Instagram has implemented a new policy barring public accounts with fewer than 1,000 followers from initiating live broadcasts. Users attempting to host a livestream are now met with a notice stating, “We changed the requirements to use this feature. Only public accounts with 1,000 followers or more will be able to create live videos.” Meta, Instagram’s parent company, has confirmed this new eligibility requirement.
According to Meta, the new rule was put in place to ensure “the best experience for creators that host Live broadcasts” and to drive “improvements in the feature’s overall usage experience.” However, the company did not elaborate on why accounts with fewer than 1,000 followers might hinder this experience.
While the initial notice specifically mentions public accounts, Meta also indicated that the new requirement will eventually apply to private accounts. This change is currently rolling out to private accounts, which suggests that Instagram is likely discontinuing the feature that allowed users to livestream to up to three close friends, a capability launched in 2024.
