Below is the fastest official way to grab the “IG code” (Instagram’s RTMP URL + Stream Key) that lets you send a feed from OBS, Streamlabs, vMix, etc. to Instagram Live.
| Requirement | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Professional account (Creator or Business) | Instagram Live Producer is only unlocked for professional profiles. (Wistia) |
| Desktop browser (instagram.com) | The stream key is generated only on the web interface, not in the mobile app. (Epidemic Sound) |
If you still have a personal profile, switch it in Settings › Account type & tools › Switch to professional (takes 30 s). (YoloLiv)
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Log in on desktop at instagram.com.
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Click the “ + ” Create button (top-right) and pick Live Video.
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Give your stream a title and choose Public or Practice.
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Hit Next → Instagram reveals:
- RTMP URL
rtmps://live-upload.instagram.com:443/rtmp/ - Stream Key (a long one-time key that starts with
live_…)
- RTMP URL
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Copy both―that duo is the “IG code” most encoders ask for. (Castr, Wistia)
Tip: Every time you open a new Live session Instagram issues a fresh key that stays valid for about 4–7 hours after you press Next. Start your encoder first, then click Go Live in the browser when you see the preview.
| Encoder setting | What to paste |
|---|---|
| Stream / Server / URL | rtmps://live-upload.instagram.com:443/rtmp/ |
| Stream Key | The key you just copied |
Save, start streaming from the encoder, confirm the preview looks good in Instagram, then hit Go Live on Instagram to push it to followers.
| Parameter | Current safe value* |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080 × 1920 (vertical) or 720 × 1280 |
| FPS | 30 (60 fps is accepted but still labelled “Beta”) |
| Video bitrate | 4500–6000 kbps |
| Audio | AAC, 128 kbps, 44.1 kHz |
*Compiled from the 2025 creator-spec updates and Live-streaming guides. (Amplitude Marketing, FreeVisuals)
- Make sure the account is set to Creator or Business.
- Clear browser cache or use Chrome/Edge in incognito.
- Your region must be one where Live Producer is rolled out (most countries now have it).
- Still blocked? Use a third-party tool like Yellow Duck or OneStream Live to fetch a temporary stream key and route RTMP to Instagram, but remember you’re trusting them with your login. (help.livereacting.com, FAQs)
- Treat the key like a password—sharing it lets anyone stream on your account.
- End the Live in both the encoder and Instagram to prevent ghost sessions.
- Delete unused keys (they auto-expire but better safe).
- Re-generate a new key for every broadcast to avoid unexpected disconnects.
- Switch to a professional account
- Create › Live Video › Next → copy the URL & key
- Paste into OBS (or similar) and start the encoder
- Verify preview → Go Live on Instagram
That’s all that’s needed to obtain and use the “IG code” for desktop livestreaming. Happy streaming!