Instagram update: These users can no longer go live, check if you are one of them

This change, confirmed by the social network to TechCrunch, marks a significant shift from previous policies where any user could go live regardless of their follower count or account type. The decision is likely to affect smaller creators and everyday users who enjoyed live-streaming with friends.

A notice appearing to users impacted by the change states: “We changed requirements to use this feature. Only public accounts with 1,000 followers or more will be able to create live videos.” This update has sparked dissatisfaction among users, many of whom have taken to social media to voice their concerns and request a reversal of the decision.

The move brings Instagram’s live-streaming feature more in line with its competitor TikTok, which also mandates a 1,000-follower threshold for live-streaming access. In contrast, platforms like YouTube allow users with as few as 50 subscribers to go live. While Instagram has not explicitly stated the reasoning behind the new rule, it appears to be aimed at enhancing the quality of live broadcasts and reducing costs associated with hosting low-viewership streams.

By enforcing this minimum follower requirement, Instagram may be attempting to ensure that live streams are of higher quality, as they will likely come from users who have already cultivated a significant following. This could potentially improve the overall experience for viewers by filtering out less engaging content.

The decision might also be financially motivated for Meta, Instagram’s parent company. Since livestreaming can be costly, restricting access to those with a substantial audience may help reduce expenses related to supporting numerous small-scale broadcasts. Additionally, this move could be seen as a strategic alignment with other social media platforms, which have similar thresholds, thereby standardising the live-streaming landscape.

While the change may elevate the quality of live content, it could also stifle the creativity and growth of emerging creators who are still building their follower base. This has led to criticism from users who feel that the policy unfairly disadvantages new or smaller accounts.

Despite the backlash, Instagram has not indicated any plans to revert the policy. Users without the requisite follower count who attempt to go live will encounter the new restrictions, potentially prompting them to work towards expanding their audience. This could encourage users to engage more actively with their followers, fostering a more vibrant community.

As the digital landscape evolves, platforms like Instagram continue to refine their policies to balance user satisfaction with economic considerations. This latest change highlights the ongoing challenge of managing platform resources while catering to a diverse user base. As social media continues to grow, such policies may become more common as platforms strive to maintain quality and manage costs effectively.