Short answer
IGOverlay is a free Chrome extension that captures your Instagram Live comments and shows them as an animated, transparent overlay you add to OBS, Streamlabs or any app with a browser source.
Requirements
- Google Chrome (or another Chromium browser that supports Chrome Web Store extensions)
- An Instagram account that can go Live from instagram.com on a computer
- Streaming software with a browser source: OBS Studio, Streamlabs Desktop, vMix, XSplit, Meld Studio, Prism Live Studio and others
Quick start
- 1
Install IGOverlay and sign in
Add the free IGOverlay extension from the Chrome Web Store and create an account. Your permanent overlay URL is shown on the extension dashboard.
- 2
Start an Instagram Live on your computer
On instagram.com in Chrome choose Create → Live video. Instagram gives you a stream URL and stream key to use in your streaming software.
- 3
Press ⏺ Overlay
IGOverlay adds an Overlay button to the Live window. Press it and new comments start flowing to your overlay URL.
- 4
Add the overlay to your streaming app
Create a Browser Source with your overlay URL at 1920 × 400, 60 FPS.
- 5
Style it
Open the Overlay Studio to choose a look. Saved changes update the overlay live.
Browser source settings
| URL | Your personal overlay URL from the IGOverlay extension |
|---|---|
| Width | 1920 |
| Height | 400 (a strip along the bottom of a 1080p scene) |
| FPS | 60 |
| Custom CSS | Leave the default; the overlay background is already transparent |
| Shutdown source when not visible | Off, so comments keep arriving while you switch scenes |
Extension dashboard
- Overview: capture status, comments sent, last comment and your overlay URL with a copy button
- Setup guide: an illustrated, step-by-step walkthrough
- Integrations: the comment webhook
- Settings: account, password reset, light/dark theme and privacy controls
Overlay Studio options
| Looks | 6 presets to start from |
|---|---|
| Layout | Single card or chat stack, max visible, order, anchor, alignment, max width |
| Card | Background colour and opacity, radius or corner cut, border, glow, shadow, blur |
| Text | 8 fonts, size, weight, colours, username badge, max lines |
| Motion | 9 entrance and 7 exit animations, speed, bounce, text reveal, idle motion |
| Audio | Text-to-speech voice, speed and volume |
Privacy
IGOverlay runs only on instagram.com and only reads comments after you press ⏺ Overlay on your own Live. It never asks for your Instagram password. Optional anonymous usage analytics for the extension dashboard can be switched off in Settings.
Troubleshooting
- No comments on the overlay: confirm the dashboard says “Capturing live” and that you're signed in.
- Overlay URL changed? It doesn't; it's permanent for your account.
- Styling not updating in OBS: refresh the Browser Source.
- Instagram layout changed and capture stopped: update the extension from the Chrome Web Store, or contact support.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use IGOverlay when I go live from my phone?
IGOverlay reads comments from the Live window on instagram.com, so the Live needs to run on a computer in Chrome.
Is IGOverlay affiliated with Instagram?
No. IGOverlay is an independent tool by NMN Visuals and is not affiliated with Instagram or Meta Platforms, Inc.