Instagram Now Requires 1,000 Followers To Go Live: What This Means For Creators

Instagram has introduced a major change that’s making waves among creators and everyday users alike: from now on, you’ll need at least 1,000 followers and a public account to go live on the platform. Previously, anyone could start a livestream, no matter how many followers they had. This new rule is sparking criticism, especially among smaller creators and users who loved going live casually.

Why the change?

Instagram says the update aims to “improve the overall Live experience.” While the platform hasn’t shared many details, the goal appears to be raising the quality of livestreams and keeping content more engaging for viewers. In theory, this could reduce spammy or low-quality streams that sometimes flood the app.

Impact on small creators

For creators who haven’t yet built a large following, this update feels like a major setback. Many smaller influencers, hobbyists, and even regular users who went live to chat with friends now find themselves locked out. The frustration is real, as these users relied on Live to connect and grow their audience organically.

Following TikTok’s model

Interestingly, Instagram isn’t alone in setting stricter requirements. TikTok already has a similar rule: users must have at least 1,000 followers to access its live streaming feature. YouTube, by comparison, is far more relaxed — requiring only 50 subscribers for mobile live streaming, although other monetisation features need more.

Cost-cutting or content strategy?

Beyond content quality, there’s also speculation that Meta, Instagram’s parent company, is looking to reduce costs. Hosting livestreams isn’t free — servers and bandwidth cost money, especially when streams attract only a few viewers. By limiting Live to larger accounts, Instagram may be ensuring that the feature is used mainly by creators with active audiences, making it more cost-effective.

A better experience or lost creativity?

Instagram insists it’s about creating a better viewing experience. But for many smaller creators, the change feels like a closed door — reducing opportunities to experiment, connect, and build a following through live interactions.

As social media platforms evolve, these rule changes remind us that even the most accessible tools can quickly become exclusive — reshaping how we share and connect online.