Having your Instagram live stream hijacked by cybercriminals or exposing yourself to threats isn’t a pleasant experience. To avoid this, you have to be intentional in securing it. So, read along as we discuss some effective ways to make your live broadcasts more secure.
1. Check Your Instagram Security Settings
Did you know that your Instagram account can be hacked while you are holding a live session? This is possible when hackers identify a loophole they can penetrate. Before going live on Instagram, check to confirm that your security is intact. You can set up two-factor authentication with your mobile number to give hackers a hard time.
You can navigate to the Settings section by clicking on your profile picture on the bottom right of your Instagram page. Once you do that, click on the three-dotted lines at the top-right side of your screen and tap on Settings.
2. Identify Your Instagram Audience
Exposing yourself to the wrong crowd could have some security implications online. It’s essential to identify who you’ll be broadcasting your session to before starting your broadcast.
While most of your audience could be your followers, non-followers could also be a part of the audience. Inform your viewers of what the live stream is about, and those interested will stay on to watch and interact with you.
3. Don’t Divulge Private Information
There are some details you shouldn’t share during an Instagram live stream. For instance, it might be okay for you to share details of how you started your career or business. But you should withhold private information, including your address, earnings, and itinerary.
Keep in mind that your viewers might ask you personal questions, but it’s entirely up to you to discern which questions to answer.
4. Avoid Offensive or Inappropriate Content
During an IG live stream, you’ll find people with different ethics and values. To avoid displeasing your viewers, ensure your content is appropriate for a diverse audience. Avoid using offensive and inappropriate words and actions as that might set off your viewers.
It takes a deliberate effort to put out appropriate content. If you jumped on an Instagram broadcast without planning, you might say or do things that some people might consider offensive. So, plan your speech and the answers to possible questions that you might be asked ahead of time to avoid getting caught off guard.
5. Restrict the Troublemakers
While you should try to entertain your viewers, you also need to be wary of some. Be on the lookout for internet trolls because they can ruin your live session. You can mute their comments, which will help you maintain a safe space for your other viewers.
You can add moderators to your Instagram live stream to help you coordinate the session. Additionally, you can restrict offensive comments from viewers. Here’s how to do it:
Go to Settings > Privacy > Hidden Words and use the toggle to enable Hide Comments. You can also create a list of offensive words you would not like to appear in your live session.
You have three options at the end of every live session. You can opt to upload your video on IGTV (Instagram Video), download it, or delete it. The first two options give your followers a chance to rewatch it if they missed the live session.
Adopting Proactive Security on Instagram Live
IG Live is an effective tool for promoting a better connection with your audience and clients. Apart from engaging in real-time discussions with your viewers, holding an Instagram live stream also gives them a glimpse into your life.
You don’t have to worry if everything is not going according to your plan. It’s called IG Live for a reason. You can’t compare it to pre-recorded content. So, if you encounter a glitch, apologize to your viewers, fix it, and carry on.
There’s only so much you can do to protect yourself online. Being proactive gives you an extra layer of security while interacting with your audience.
