How to go live on Facebook and Instagram at the same time
To go live on Facebook and Instagram at the same time, add both to one Upstream stream. Each connects with details from its own Live Producer: Facebook with a persistent stream key, Instagram with a server URL and a new key for every live.
Build the stream vertical, because Instagram crops anything that isn't 9:16. Set it to 1080p (Vertical) under Resolution & Orientation in Upstream.
- Up to 10 of 30+ supported platforms on one stream
- Free plan works
Before you start
- An Upstream account (the free plan is enough to test)
- A Facebook account that can go live
- A Instagram account that can go live
- Facebook: A Facebook live you didn't schedule in Live Producer still needs Go live clicked there once the preview shows.
- Instagram: Live Producer needs a public professional account with at least 1,000 followers. The live starts when you click Go live in Live Producer after the preview shows, and Instagram crops anything that isn't vertical (9:16).
Step 1
Create a stream
In Upstream, press Create stream and pick where the video comes from: Multistream from OBS for OBS or any app with custom RTMP, Live Studio to go live from your browser, or Prerecorded and/or 24/7 for uploaded videos.
Step 2
Add Facebook as the main platform
On Select your primary platform, choose Facebook, then paste the stream key from Facebook Live Producer. Turn on the persistent stream key there, so the same key keeps working.
Step 3
Add Instagram
On the Set up multistreaming step, press Add stream and pick the platform under Platform. You can add or change platforms later too, in Live Studio under Destinations.
Instagram: pick Instagram, then paste the RTMP URL and stream key from Instagram Live Producer (on instagram.com, Create, then Live video). Instagram gives you a new key for each live.
Step 4
Send your video and start
Send the video in: from OBS or another app, paste the RTMP Server URL and Stream Key from Live Studio into it (the OBS guide shows where); from the browser, join Live Studio with your camera. Then press Start stream, and the stream goes out to Facebook and Instagram together.
Two keys and two time limits
Facebook's persistent key can stay saved in Upstream. Instagram's can't: Live Producer gives a new key for each live, so update the Instagram destination before every broadcast.
The limits differ as well. Instagram lives end at 4 hours and Facebook lives at 8, so Upstream stops the Instagram side at 3 hours 55 minutes and the Facebook side at 7 hours 55 minutes. For a joint show, end before the Instagram cut-off.
Troubleshooting
Instagram worked last time but won't connect now
Instagram's key changes with every live. Copy the new URL and key from Instagram Live Producer into the Instagram destination in Upstream.
Instagram cuts off the sides
Instagram crops anything that isn't vertical. Set the stream to 1080p (Vertical); Facebook gets the same shape.
FAQ
Can I go live on Facebook and Instagram at the same time?
Yes. Add both to one Upstream stream with the details from each Live Producer, and use a vertical layout for Instagram.
Is posting to both the same as going live on both?
No. This guide is about live video. Posting the same photo or video to both is a different feature of Meta's own apps.
Set it up now
The free plan includes 24 hours of streaming a month and up to 10 of 30+ supported platforms.