Instagram Live allows users to broadcast live video to their followers in real time. It has become an extremely popular way for influencers, celebrities, athletes, musicians and public figures to engage with their audience. Some of the most viewed Instagram Live streams have attracted audiences of over 50 million people.
Cristiano Ronaldo
In March 2020, Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo went on Instagram Live with DJ Martin Garrix and attracted an audience of over 50 million viewers. Ronaldo is one of the most popular athletes on Instagram with over 460 million followers. During the live stream, Ronaldo and Garrix chatted, played some music and encouraged people to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic. This remains the most viewed Instagram Live stream of all time.
Cardi B
American rapper Cardi B holds the record for the most viewed Instagram Live stream by a musician. In March 2020, Cardi B went on Live to chat with her fans during a time of social distancing. Her stream peaked at over 3.2 million concurrent viewers. During the laid-back stream, Cardi B spoke about coronavirus concerns, her pregnancy and what she’s been up to at home. She encouraged people to stay home and stay safe.
Miley Cyrus
In March 2020, singer Miley Cyrus launched a daily Instagram Live talk show called “Bright Minded: Live with Miley” to bring some positivity during the pandemic. Her first stream featured guest Demi Lovato and attracted over 2.5 million concurrent viewers. Cyrus continued the show for several more weeks, discussing wellness, meditation and music with guests like Amy Schumer, Reese Witherspoon and Hilary Duff. The streams gave fans daily inspiration and comfort.
Drake
Drake has attracted huge audiences for his Instagram Live streams. In April 2020, over 3 million people tuned in simultaneously to watch him debut some new music. Drake also did an Instagram Live DJ set in April 2020 that peaked at over 320,000 live viewers. The rapper often pops on to debut unreleased music, chat with fans and interact with fellow musicians on Live.
Jennifer Lopez
In April 2020, Jennifer Lopez hosted a live dance party on Instagram that over 1.8 million people tuned into at once. The singer livestreamed a fun dance session from her home, encouraging people to stay active and relieve stress while quarantining. Fans loved seeing JLo’s moves and positive energy. Other big Instagram Live moments for JLo include performing in her backyard for over 850,000 fans and having a chat with over 145,000 viewers.
Rihanna
In March 2020, Rihanna went on Instagram Live to debut her new Fenty Beauty products and chat makeup tips with fans. Over 1.4 million people tuned in live to watch the stream. The popular singer often hops on Live to interact with the Navy, her loyal fanbase. Another of Rihanna’s top Instagram Live moments was a chat with over 630,000 viewers about how she’s handling quarantine life.
Kevin Hart
Comedian Kevin Hart has attracted huge numbers on his Instagram Live streams. In March 2020, Hart went Live with guest Drake where they chatted about staying positive during the pandemic. The stream peaked at over 1 million live viewers. Another popular moment was Hart’s workout Live with over 760,000 fans. The funnyman regularly invites fellow celebs onto his Live streams.
Alicia Keys
In March 2020, Grammy-winner Alicia Keys launched an Instagram Live talk show called “Alicia Keys: Songs I Wish I Wrote” where she chats with fellow musicians. Her first episode featuring songwriter Ann Marie attracted an audience of over 850,000 people. Keys also went Live in partnership with CNN to discuss how coronavirus is impacting marginalized communities, drawing over 260,000 viewers.
Oprah Winfrey
Iconic TV host Oprah Winfrey has used Instagram Live to uplift people during difficult times. In March 2020, Oprah streamed a free motivational talk about staying grounded during the pandemic that over 1 million people tuned into. She’s also gone Live for meditation sessions and discussions about racism and police brutality following George Floyd’s death, engaging thousands of viewers.
John Mayer
Singer-songwriter John Mayer has started the informal Instagram Live series “Current Mood” where he jams on guitar and interacts with special guests. Some of his most popular episodes include playing music with Charlie Puth for over 650,000 viewers and chatting about his songwriting with Shawn Mendes for over 185,000 fans. Mayer’s candid conversations and musical talents make for enticing viewing.
DJ D-Nice
During the early days of the pandemic in 2020, DJ D-Nice started an Instagram Live series called “Club Quarantine” where he DJed hours-long sets of music. His virtual dance parties drew celebrities like Rihanna, Oprah, Michelle Obama and over 100,000 concurrent viewers who tuned in to hear D-Nice’s mixing skills and positive energy. It became a global phenomenon, uniting people through music.
Patrick Starrr
Makeup artist and influencer Patrick Starrr has attracted big numbers with his beauty-focused Instagram Live streams. In April 2020, Starrr hosted a virtual masterclass on soft glam makeup that over 440,000 people tuned into simultaneously. He also did a Live Q&A about beauty secrets that over 77,000 viewers watched live. Fans flock to his streams to get glam tips.
Supernatural Cast
To raise spirits during quarantine, the cast of the TV show Supernatural hosted rewatch parties on Instagram Live. Their first stream in March 2020 attracted over 330,000 live viewers. Stars like Misha Collins and Jensen Ackles interacted with fans in real time as they rewatched old episodes together. The virtual parties were a fun treat for Supernatural devotees.
Chris Brown
R&B star Chris Brown is known for his engaging Instagram Live streams. In March 2020, Brown went on Live to debut new music from his album “Indigo Extended” for over 160,000 listeners. He also hosted a dance party Live that over 270,000 fans tuned into. The smooth singer often hops on to chat, joke around and show off his moves for his 34 million followers.
Vanessa Hudgens
Disney Channel alum Vanessa Hudgens has drawn big numbers with her fun, candid Instagram Live streams. In March 2020, Hudgens went Live with singer Ashley Tisdale in a nostalgic High School Musical-themed broadcast that over 142,000 people enjoyed. She also hosted wine nights, workout sessions, music jams and conversations with fans attracting tens of thousands of viewers.
Ryan Tedder
As the lead singer of OneRepublic, Ryan Tedder has an amazing voice. During quarantine, he started going on Instagram Live regularly to perform mini-concerts singing a mix of covers, OneRepublic songs and unreleased tracks. His streams have garnered over 85,000 live viewers who love hearing Ryan showcase his vocal skills in an intimate way.
Duane ‘Dog’ Chapman
Reality TV star Duane “Dog the Bounty Hunter” Chapman hosted a special Instagram Live broadcast in April 2020 to debut his new show “Dog’s Most Wanted” for over 77,000 viewers. Fans enjoyed interacting with the star in real time and learning about his upcoming projects after the loss of his wife Beth Chapman.
Andy Cohen
Bravo TV host Andy Cohen tested positive for COVID-19 in March 2020 and gave updates on his health to fans via Instagram Live. His first quarantine stream announcing his diagnosis garnered over 52,000 live viewers. Cohen continued streaming from home, doing interviews with stars like Lisa Rinna and updating fans on his recovery which comforted many.
Key Takeaways
Instagram Live provides a powerful way for stars to engage mass audiences in real time. As evidenced by the viewing numbers, fans love the intimacy and spontaneity of Live streams. Celebrities have leveraged the platform to debut new content, chat candidly, host virtual events and unite people positively during challenging times. With its popularity growing, Instagram Live will likely continue facilitating memorable moments between icons and audiences.