If you’ve spent much time on Instagram, you’ve no doubt seen Instagram Live videos. But what about watching Instagram Live On Laptop? Generally yes, but there are a few caveats. In the beginning, you need to know that logging into Instagram through your web browser won’t work. In order to access the feature, you’ll need to install a Chrome extension. We list the methods for watching Instagram live videos on your desktop in this article.
How To Watch Instagram Live On Laptop
To Watch Instagram Live On Laptop:
- Install the Chrome extension IG Stories for Instagram.
- Next, log in to your Instagram account through a Chrome browser.
- Click on the app’s icon at the top of your screen.
- Choose Go to IG Stories.
- Once you click on Go to IG Stories, you’ll be taken to an extension version of your Instagram page.
On the IG Stories for Instagram page, you should see four categories along your search bar:
- Friends
- Location
- Search
- Upload
The section you see upon logging in is usually Friends.
On this page, there will be a list of your friends who have recently posted images or videos to their stories.
At the top of the Friends section—if your friends are currently broadcasting a live video—you’ll see that person’s username with a Live icon beside them. Click on the icon to start watching the live video:
If there are no live videos playing, you can click on your friend’s “eye” icon to view their previously ended live videos that have been added to the Stories section.
You can also:
- Download Stories.
- Watch Stories from strangers that are tagged with a country location.
- Search for Stories by Users, Tags, or Places.
This app is really handy if you want to watch Instagram Live on PC or Mac. However, you’ll want to use it in tandem with another app to access the full functionality of Instagram, as its focus is on live videos.
Can You Watch Instagram Live On Laptop?
Can’t watch Instagram Live videos on your phone screen because the number of comments and emoji reactions makes it difficult to focus? The viewing experience on Instagram Live has improved greatly now that it is available over the web.
On the web version of Instagram, comments and emojis are separated out to the side, similarly to Twitch, where viewers can leave comments right beside the video feed.
Live videos are labeled in your Stories section as such – as you can see above, there is a small magenta rectangle that says “LIVE.”There are no major differences between the web and app functionality, except that you can post comments and/or add emojis in real-time.
How Do You Go Live On Instagram On The Computer?
Open Instagram.com from Google Chrome on your PC. If one of the people you already follow is streaming live, it will appear on the top left of the page. To start watching the live stream on your PC, on the top left of the page, click the live video link.
How can you watch Instagram Live on a Mac?
In Google Chrome, you can use extensions and add-ins to extend the functionality of the browser. Extensions work somewhat like apps for your Google Chrome browser. Add-ins are like apps for your phone.
Install IG Stories for Instagram:
- Install and open Google Chrome browser
- Access the Chrome Instagram Story Add-in
- Select Add to Chrome.
- Add to Chrome
- Add Extension
- The IG Stories for Instagram toolbar will show up on your Chrome Extensions area (top right of your browser)
- Navigate to Instagram and log in
- IG Live streams will show up first with the text “Live” under it
Final Verdict
Remember, the Stories for Instagram extension works great for watching live videos. Through it, you can enjoy seamless streaming. For normal usage on the PC, simply login to your Instagram account without using the extension.