How to Stream to Instagram Live

A step-by-step guide using HostVortex and the OBS Vertical Streaming Plugin.

📖 Official Instagram Live Producer Guide

Getting Started

1
On Instagram via desktop, click + Create, then select Live video.
2
Set your video title and pick who can see your stream.
3
Copy your stream key.
4
Don't close the Instagram tab — open a new tab and head to your Hostvortex Dashboard.
5
Add a new Instagram platform or update your existing one.
6
Paste the Stream URL and stream key from your Instagram tab into Hostvortex.

Pasting stream URL and key into Hostvortex dashboard

7
Launch your stream from OBS using the Hostvortex Vertical Streaming Plugin — a preview will appear on Instagram.
8
When you're ready, hit Go Live in the top right corner.

When wrapping up: End the broadcast on Instagram first, then stop it on Hostvortex.

Things to Know

If your stream runs past Instagram's maximum allowed duration, Instagram may end it automatically.

Stream keys are single-use — you'll need to grab a new one before each session.

Tips

💡 Keep your Instagram Live tab open the entire time. Closing it will end the broadcast immediately. See Instagram's Live Producer guide

💡 Instagram starts recording the moment your streaming software connects — even before you press Go Live. If you care about a clean archive, be mindful of what happens in that pre-live window.

💡 New to vertical streaming? Learn how to set up the OBS Vertical Streaming Plugin for 9:16 output. Vertical Streaming setup guide →

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May 2026

How to Stream to Instagram Live

A step-by-step guide using HostVortex and the OBS Vertical Streaming Plugin.

📖 Official Instagram Live Producer Guide

Getting Started

1
On Instagram via desktop, click + Create, then select Live video.
2
Set your video title and pick who can see your stream.
3
Copy your stream key.
4
Don't close the Instagram tab — open a new tab and head to your Hostvortex Dashboard.
5
Add a new Instagram platform or update your existing one.
6
Paste the Stream URL and stream key from your Instagram tab into Hostvortex.

7
Launch your stream from OBS using the Hostvortex Vertical Streaming Plugin — a preview will appear on Instagram.
8
When you're ready, hit Go Live in the top right corner.

When wrapping up: End the broadcast on Instagram first, then stop it on Hostvortex.

Things to Know

If your stream runs past Instagram's maximum allowed duration, Instagram may end it automatically.

Stream keys are single-use — you'll need to grab a new one before each session.

Tips

💡 Keep your Instagram Live tab open the entire time. Closing it will end the broadcast immediately. See Instagram's Live Producer guide

💡 Instagram starts recording the moment your streaming software connects — even before you press Go Live. If you care about a clean archive, be mindful of what happens in that pre-live window.

💡 New to vertical streaming? Learn how to set up the OBS Vertical Streaming Plugin for 9:16 output. Vertical Streaming setup guide →

← Back to Blog