Instagram now mandates that users have a public account with at least 1,000 followers to utilize the platform’s live feature, as confirmed by the social network to TechCrunch. Previously, anyone could go live, regardless of follower count or account type.
This change may disadvantage smaller creators and casual users who enjoyed going live with friends. Users who don’t meet the new requirement will receive a notification stating that their accounts are ineligible for live streaming, explaining the updated rules.
Many users have voiced their dissatisfaction on social media, with some calling for a reversal of the policy.
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The update aligns Instagram’s live feature with TikTok, which also requires a minimum of 1,000 followers to go live. In contrast, YouTube only requires 50 subscribers for live streaming.
Although Instagram did not specify the reason for this change, it aims to enhance the overall experience of live content. By limiting access to established users, the platform could reduce lower-quality streams and potentially save on the costs associated with hosting livestreams that attract minimal viewers.
SOURCE: TECH CRUNCH