Instagram is expanding live to accommodate more than two broadcasters in a single stream. The platform revealed Live Rooms, which (like Twitch’s Squad Stream) will allow up to four people to move in together. In its announcement, Instagram says the hope is to open up more opportunities for users, allowing them to host programs like talk shows, jam sessions or group tutorials with more than one friend.
The feature will start rolling out today (March 1) and is expected to reach all users throughout the week.
People have used Instagram’s Live feature a lot more and in new ways since the pandemic-related blockages began in 2020. The government has used it to publicize COVID-19 guidelines, for example, and entertainment companies are using it to broadcast interviews with celebrities. Last year, the platform made live streams visible on the web to give people the option of watching them on larger screens and allowed users to save them on IGTV to make them available for viewing for more than 24 hours. In October, Instagram also extended the maximum length of a stream to four hours, from just one hour.
Expanding the number of people who can live together is another way for creators to reach their audience. Instagram also hopes that Live Rooms will give them more opportunities to earn money, as the feature can increase the number of followers. Viewers can purchase streamer badges during a Live to gain more visibility, after all, buy products from them or donate to their nonprofits.
Users can start the broadcast by swiping to the left and choosing the Live Camera option. They will have to tap the Rooms icon and choose guests to add – they can broadcast with people who have requested a live broadcast with them or send invitations to others. The platform ensures that users blocked by any of the broadcasters on a Live cannot see it and that all features available to Live hosts, such as the ability to report and block comments, will also be available to Live Rooms hosts.
