Short answer
Install IGOverlay, go live on instagram.com and press ⏺ Overlay. In Streamlabs Desktop add a Browser Source, paste your overlay URL and set it to 1920 × 400. Your Instagram Live comments then appear in the scene.
Set up Instagram Live comments in Streamlabs
- 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 a Browser Source in Streamlabs Desktop
In your scene click + (Add Source) → Browser Source → Add Source. Name it, paste your overlay URL into the URL field and set the size below.
- 5
Place and lock it
Drag the overlay to where you want comments to appear, then lock the source so it doesn't move mid-stream.
Recommended Streamlabs 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 |
Streaming from Streamlabs to Instagram
Instagram gives you a server URL and stream key when you start a Live from your computer. In Streamlabs, open Settings → Stream, choose a custom ingest, and paste both. The key changes for every Live, so update it each time.
IGOverlay doesn't change how you stream; it only adds the comments on top of your scene.
Frequently asked questions
Does Streamlabs have an Instagram chat widget?
Streamlabs' built-in chat box covers platforms like Twitch and YouTube. For Instagram Live comments you can add IGOverlay as a Browser Source instead.
Will the overlay have a transparent background in Streamlabs?
Yes. The overlay page is transparent, so only the comment cards are visible over your video.
Can I use the same overlay URL every stream?
Yes. Your overlay URL is permanent, so you set up the Browser Source once and reuse it.