.
Pro Tip: Make the Most of Your Instagram Live
If you want to get the most out of your Instagram Live sessions, it’s important to give your audience ways to interact with you and support your work beyond just watching. Here’s how you can do that. One of the best tools for this is a Link in Bio tool like CheckYa. Instagram allows you to add up to five links in your bio, but it’s not always the easiest for people to navigate through them. That’s where CheckYa comes in. With CheckYa, you can create a simple link that leads your audience to a clean, easy-to-use page with everything you offer in one place.
Here’s what you can do with CheckYa to make your Instagram Live more effective:
- Sell Digital Downloads: You can link directly to your digital products, like eBooks or printables, so your audience can buy them right after watching your live session.
- Book a Free Call: Invite your viewers to book a free consultation with you, making it easy for them to schedule a time directly through the link.
- Collect Leads: Share a freebie (like a guide or worksheet) to encourage people to sign up and join your email list. With CheckYa, you can collect their contact information easily.
Here’s an example link in bio page you can create with CheckYa:
Conclusion:
Now that you know the common reasons why you can’t go live on Instagram and how to fix them, you have everything you need to troubleshoot the issue. Use this guide whenever you’re facing problems with live streaming. Once you’re able to go live, make sure to use tools like CheckYa to offer your audience more ways to engage and support you during your live stream
