Instagram has rolled out a new policy regarding the live streaming features. This update restricts access to its live-streaming feature. From now on, only users with at least 1,000 followers and a public profile will be able to go live. This marks a major shift from the previous open-access model, where any user—regardless of follower count or privacy settings—could start a live broadcast. So, here is everything you need to learn about this update and see if you are affected by this policy.
Instagram Update Affecting Live Streaming
The Instagram update for live streaming is expected to impact everyday users and smaller creators the most. Many of these have relied on Live to connect casually with their audience or friends.
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Users affected by Instagram’s latest policy shift are now seeing a message that 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 hasn’t gone over well. Many users have voiced their frustration across social media, calling for Instagram to reverse the decision. Critics argue the new rules unfairly sideline smaller creators and casual users.
This update also mirrors a similar policy on TikTok, which requires a 1,000-follower minimum for live-streaming privileges, suggesting Instagram may be aligning its features with rival platforms.
Targetting Quality And Cost Control
Although Instagram hasn’t officially explained the rationale behind its latest live streaming restrictions, the move appears to be driven by a push for higher-quality content and operational efficiency.
By limiting live access to public accounts with at least 1,000 followers, the platform seems to be prioritizing creators who already have an established audience—those more likely to produce engaging, widely viewed content.
This shift may also help Instagram reduce the resources required to host countless low-viewership streams, which can be costly to maintain. In essence, the policy could be a strategic effort to streamline the live experience for viewers while managing backend expenses.
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