How to Multistream on Instagram and Facebook: A Step-by-Step Guide

Multistream on Instagram and Facebook simultaneously. See the requirements and learn how to go live from desktop or mobile using Riverside.

Last Updated: December 19, 2025
13 min

Key takeaways:

• Your public account must have at least 1,000 followers to start a live stream on Instagram.
• Your page must be at least 60 days old and have 100 followers to start a live stream on Facebook.
• Use Riverside to multistream to both Facebook and Instagram at the same time from your desktop.
• You’ll need two devices to multistream to both Facebook and Instagram on mobile.

Requirements for going live on Instagram and Facebook

Requirements for going live on Instagram

To go live on Instagram, you need:

• A public Instagram account with at least 1,000 followers.
• The latest version of the mobile app to stream on mobile.
• A professional Instagram account and desktop streaming software like Riverside to stream from your desktop.
• An account in good standing (no violations, bans, restrictions, or reports against your account).
• Live streaming is switched off by default if you have a Teen Account. You’ll need permission to switch it on from your parent or guardian.

Requirements for going live on Facebook

To go live on Facebook, you need:

• A Facebook account that is at least 60 days old.
• At least 100 followers if you’re streaming from a Page or Professional Mode profile.
• The latest version of the app for your mobile device.
• The Google Chrome web browser. Streaming software isn’t required (but it makes things easier!)
• To go live from a Page, you need Admin, Editor, or Content Creator/Task access.

Recommended equipment

If you’re going live on Instagram and Facebook, you may also want:

• A microphone: A high-quality microphone significantly improves your stream’s audio quality.
• A webcam: Get a decent-quality webcam that can film in at least 1080p resolution.
• Headphones: A good pair of headphones let you monitor the quality of your live stream and pick up on small quality issues.
• Streaming software: Multistreaming to both Instagram and Facebook requires the use of multistreaming software like Riverside. This will allow you to set up your streams with a few clicks.

How to broadcast live on Facebook and Instagram at the same time on desktop

Back in 2020, Instagram tested options to simulcast Instagram Live Streams to Facebook pages, but the feature was never officially launched. There’s currently no way to multistream to both platforms without streaming software or third-party tools.

Here’s a step-by-step look at how to go live on Facebook and Instagram simultaneously using Riverside.

Step 1: Create a new studio

Log in to your Riverside account and create a new studio for your live stream by clicking “ Go live” at the top of the screen.

Step 2: Enter your recording studio

Select your camera and mic, and whether you are using headphones, then click “ Join Studio” to enter your recording studio.

Don’t worry, the recording won’t start immediately.

Step 3: Connect your Facebook account to Riverside

Click the “ +” at the top of your screen, then select “ Add destination.” Select Facebook to connect your Facebook account to Riverside.

Follow the prompts to login into Facebook and connect to a Facebook profile or page.

Step 4: Connect your Instagram account to Riverside

Select “ Custom RTMP” from the same menu you used to connect your Facebook account.

A new window will open, asking for your live session's stream key and stream URL. You can get this by launching a live video on your Instagram account.

Open Instagram on a new tab on your desktop and click “ Create” and then “ Live video.” Then, type in your live session’s title and choose an audience. Once you’re done, click “ Next.”

Step 5: Adjust your studio settings

Before you go live, adjust your studio settings in Riverside. You can:

• Click the “Invite” button to invite other guests to join you.
• Personalize your studio’s branding.
• Add lower thirds, logos, and custom images with studio overlays.
• Use the in-built teleprompter to craft instantly engaging intros and outros.
• Set audio quality and video resolution (Instagram recommends 720p for live streams, while Facebook can accept up to 1080p).
• Enable or disable live stream chat directly within the studio.

Step 6: Go live on Facebook from Riverside

In your Riverside Studio, ensure that Instagram and Facebook are connected. If they are, you will see the Facebook logo and custom stream bubbles at the top of your screen.

If you’re all set, click “ Go Live.”

Step 7: Go live on Instagram from Riverside

Return to the Instagram tab where you got your URL and stream key (the one you left open). You should see a preview of the video you’re recording on Riverside on the left side of your screen.

Click “ Go live” in the top right corner to launch your live session on Instagram.

Step 8: Stop streaming and access your recording

When you’re ready to stop your live stream, click “ Stop” at the bottom of your Riverside screen. This will stop the live stream on both Instagram and Facebook at the same time.

How to go live on IG and FB at the same time on mobile

To multistream on Facebook and Instagram from a mobile device, you’ll have to use two mobile devices.

Step 1: Create your setup

You’ll need two mobile devices, one with the Facebook app and one with the Instagram app. Set each device up on its own tripod.

Step 2: Open Instagram and set up your live stream

Open Instagram on one phone, tap the “ +” icon at the top of your screen, then scroll to the “ Live” option at the bottom.

Step 3: Open Facebook and set up your live stream

Open the Facebook app on your second device. Navigate to the profile, page, or group where you want to go live.

Step 4: Go live

Tap “ Go Live” on both Facebook and Instagram to start your live stream on both platforms.

Step 5: Manage your streams

Check comments on both streams as you go, and do your best to respond where you can. You’ll also need to ensure you’re giving both cameras equal attention.

Step 6: End both live streams

Tap “ End” on Instagram (top right) and “ Finish” on Facebook (bottom) to end your live stream on both platforms.

Best practices for multistreaming on Instagram and Facebook

Plan your setup in advance

The best streamers take their setup seriously. Your lighting, camera angles, and audio quality ensure you get the best stream possible.

Balance your resolution

The highest resolution Instagram Live will accept is 720p. Facebook accepts up to 1080p. Balance the needs of both platforms by streaming in 720p from your Riverside studio.

Test your audio and video

Use Riverside’s one-click mic test to test that your microphone is working before you go live.

Engage with viewers

Engage with viewers as much as you can during your live stream.

Practice with shorter streams

If you’re new to live streaming, try practicing with shorter streams or a smaller audience first.

Have a dedicated producer for the livestream

Having a producer can help you focus on hosting and ensure that your livestream runs smoothly.

Promote your live stream

Some of your followers will join your live stream when they’re notified. However, you’ll attract more viewers if you promote your live stream beforehand.

Troubleshooting common issues when multistreaming to Instagram and Facebook

Audio not working during the stream

• How to fix it: Check that your microphone is plugged in, switched on, and selected as the audio source in your streaming software.

Stream ended unexpectedly

• How to fix it: Make sure you haven’t exceeded the platform time limits. Facebook is 8 hours, and Instagram is 4 hours.

Livestream viewers can’t see or hear you

• How to fix it: Make sure your browser or streaming software has permission to access your camera and microphone.

Stream won’t start

• How to fix it: A stream that won’t start usually means connection or platform handshake issues.

Pixelated video quality

• How to fix it: Poor video quality or pixelation is due to streaming resolution. If your bandwidth is limited, opt for 720p instead of 1080p.