Instagram has brought a major change to its live streaming policy. From now on, a user must have at least 1,000 followers and their profile must be public to start a live broadcast. Previously, any user, regardless of follower count, could go live. This new rule will particularly affect small creators and casual users who have not yet reached 1,000 followers.
According to Meta, the decision aims to optimize server and bandwidth usage and improve the overall quality of live streams. Live streaming is resource intensive, and providing the feature to users with very few viewers is not efficient for the platform. Additionally, the restriction will help reduce inappropriate or unwanted live broadcasts.
Experts suggest that this step aligns Instagram with TikTok, which has a similar follower requirement for going live. By enforcing this rule, Instagram seeks to create a more selective and higher-quality creator ecosystem.
This change also makes gaining followers more crucial for creators who want to engage their audience through live sessions. To meet the new threshold, they are encouraged to post Reels, Stories, and interactive content regularly t increase visibility and attract followers.
Recently, Meta also introduced extra safety measures for teenagers. Users under the age of 16 will need parental permission to go live, making the platform more controlled and secure.
