How to Stream to Instagram Live via RTMP

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 (Desktop)

1. On desktop, go to Instagram and log in
2. Click the + (Create) icon → select Live
3. Choose "Streaming via RTMP" (you may see "Broadcast software")
4. Instagram will show:
   • RTMP Server URL
   • Stream Key
5. Leave that window open — do not close it

📲 Set Up in Castream APP

1. Open the Castream app
2. Go to Settings → Destinations
3. Tap Instagram
4. Enter the Server URL and Stream Key from Instagram Live Producer
5. Save — your Instagram Live destination is now ready
6. 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.

🖥️ Set Up in Castream Web + OBS

If you prefer streaming from a desktop setup using OBS:

Step 1 — Get Your Instagram RTMP Credentials

Follow the same steps above in Instagram Live Producer to retrieve your:

• RTMP Server URL
• Stream Key

Keep the Instagram Live Producer tab open.

Step 2 — Configure Castream as Your RTMP Destination

1. Log in to Castream Web
2. Go to Destinations
3. Add or select Instagram
4. Paste your RTMP Server URL and Stream Key
5. Save the destination

Step 3 — Connect OBS to Castream

1. Download and install OBS Studio
2. Open OBS Studio
3. Go to Settings → Stream
4. Set Service to Custom
5. Enter your Castream RTMP URL and Stream Key
6. Click Apply → OK

Step 4 — Start Streaming from OBS

1. Start streaming from OBS
2. Castream will receive your feed

Step 5 — Go Live from Castream Web

1. Open Go Live Dashboard
2. Select your Instagram destination
3. Click Go Live

Castream will now forward your stream to Instagram.

Step 6 — Confirm Broadcast on Instagram

1. Return to the Instagram Live Producer tab
2. Click Go Live to begin broadcasting publicly

Instagram requires manual confirmation before your stream becomes visible to viewers.

🧠 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