Instagram live streaming rules change: Who can still go live and who's restricted; check if you are on the list and other key details
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Now, only users with at least 1,000 followers and a public account can initiate Live broadcasts. This change aligns Instagram with platforms like TikTok, which have a similar follower minimum to use live streaming. While Instagram hasn't officially explained the rationale, the move appears aimed at enhancing the quality and relevance of live content on the platform, reducing infrastructure costs, and steering creators towards more professional, monetized use cases.
However, this decision has sparked concerns about its impact on smaller creators and everyday users who relied on Live for casual social interaction.
Instagram's new update on live streaming policy
The new rule requires users to have a minimum of 1,000 followers and maintain a public account to access Instagram's Live feature. Users who don't meet these criteria will see a notification that reads:
'Your account is no longer eligible for Live. We changed the requirements to use this feature.
Only public accounts with 1,000 followers or more will be able to create live videos.' This essentially limits Live streaming to more established users, restricting smaller accounts and private profiles from broadcasting live content. The update marks a shift in Instagram's approach, transforming Live from an inclusive social tool to a feature that favors creators with larger audiences.
Why did Instagram make this change? Potential reasons behind the update
Although Instagram has not publicly detailed the reasons, experts and user feedback suggest several motivations:
Improved streaming quality and user experience:
Live video demands substantial real-time bandwidth and server resources.
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Limiting the feature to larger accounts could reduce network strain and improve streaming stability for viewers and broadcasters.
Focus on monetisation and professional content:
By favoring accounts with bigger followings, Instagram is likely prioritizing creators who use Live for business, influencer marketing, and branded content, aligning with Meta's monetization goals.
Industry alignment:
TikTok and other social platforms already require a follower threshold to go live, so Instagram is possibly standardizing its policies to compete and maintain advertiser interest.
This approach reflects a broader industry trend where live streaming is becoming more about professional content and less about casual social sharing.
New Instagram live rules frustrate small creators
The update has met with mixed reactions from Instagram's community, especially among small creators and casual users. Many feel this change limits opportunities for organic growth and reduces the platform's inclusivity. Common concerns include:
Stifling creativity and community
: Smaller creators and everyday users often used Live for personal connections, casual chats, or niche hobbies.
Restricting access may discourage authentic, grassroots engagement.
Encouragement of artificial growth:
Some fear the policy will drive people to buy fake followers or use bots just to unlock Live, undermining genuine community building.
Prioritising profit over users:
Several users criticize Instagram for prioritizing monetized content and brand deals, sidelining users who don't generate revenue.
Social media commentators have called the move 'a push towards commercialization' that risks alienating loyal, smaller creators who helped build Instagram's community.
How does this impact Instagram users moving forward
For creators and users, the implications are significant:
Established creators benefit:
Influencers and larger accounts gain more exclusive control over live content, potentially increasing their visibility and monetization options.
Small accounts must adapt:
Users with fewer than 1,000 followers will need to explore other engagement strategies or focus on growing their audience before accessing Live streaming.
Shift towards professionalism:
Instagram is clearly steering Live towards use cases involving brand promotion, influencer marketing, and advertiser-friendly content rather than casual personal sharing.
This shift may reshape how communities interact on Instagram and influence where smaller creators choose to invest their time and energy.
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