Decoding The Instagram Live Conundrum: The Whys and Why Nots

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Ever since Instagram launched its live streaming feature in 2016, users across the globe have jumped onto the live video bandwagon. The initial curiosity and thrill around the prospect of broadcasting live to followers have spurred many people. I myself began to contemplate the real value of Instagram live. With these lingering doubts, I found myself rethinking my decision of planning live streams. This article reflects my journey into understanding the why's and why not's of going live on Instagram.

When I first toyed with the idea of going live on Instagram, it seemed exciting. The thoughts of being live, streaming my performances for everyone to see, sounded alluring, but as I evaluated my options and ventured deeper into the practicality of this, the charm gradually diminished. One significant impediment I found was the dearth of appealing venues for the live music sessions I was contemplating. Given the HIV pandemic-induced restrictions and my personal comfort zone, the spaces available to me seemed uninspiring. On Instagram, aesthetics and location matter, so I reluctantly dropped this idea. In another bid to engage my followers, I thought of showing off my upcoming online store's new merchandise via Instagram live. However, the fear of not being received well, of being ridiculed for the limited quantity of the products, held me back. Instagram's comment section is infamous for its toxicity, and opening oneself to such potential criticism is indeed daunting. So, at this juncture, I question - what is the real purpose of going live on Instagram? It appears that Instagram live serves people with a well-established following. For influencers and celebrities with a substantial fanbase, it offers a platform to interact directly with their audience. For those launching new products, campaigns, or initiatives, it provides a wide-reaching marketing medium. Yet, without an expansive audience or flashy launches, the relevance of this feature diminishes. Moreover, my concerns extend beyond a lack of purpose. For someone with a smaller reach like myself, going live may have detrimental effects on privacy. Exposing oneself and their surroundings to a live audience is an invasion of personal space and I personally don't consider it safe.

So, as I struggle to see the benefit of being on Instagram live, it seems the cons significantly outweigh the pros. However, I don’t discount the value it holds for others. Instagram Live can undoubtedly be a game changer, depending on the purpose, circumstances, and the courage to expose oneself in this public realm. In the meanwhile, I would be exploring other channels and features of Instagram that could better fit my preferences and purpose. Ultimately, the value of social media is the power it offers to users – to adapt, evolve, and choose what suits you best. Instagram Live may not fit into my schema of things, but the fact remains that Instagram has provided a platform, how and if you want to utilize it, remains a personal choice.