Instagram Live isn’t just a feature anymore – it’s a full-blown stage. In 2025, more creators, brands, and businesses are going live than ever before. But here’s the truth: going live is easy. Getting people to actually interact? That’s the hard part.
You can have a hundred viewers, but if no one comments, asks questions, or sticks around, the session falls flat.
So, how do you make your Instagram Live more than just background noise? How do you get people to join, stay, and engage?
Let’s break it down.
1. Start With a Strong Hook
The first 30 seconds of your live session matter more than you think.
Don’t wait around. Don’t spend five minutes just saying “hi” and waving at usernames. Start with energy. Give people a reason to stay.
Tease what you’ll talk about. Ask a bold question. Mention a surprise coming up. People decide fast, so hook them early.
2. Use the Countdown and Reminders
Instagram now allows you to schedule Lives with countdowns and notification prompts.
This makes a huge difference. Schedule your Live a day in advance. Add a reminder sticker to your stories. Post about it more than once.
Let your followers know what time to show up and why it’s worth their time.
3. Invite Guests to Join You
Solo Lives are fine, but adding a guest change everything.
When you go live with another person, you tap into their audience, too. It feels more dynamic. There’s conversation, not just monologue.
Bring on a friend, a collaborator, or someone your audience follows. Even a short guest segment boosts engagement and keeps things flowing.
4. Ask Questions That Are Easy to Answer
Want comments? Ask for them.
But keep your questions simple. Instead of “What’s your opinion on this topic?” try “Yes or no?” or “Drop a word if you agree.”
The easier it is to respond, the more people will jump in. Once they start typing, they’re more likely to stay involved.
5. Use the Q&A Feature Properly
Instagram has a built-in Q&A tool. Don’t just rely on people typing in the chat, use the box.
Let people submit questions before you go live. Then, answer them during the session. It gives structure and invites viewers to stick around to hear their questions get answered.
It also shows you’re paying attention.
6. Pin Comments and Use Polls (Where Possible)
Pin important comments to highlight useful info or repeat key questions.
During dual Lives or Lives with badges, try using interactive features like polls and quizzes. These keep viewers tapping and that tells Instagram your Live is worth showing to more people.
7. Shout Out Viewers by Name
This one’s simple, but powerful.
Say hello. Mention names. Thank someone for their comment. A small shoutout makes viewers feel seen. And once they know you’re reading comments, more people start joining in.
8. End With a Call to Action
Don’t just say “bye.”
Tell your audience what to do next. Follow your page. Share the Live. Check out your latest post. Comment a specific word if they enjoyed the session.
Give them one simple step and they’ll remember to come back next time.
Final Thoughts
Going live on Instagram is a chance to connect in real time. But the magic isn’t just in being live, it’s in being interactive.
Start strong. Stay engaging. Keep it simple. And most importantly treat your viewers like real people, not just usernames.
Because when people feel involved, they stick around. And that’s when your Lives really start to shine.