How to Stream on Instagram from PC Using OBS, StreamYard, and More

  • Updated November 19, 2025

Streaming on Instagram from a PC might sound tricky, but it opens the door to better quality and control. You can connect professional cameras, add overlays, and manage your stream like a pro. Whether you want to share a gaming session, host an interview, or stream a podcast, several services make it simple. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the best platforms that let you stream directly to Instagram from your computer with professional quality and ease. Let’s dive in and find the right option for your next live session.

Tech Requirements 

Before you start live streaming on Instagram, make sure that you meet Instagram’s specifications. The platform’s recommended settings ensure an optimized experience and higher video quality for viewers on most networks and devices:

Recommended video format: 

720p at 30 fps. It’s recommended to use 30 fps, but you can stream on 60 fps with Live Producer as well. If streaming at 60 fps, the preview screen will display 30 fps. This is completely normal and won’t change the quality of your actual live stream.

  • 9×16 aspect ratio.
  • Video bitrate ranges from 2,250 to 6,000 Kbps.
  • 720×1280 resolution.

Audio format:

  • 44.1 KHz sample rate
  • Stereo channel layout
  • Bit rate of up to 256 Kbps

How To Get Your Instagram Stream Key 

Regardless of the streaming software you use, you’ll need an Instagram URL and stream key to stream from your PC. Luckily, finding it is incredibly easy:

  1. Open instagram.com on your browser and select the Create button. It should be a square with a plus inside it.
  2. Click on Live.
  3. Enter the live stream title and choose your audience. “Practice” won’t broadcast to anyone, “Public” will broadcast to all your followers like a normal live video, and “Close Friends” will limit the stream to only your close friends list.
  1. A unique stream key and URL should appear on your screen. You can either copy your stream key or reset it to get a new one.

Keep in mind that stream keys are dynamic and will change whenever you use Instagram Live Producer.

Method 1: Stream on Instagram with Restream

Once you have your URL and stream key, open Restream in a separate tab and navigate to its home screen. Make sure you don’t close the Instagram tab. 

  1. Select Edit Destinations, click on Add Channels, and then select Instagram.
  1. Type in your Instagram username and paste your stream key.
  1. Select Add Channel.
  1. Once your Instagram channel is set up, open Restream Studio and start a new stream.
  1. Click on Go Live in the upper right corner. Once you start your stream, a stream preview will be available on Instagram. Remember that your stream will start once you initiate it from Restream, even before you select Go Live on Instagram, so try to avoid any unwanted portions.
  1. Go to the Instagram tab and click on Go Live.
  1. To end your live stream, stop it on Instagram first. If you end it on Restream before stopping it on Instagram, your live video might freeze for around four minutes.

Method 2: Stream on Instagram with Streamlabs

  1. Open Streamlabs and navigate to your Talk Studio dashboard.
  2. Click on Go Live, select Add Destination, and choose Add Custom RTMP.
  1. Paste your Instagram stream key and URL, then click Add.
  1. Once you’re ready to start your livestream, select Go Live.
  1. Go back to your Instagram tab and click on Go Live.

Method 3: Stream on Instagram with OBS Studio 

  1. Download and install OBS Studio.
  2. Navigate to Sources > Video Capture Device, and choose your webcam or camera. If you want your setup to look professional, the Hollyland VenusLiv Air is a great companion. It supports 24/7 live streaming, delivers crisp 4K 30fps quality, and uses AI tuning to keep your visuals sharp and natural.
  1. Adjust your frame rate and resolution for a smoother output.
  1. Go to Settings, select Stream > Custom, and paste your Instagram URL and stream key.
  1. Once you’re ready, click on Start Streaming.

Method 4: Stream on Instagram with Streamyard

  1. Open Streamyard and navigate to your dashboard.
  2. Select Create under the Streams and recordings section.
  1. Select Live Stream > Add a new destination, and click on Instagram Live from the list of options.
  1. Enter your Instagram username and select Add Instagram Live. Your username will only be used to organize your streams and won’t be shared with a third party.
  1. Once you’ve selected your destination, enter a title for your livestream. You can also stream to other platforms by pressing the + button.
  2. Paste your Instagram URL and stream key.
  3. Click on Create live stream. You’ll then be redirected to your studio to test your equipment and adjust your settings one more time before going live.
  1. Check your background, add another screen if needed, and click Go live once you’re ready!

Method 5: Stream on Instagram with Riverside 

  1. Launch Riverside and log in to your account.
  2. Navigate to the left sidebar and open your recording studio. You can also create a new studio by clicking the + icon at the top of the sidebar.
  3. Select Go to Studio at the top of your screen to launch a new recording session.
  1. Select your microphone, speaker output, and camera in the lobby. Once you’ve set up your equipment, click Join Studio.
  1. Navigate to the top of your screen and select Live Stream – ready.
  1. Click Stream to social, then select Custom RTMP from the list of available options.
  1. Paste your Instagram stream key and URL, and press Add when finished.
  1. Back in the Riverside Studio, press Go live at the bottom of your screen.
  1. Go to your Instagram tab, and there should be a preview of the stream you’re recording with Riverside. Click Go live in the upper-right corner to start your Instagram livestream.
  1. You can end your livestream from Riverside by clicking on Stop. This will end both live streams.

Conclusion 

Going live on Instagram from your PC is easier than it seems. With platforms like Restream, StreamYard, Riverside, OBS, and Streamlabs, you can stream in high quality without the usual limits of mobile. Each tool offers something unique, so choose the one that fits your style and setup. Start streaming, connect with your audience, and make your live sessions stand out.

FAQs

Can I go live on Instagram with 500 followers?

You can only go live on Instagram if you have more than 1000 followers. Once you’ve ended your livestream, you can also access it in the Live Archive or share a replay with your followers. 

Is Streamlabs or OBS better?

In terms of performance, both OBS Studio and Streamlabs deliver excellent results. However, OBS Studio is better for beginners since it needs fewer system resources. On the other hand, if you own a powerful PC and stream your games, then Streamlabs is the ideal choice. 

Is it worth live-streaming on Instagram?

Instagram’s algorithm might seem tricky, but going Live is still one of the best ways to engage your audience and stay visible. Live streams are one of the strongest factors the platform considers when deciding what to put at the top of people’s feeds. They’re interactive, completely in real-time, and push your content to the front to catch your followers’ attention.

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Picture of Ahsen Jawed

Ahsen Jawed

Hi, I am Ahsen, a tech admirer who keeps an eye on the latest innovations and upgrades in the world of microphones, cameras, and all other digital products which add joy and ease to our lives. As a content writer for over a decade, I adore describing inventions and new technologies in filmmaking and content creation. I aim to help readers make sound decisions by letting them explore popular brands through simple and understandable content backed by years of experience and knowledge.

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