Instagram users are in for a surprise as the platform now demands a minimum of 1,000 followers to go live. This new rule, recently confirmed by TechCrunch, marks a significant shift from the previous policy that allowed anyone to stream live, regardless of their follower count or account privacy settings.
The Impact on Creators and Users
This change is likely to hit smaller creators hard, as well as regular users who enjoyed going live with friends for fun. Those with private accounts or fewer than 1,000 followers will now be greeted with a notice stating that they are no longer eligible for live streaming. The message is clear: only public accounts with a substantial following can create live videos.
Social Media Backlash
Unsurprisingly, users have taken to social media to voice their discontent with the new requirement, with some calling for a reversal. The move aligns Instagram more closely with TikTok, which also mandates a minimum of 1,000 followers to go live, while YouTube requires a mere 50 subscribers for live streaming.
Improved Live Experience
Although Instagram has not provided a specific reason for the change, it claims that the goal is to enhance the overall live viewing experience. By restricting live streaming to users with a sizeable audience, the platform aims to reduce low-quality streams and potentially save on broadcasting costs.
In essence, Instagram’s new rule signals a shift towards a more exclusive live streaming experience, favoring established creators and engaging content. For users seeking to go live, building a dedicated following of 1,000 or more followers has now become a prerequisite.
