You can stream to Instagram Live using Castream by connecting through Instagram Live Producer, Meta’s official RTMP-based streaming tool — available to eligible Professional accounts.
Here’s how to do it the right way 👇
✅ Requirements
To use Instagram Live with RTMP:
- You must have an Instagram Professional account (Creator or Business)
- You must access Instagram Live Producer via desktop
- You’ll need to manually copy your RTMP server URL and stream key
Personal accounts are not supported. Upgrade to a Professional account in your Instagram settings to unlock Live Producer access.
🔗 How to Get Your Instagram RTMP Info
- On desktop, go to instagram.com and log in
- Click the + (Create) icon → select Live
- Choose "Streaming via RTMP" (you may see "Broadcast software")
- Instagram will show:
- RTMP Server URL
- Stream Key
- Leave that window open — do not close it
📲 Set Up in Castream
- Open the Castream app
- Go to Settings → Destinations
- Tap Custom RTMP
- Enter the Server URL and Stream Key from Instagram Live Producer
- Save — your Instagram Live destination is now ready
- Toggle it ON when you go live
⚠️ Instagram’s RTMP credentials expire after each session. You must repeat this flow every time you want to stream.
🧠 Pro Tips for Instagram Live
- Use portrait mode for best layout
- Keep bitrate around 2.5–4 Mbps
- Give your stream a Title when setting it up in Live Producer (optional)
- Monitor chat and viewers directly from the Instagram Live Producer tab
❌ Limitations
- No official Instagram API yet for scheduling, chat, or analytics
- No auto-reconnect — if your RTMP key expires, the stream will silently end
- You must start the live broadcast manually from the Instagram tab after Castream begins streaming