How to get Instagram Stream URL and Stream Key on desktop (business profile) to go live with OBS
To stream on Instagram from a computer using an encoder (e.g., OBS Studio), you need two values: the Stream URL (RTMPS/RTMP) and the Stream Key. You can find them inside Instagram’s desktop “Live video” / “Live Producer” flow. This guide is intended for a professional account (Business or Creator), which is the typical setup for a company/brand.
Your Stream Key is like a password. Don’t share it or paste it into public tickets.
1) Requirements
- An Instagram professional account (Business or Creator). Personal accounts may not show “Live video” on desktop.
- Desktop browser (Chrome/Edge recommended).
- An encoder: OBS Studio (or similar).
- Stable upload bandwidth (Ethernet recommended).
Stream URL (Server): rtmp(s)://HOST[:PORT]/PATH
Stream Key: LONG_KEY_GENERATED_BY_INSTAGRAMIn OBS: Server = Stream URL • Stream Key = Stream Key.
Instagram’s Stream Key can be temporary. If you close the “Live video” window/page, the key may expire and you’ll need to generate a new one. For safety: keep the Instagram Live tab open until the live is finished.
2) Open “Live video” on Instagram desktop
- Open instagram.com and log in with your business profile.
- In the left menu, click Create (the “+” icon).
- Select Live video.
This usually means the account isn’t professional or doesn’t have access. In the mobile app, check: Settings ? Account type and tools ? Switch to professional account.
3) Set title and audience (Public / Practice)
- Enter a title for your live.
- Choose the audience:
- Public: live is visible to everyone.
- Practice: test mode (recommended for technical checks).
- Click Next.
4) Copy Stream URL and Stream Key
After clicking Next, Instagram shows a screen like “Go live with streaming software” with: Stream URL and Stream key, each with a Copy button.
- Copy the Stream URL (Server).
- Copy the Stream Key.
- Keep this page open for the entire live stream.
If you change audience/settings or reopen the flow, Instagram may generate a new key. If the encoder won’t connect, the first fix is to copy URL + Key again and update OBS.
5) Enter the values in OBS (Custom RTMP/RTMPS)
- Open OBS ? Settings ? Stream.
- Set Service to Custom (or “Custom Streaming Server”).
- Paste Instagram’s Stream URL into Server.
- Paste the Stream Key into Stream Key.
- Save with Apply / OK.
After pasting, check for leading/trailing spaces in URL/Key — they are a very common cause of “failed to connect”.
6) Connect the encoder and click “Go live” on Instagram
- In OBS, click Start Streaming.
- Return to Instagram’s “Live video” window: after a few seconds you should see a preview.
- When ready, click Go live in Instagram (top-right).
- To end: click End live video in Instagram, then stop streaming in OBS.
7) Recommended settings (Instagram is vertical)
Instagram Live is designed for mobile viewing, so a vertical 9:16 output is recommended. If you stream in 16:9, you may get cropping/letterboxing and reduced readability.
| Parameter | Recommendation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Aspect / format | 9:16 | Vertical (e.g., 1080×1920). |
| Resolution | 1080×1920 or 720×1280 | Use 720×1280 if the network is unstable. |
| FPS | 30 fps | Good quality/stability balance. |
| Video codec | H.264 | Most compatible. |
| Audio | AAC 128–192 kbps @ 48 kHz | 160 kbps is often a good compromise. |
| Keyframe / GOP | 2 seconds | Common ingest requirement. |
| Rate control | CBR (if possible) | Helps ingest stability. |
Keep total bitrate (video+audio) within about 60–70% of your real measured upload (speed test) to avoid saturation and dropped frames.
8) Troubleshooting
“Failed to connect” or no preview in Instagram
- Copy the Stream URL and Stream Key again and update OBS (no spaces).
- Don’t close the Instagram “Live video” page (the key may expire).
- Test in Practice first to confirm the encoder and network are OK.
- Lower bitrate/resolution (e.g., 720×1280) if OBS shows “Dropped frames”.
Video is cropped or text is hard to read
- Switch to a vertical 9:16 canvas/output in OBS.
- Use a safe area: keep text away from the edges.
Audience can’t see the stream
- Confirm you clicked Go live in Instagram (preview ? live).
- If you’re in Practice, your audience won’t see it.
9) FAQ
Can I reuse the same Stream Key?
Often the key is session-based and may change/expire. For each live, it’s safest to copy it again from Instagram.
Should I use RTMP or RTMPS?
Use exactly what your Stream URL shows. If it starts with rtmps://, that’s the encrypted option (recommended).
Is there an “Instagram business page”?
Instagram doesn’t have Pages like Facebook — the equivalent is a professional profile (Business/Creator). That’s exactly what this guide targets.
References: Instagram Blog — Live Producer • PRISM Live Studio — Instagram via RTMP • Streamlabs — Instagram Live Producer
