Instagram Live Follower Requirement: 1,000 Followers Now Needed

Instagram Live Access Now Requires 1,000 Followers

Instagram has implemented a new policy requiring users to have a public account and a minimum of 1,000 followers to initiate live broadcasts, as confirmed by reports to TechCrunch.

Previously, the platform permitted any user, irrespective of their follower count or account privacy settings, to utilize the Live feature.

Impact on Users

This adjustment will notably affect smaller content creators who do not yet meet the 1,000-follower threshold. It also impacts casual users who enjoyed spontaneous live streams with their friends.

Individuals with private accounts or fewer than 1,000 followers will encounter a notification upon attempting to go live. This message will indicate their ineligibility for the Live feature.

The notification explicitly states that requirements have been altered, and only public accounts with 1,000 or more followers are now authorized to create live videos.

User Reaction

Social media platforms are currently filled with user feedback expressing dissatisfaction with this change. Many are requesting a reversal of the new policy.

Comparison to Other Platforms

This shift aligns Instagram’s live functionality more closely with that of TikTok. TikTok also mandates a minimum of 1,000 followers for users wishing to broadcast live.

In contrast, YouTube has a lower requirement, needing only 50 subscribers for a channel to qualify for live streaming.

Reasons for the Change

While Instagram has not publicly stated a definitive reason for this update, the company indicated it aims to enhance the overall experience for those consuming Live content.

Limiting access to live streaming could potentially reduce the number of lower-quality broadcasts by restricting the feature to users with an established audience base.

Another potential motivation is cost reduction for Meta. Hosting live video streams incurs significant expenses, and the company may be seeking to minimize support for broadcasts with limited viewership.

Ultimately, the change could be a strategic move to prioritize higher-engagement live content on the platform.