Instagram Restricts Live Video Access to Accounts with 1,000+ Followers

After implementing a new set of rules, Instagram now requires users to have a minimum of 1,000 followers to access its live video feature. The change, which marks a significant shift from the platform’s previous approach of allowing all users to go live regardless of follower count, is intended to enhance the overall quality of content and viewing experience. Confirmed by Meta, Instagram’s parent company, the policy update is reportedly aimed at filtering out low-quality streams and may also help reduce operational costs by limiting the number of simultaneous live broadcasts. The new requirement has generated considerable discussion among the user base, particularly among smaller creators and influencers who rely on live sessions to grow their audience and connect with followers. This move aligns Instagram’s live streaming eligibility with similar policies on competing platforms like TikTok, which also mandates a 1,000-follower threshold for live broadcasting. Users with fewer than 1,000 followers who attempt to go live will now be met with a notification explaining the updated policy. The company has stated that the rollout of this new rule will eventually extend to private accounts as well.