How to Screen Share on Instagram

You can absolutely share your screen during an Instagram video call, and it’s a game-changer for everything from planning a trip with friends to collaborating on a project with your team. This guide will walk you through exactly how to start screen sharing, step-by-step. We’ll also cover some creative ways to use the feature to boost your productivity and connect more effectively.

What is an Instagram Screen Share?

In mid-2023, Instagram rolled out a new screen-sharing capability for video calls. Initially called "Media Sharing," this feature lets you broadcast whatever is on your phone’s screen to everyone else in your video chat. When you start sharing, the person or people you’re calling will see your app-switching, photo-scrolling, and website-navigating in real time. It's an incredibly useful tool that turns a simple video call into a collaborative, interactive session.

Unlike simply sending a screenshot or a screen recording later, a live screen share allows for immediate feedback and conversation. You can point things out, get opinions on the spot, and guide someone through a process as if you were sitting right next to them. It’s perfect for both personal catch-ups and professional work sessions.

How to Screen Share on Instagram: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting started with screen sharing is straightforward. As long as your app is updated to the latest version, you should see the option available in your video calls. Here’s exactly how to do it.

Step 1: Start an Instagram Video Call

You can only share your screen while you're in an active video call. You can’t initiate a screen share from a regular text chat or an audio-only call.

• Open your Instagram app and go to your Direct Messages (tap the paper airplane or messenger icon in the top right corner).
• Select an existing conversation with a friend or a group, or start a new one.
• In the top right corner of the chat screen, tap the video camera icon to start a video call.
• Wait for the other person or people to join the call.

Step 2: Find and Tap the Media Share Button

Once you’re connected in the video call, you'll see a toolbar at the bottom of your screen with various icons (mute, turn off video, add people, etc.).

• Look for the Media sharing icon. It typically looks like a square with a play icon or a photo inside, often positioned in the center or near-center of the toolbar.
• Tap this icon. A menu will pop up from the bottom of the screen, showing you different types of media you can share with the people on your call.

Step 3: Choose the Screen Sharing Option

The media sharing menu gives you access to your saved posts, Reels, and photos. Among these options, you'll find the screen sharing function.

• In the menu that appears, look for the option labeled "Screen Share." It usually has a distinct icon, like a phone with an arrow pointing out of it.
• Tap on "Screen Share" to begin the process.

Step 4: Confirm You Want to Start Broadcasting

For your privacy and security, your phone (both iOS and Android) will prompt you for permission before it starts broadcasting your entire screen. This is a critical step to prevent you from sharing anything accidentally.

• A pop-up window will appear. On an iPhone, it will say "Screen Broadcast" and warn you that everything on your screen, including notifications, will be recorded. On Android, you'll see a similar message like "Start recording or casting with Instagram?"
• Review the prompt and tap "Start Broadcast" or "Start now" to confirm. There will likely be a short 3-2-1 countdown before the sharing begins.

Once you confirm, your screen will begin sharing. Other people on the call will see everything you see on your display.

Step 5: Navigate and Share Your Screen Content

When screen sharing is active, you can minimize the Instagram app and navigate freely around your phone. A picture-in-picture window will typically show your video chat so you can still see who you're talking to. The people you are talking with will see your home screen, your apps, your browser - anything you pull up.

While sharing, a red bar or icon will usually appear at the top of your screen to indicate that a screen broadcast is active.

Step 6: How to Stop Screen Sharing

When you're finished sharing, you can end the broadcast easily without having to end the entire video call.

• Tap on the red bar/icon at the top of your screen or return to the Instagram app.
• This will open a pop-up or take you back to the video call interface where you’ll see a button that says "Stop Sharing" or "Stop Broadcast."
• Tap that button, and your screen will immediately stop being visible to others on the call. Your video call will continue as normal.

That's all there is to it! You can now start and stop screen sharing whenever you need to during your calls.

Creative Ways to Use Instagram Screen Sharing

Now that you know how to share your screen, let's look at some practical and creative ways you can use this feature. It's surprisingly versatile for personal chats, creative collaboration, and even small business activities.

