For its part, Instagram has made a few public announcements about new improvements being made in live streaming that will now enable accessing the service through third-party tools via desktop PCs.

According to Instagram:
"Now, if you're a professional account, you can go live on Instagram using streaming software like OBS or Streamlabs through a stream key. We hope this helps broadcasters take their content to the next level and connect with their audiences."

That may mean a lot more creators coming to stream into the app, with the streamlined sign-up process making it less obnoxious to get high-quality broadcasts into the app.
Starting now, you'll be able to obtain a stream key via the "Create" menu in the desktop version of the app. You will also see a preview exactly of what your video will look like when you go live.

Once you've streamed and your stream is looking the way you want it, start your streaming software. From the Live Producer viewer on instagram.com you'll get a preview of what your stream will look like on Instagram Live.

You can then select "Go Live" and broadcast through the app.

It is a fantastic update that-as written above-could nudge more creators to stream in the app. And as live streams drive strong engagement, that may well be worth considering in your 2024 planning, with this new connection process providing more considerations for all creators.