Instagram has introduced a significant policy change: as of early August 2025, users must operate public accounts with at least 1,000 followers to access the Live video featur. The move, confirmed by Instagram to TechCrunch, marks a departure from its longstanding approach that allowed anyone—including private and low-follower accounts—to go live.
When ineligible users attempt to go live, a banner appears stating: “Your account is no longer eligible for Live. We changed requirements to use this feature. Only public accounts with 1,000 followers or more will be able to create live videos.” Smaller creators and casual broadcasters have expressed frustration over loss of access to what was once an inclusive tool for community interaction.
This shift aligns Instagram more closely with competitors – TikTok also enforces a 1,000‑follower minimum for Live, whereas YouTube sets its threshold at just 50 subscribers. Instagram has not publicly articulated its reasoning, but observers suggest the goal may be to improve overall Live quality and reduce infrastructure costs associated with servicing accounts that generate minimal viewership.
Supporters of the update argue that limiting access could help maintain professional standards on Live broadcasts, reducing misuse by spam and low-engagement streams. Critics counter that the move disproportionately impacts emerging creators and everyday users who rely on Live to engage directly with niche audiences or close-knit communities. The reasoning behind the change could be anything from a focus on avoiding spam to saving on server costs, but for now, the change appears to be a long-term decision.
