Instagram's New Rule of 1,000 Followers: Why It's Making It Harder to Go Live

Instagram Restricts Live Feature to Larger Accounts

Instagram has implemented a significant change to its Live feature, restricting access to users with a larger following. In a move that has sparked considerable backlash, the platform now requires users to have a public account and at least 1,000 followers to broadcast live, effectively ending the feature's availability for many casual users and emerging creators.

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Shift in Strategy

This new policy marks a major departure from Instagram's previous open-access approach. The change aligns the platform more closely with its competitor, TikTok, which has a similar 1,000-follower requirement for its live-streaming function. The move is a stark contrast to YouTube, which allows channels with as few as 50 subscribers to go live. Users who no longer meet the criteria will now see a message informing them that their account is not eligible.

The 'Why' Behind the Change

While Instagram has officially stated the change is meant to "improve the overall Live experience," there are likely other strategic reasons at play. By limiting the feature, Meta, Instagram's parent company, may be aiming to cut the significant costs associated with hosting millions of streams, many of which attract very few viewers. The policy could also be an attempt to curate the platform's content, focusing on higher-quality streams from more established creators to create a more engaging and professional viewing environment.

Backlash from the Community

The decision has been met with widespread frustration from smaller creators and everyday users who valued the feature for its casual, intimate nature. Many feel the new rule is unfair, creating a barrier for those still trying to grow their audience. For these users, the change feels less like an improvement and more like a door being shut on their ability to connect with their community in real-time. The update represents a clear pivot for Instagram, prioritizing a more polished, high-traffic Live experience at the expense of its smaller-scale creators.