[FAQ]

I want to start doing some interview-style or collaborative Instagram Live sessions with other creators in my niche. I’m just a bit unsure of the technical process for actually bringing another person into my live stream once it has started.

Could someone give me a simple, step-by-step guide on how to add a guest while I’m live in 2025? Are there any things I need to make sure my guest and I do beforehand to ensure the process goes smoothly?

[Jeff Bullas]

Co-hosting an Instagram Live with a guest is an excellent way to increase engagement and cross-promote to each other’s audiences. The process for adding a guest is straightforward once your broadcast has begun.

First, you must start your own Live stream. You cannot invite a guest before you have initiated your broadcast. To begin, swipe right from your main Instagram feed to open the camera, select “Live” from the options at the bottom, and then tap the broadcast button to go live.

Second, once you are live and broadcasting, you can invite your guest to join you. To do this, you will see an icon at the bottom of your screen that looks like a person’s silhouette with a plus sign, or sometimes like two overlapping rings. Tap on this icon.

Third, a new screen will appear allowing you to search for the username of the guest you wish to invite. It is highly recommended that your guest is already watching your live stream, as this makes it much easier to find them and send the invitation. Once you find their username, tap on it and then tap “Send Request” or “Invite.”

Fourth, your guest will receive a notification on their end inviting them to join your Live video. Once they accept the invitation, the screen will split, and they will appear alongside you in the broadcast.

It is also worth noting that Instagram’s “Live Rooms” feature allows you to have up to three guests in your live stream simultaneously, for a total of four participants. The process for adding the second and third guests is the same as adding the first one.

For a smooth and professional experience, there are a couple of best practices to follow before you even go live. You should always confirm with your guest beforehand that they have a strong and stable internet connection and that they are in a quiet, well-lit environment. It is also wise to have a brief chat with your guest before the broadcast to outline the main topics you plan to discuss. This helps the conversation to flow more naturally.

In summary, to add a guest, you start your own Live, tap the guest icon at the bottom of the screen, find your guest’s username among your viewers, and send the invitation. Proper preparation with your guest is the key to a successful collaborative broadcast.

[Author]

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