Instagram Restricts Live Streaming to Accounts with Over 1,000 Followers
Instagram has introduced a significant change to its live streaming feature, now requiring users to have at least 1,000 followers to go live, according to a report by tech site Engadget.
The Meta-owned platform did not provide a specific reason for the change but stated that the new policy is aimed at improving service quality and enhancing the overall user experience for both creators and viewers.
Meta clarified that the updated requirements apply not only to public and influencer accounts but also to private profiles. This marks a major shift in how live streaming is accessed across the platform, signaling the end of one of Instagram’s previously unique features — the ability to go live with just a few close friends regardless of follower count.
The update follows a broader push by Instagram to cater to different user needs, including more privacy-conscious or introverted users. In a recent announcement, Instagram head Adam Mosseri outlined a range of features designed to make the platform more comfortable and customizable.
Among the new features is the ability to publish content without notifying followers, as well as a redesigned profile interface that allows for rearranging existing posts. Another key addition is a new “Preview Clips” feature that enables users to share videos exclusively with non-followers — a move aimed at expanding audience reach without overwhelming current followers.
In a separate update rolled out in recent weeks, Instagram also enhanced its video editing tools to better compete with TikTok’s CapCut. The revamped editor now includes more advanced editing options, new visual effects, and text animations, giving users a more complete set of tools to create polished video content directly within the app.
These updates reflect Instagram’s continued efforts to evolve its platform and keep pace with user expectations in an increasingly competitive social media landscape.