For Personal and Social Use

• Plan a Trip Together: Stop sending dozens of links back and forth. Hop on a video call and screen share as you look at flights or an Airbnb booking website. You can discuss options and make decisions in real time.
• Swipe Through Dating Apps: Get your friend's immediate, unfiltered opinion by screen sharing while you browse through profiles together. It’s way more interactive and fun than sending screenshots.
• Look at Photos Together: Go through an old digital photo album with a family member who lives far away, sharing memories as if you were in the same room.
• Help a Less Tech-Savvy Relative: Frustrated trying to explain how to change a setting on a phone? Just call them, screen share, and show them exactly what buttons to press.

For Content Creators and Marketers

• Review Content Drafts: Share your screen to show a teammate or client a draft of a new Reel, a set of Instagram Stories, or a graphic you designed in another app. This lets you get precise feedback instantly.
• Quick Analytics Walkthrough: Instead of preparing a formal report, you can have a quick sync-up call with a client and screen share their performance dashboard to discuss what’s working.
• Collaborate on a Content Calendar: Open up your content calendar in Google Calendar or a Notion doc and brainstorm ideas with your collaborator. You can fill out the slate together, ensuring you're aligned on the plan.
• Mini-Tutorials or Demos: Share your screen to teach a fellow creator how you achieved a certain video editing effect or how to use a specific feature in a content creation app.

For Small Businesses and Brands

• Virtual Shopping Assistance: Walk a customer through your website to help them find a specific product or navigate the checkout process. This personal touch can be a powerful way to secure a sale and build loyalty.
• Quick Product Demos: If your product is a digital app or service, you can give prospective customers a quick, informal tour of its features directly from your phone.
• Onboarding New Team Members: Show a new hire how to access important team documents, log into a specific platform, or perform a key task right from your phone.

Tips and Best Practices for a Smooth Screen Share

Screen sharing is simple, but keeping a few points in mind can make the experience better and more professional for everyone involved.

1. Tidy Up Your Screen First

Before you tap "Start Broadcast," take a quick look at your phone. Do you have embarrassing or private notifications sitting on your lock screen? Is your background photo something you want your client to see? Close any unnecessary apps to make navigation smoother and hide anything you'd rather keep private.

2. Use "Do Not Disturb" Mode

Remember, when you screen share, everything on your screen is visible, including incoming notifications from texts, emails, and other apps. To avoid an awkward or private message from popping up for everyone to see, a great practice is to turn on "Do Not Disturb" mode on your phone before you start a screen share session.

3. Have Your Content Ready to Go

Don't make people wait while you fumble around trying to find the website or document you want to show them. Have the relevant tabs and apps open and ready before you start the call. This makes you look more prepared and respects everyone's time.

4. Check That Your App is Updated

If you don’t see the screen share option in your media sharing tray, the most likely culprit is an outdated app. Head to the App Store or Google Play Store and make sure your Instagram is updated to the latest version.

5. Remember It Works in Group Calls, Too!

Screen sharing isn’t limited to one-on-one calls. It works perfectly in group video chats as well, making it an excellent tool for team meetings or catching up with a group of friends. Anyone in the call can choose to share their screen.

By blending the personal nature of a video call with the utility of sharing your screen, Instagram has created a powerful tool for communication and collaboration. Whether you're a marketer, a creator, a business owner, or just catching up with friends, it's a feature well worth using.

Final Thoughts

Instagram's screen sharing feature turns a simple video call into a powerful tool for connection and collaboration. Now that you know how to use it, you can easily guide a family member through a tech problem, brainstorm content ideas with your team, or even offer live support for your small business customers.

Just like turning on a screen share can streamline a single conversation, the right tools can bring that same clarity to your entire SMM workflow. When we found ourselves juggling different apps for planning, scheduling, and engaging with our audience, we knew there had to be a better way. We built Postbase to bring your content calendar, publishing queue, and community messages into one clean, modern space, so you can focus on creating great content instead of fighting with clunky software.