Instagram now requires users to have a minimum of 1,000 followers and a public account to stream live videos.
Instagram has introduced new restrictions on its live-streaming feature. Users must now have at least 1,000 followers and a public account to go live-a major shift from previous rules that allowed anyone to use the feature regardless of follower count or privacy settings.
A notice sent to affected users reads: “We changed requirements to use this feature. Only public accounts with 1,000 followers or more will be able to create live videos.” The change, confirmed by Instagram to TechCrunch, aligns the platform more closely with competitors like TikTok, which also requires 1,000 followers to go live. In contrast, YouTube permits livestreaming with as few as 50 subscribers.
While Instagram has not formally explained the policy shift, it appears to be motivated by cost-efficiency and quality control. Limiting live access to users with larger followings could reduce platform costs and enhance overall content quality. However, the decision has sparked backlash from small creators who feel excluded and disadvantaged.
Critics argue that this move stifles emerging talent and creativity. Many users have taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction and urge Instagram to reconsider. Despite the criticism, the platform has not announced any plans to reverse the update.
This policy change reflects a broader trend among social media platforms to prioritise performance and monetisation over unrestricted access-raising questions about the future of content creation for new and smaller voices in the digital space.
