Instagram has implemented a new rule requiring users to have at least 1,000 followers to go live, forcing new creators to build an audience first.
Live Streaming: Social media platform Instagram has made a significant and much-discussed change to its popular Live Streaming feature. From now on, the freedom to go live on Instagram will only be available to users who have at least 1,000 followers. This new guideline is being implemented gradually in all countries, and the update has already gone live in India.
Changes to Live Feature: What is the New Rule?
Until now, any user on Instagram, regardless of the number of followers, could go live and interact with their followers. However, this feature will now only be available to those who have 1,000 followers or more. This change was first implemented in India and may gradually be extended to other countries. Those with fewer than 1,000 followers can still communicate with their friends and audience via video calling on Instagram, but the live button will disappear from their profile.
Why This Change?
Although Instagram has not officially stated a specific reason behind this decision, social media analysts believe that there are three main objectives behind this decision:
1. Reducing Server Load
Live streaming is a high-bandwidth feature that demands a large amount of server resources. A large number of users going live without filters puts a heavy load on the platform. The company wants to control this through the 1,000 follower requirement.
2. Content Quality and Responsibility
There have been many cases where live features have been misused to broadcast objectionable, inflammatory, or obscene content. Now, any user who wants to live stream will first have to prove their legitimacy through their presence and number of followers.
3. Community Safety
Instagram wants to ensure that the live feature is only in the hands of users who are active and trustworthy in the community.
A Cause for Concern for Small Creators
The biggest impact of this update will be on small and new content creators who connect with their audience by going live on Instagram. Now, they will not get the live feature until they have at least 1,000 followers. In such a situation, new users will first have to build an audience through videos, reels, and stories. However, Instagram has also said that the video calling feature will still be available to all users. This means that small creators can maintain one-on-one engagement with their audience, but the conditions for public broadcasting (Live) have become stricter.
Is This Change Similar to Other Platforms?
Yes, this step by Instagram is not new. TikTok already only allows users with 1,000 followers to go live, and YouTube requires more than 50 subscribers to live stream from a mobile device (although with certain conditions). In this way, Instagram has now started making its rules like other social media platforms.
New Safety Features for Teenage Users
Along with this, Instagram has also launched two new features in its DM (Direct Message) system, keeping in mind the safety of teenage users:
1. Safety Warning
When a teenager starts a chat with someone for the first time—even if both follow each other—Instagram will show them a safety notification that advises them to thoroughly check the profile of the other user before starting a conversation and to share any personal information thoughtfully.
2. Account Transparency
Now, the DM chat window will also show when (month and year) the other user created their account. This feature will be very helpful in identifying fake or suspicious accounts.
What Should Content Creators Do?
If you are also one of those users who used the live feature but have less than 1,000 followers, then you will now have to make your profile more active and engaging:
- Post regular reels and stories
- Share interactive content with your audience
- Use local hashtags and trends
- Increase followers through competitions or giveaways
