Instagram Live is now gated behind a follower count, privacy setting

Instagram has changed the rules of who can go live. If you are a smaller creator or someone with a private account, you might no longer have access. What was once a simple tap-to-go-live feature is now gated behind a follower count and privacy setting. Here’s all you need to know about the new rules for Instagram Live.

All about the new Instagram Live rules

Unlike before, now you need a public account and at least 1,000 followers to start a Live session on Instagram. If your account is private or doesn’t meet the follower count, you’ll see a message saying you’re no longer eligible to go live.

The rule is already in effect and is catching many users off guard. There has been no official announcement from Instagram, but the feature has quietly disappeared for a large number of users globally, including in India.

Other than this, teenage users under the age of 16 will now have Live turned off by default. Even if they switch to a public account, they’ll need parental or guardian permission to enable it. For 16 and 17-year-olds, Instagram allows Live access without guardian approval, but it still comes with content safety filters.

While Instagram hasn’t publicly explained the update, it seems to be in line with other platforms like TikTok, which already has a 1,000-follower minimum criterion to go live. The aim may be to reduce misuse, keep younger audiences safe, and improve the overall quality of livestreams.

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This change will greatly affect smaller creators and influencers. If you are one of them or just an avid Instagram user, do let us know what you feel about this change.