As of August 2025, Instagram has changed who can go live on the platform and it’s a big shift. From now on, only public accounts with at least 1,000 followers will be able to use Instagram Live. Whether you’re a creator building your audience or just someone who enjoyed going live with friends, this change might affect you.
Here’s everything you need to know about Instagram’s new live-streaming rules, why they’ve changed, and what you can do if you’re below the threshold.
What Is the New Instagram Live Followers Requirement?
The new rule is simple:
To go live on Instagram in 2025, you must:
- Have a public account
- Have 1,000 or more followers
If you don’t meet these criteria, you’ll see a message saying:
“We changed requirements to use this feature. Only public accounts with 1,000 followers or more will be able to create live videos.”
Previously, anyone could go live regardless of follower count or account type. Now, smaller accounts are locked out of the feature entirely.
Why Did Instagram Change the Live Feature Rules?
While Meta (Instagram’s parent company) hasn’t given a detailed explanation, there are several likely reasons behind this update:
- Cost efficiency: Live streaming requires significant server resources. Limiting the feature to larger accounts could reduce costs.
- Content moderation: Raising the follower bar might help prevent misuse, like spam or inappropriate streams from throwaway accounts.
- Better viewing experience: With more established creators using Live, the overall content quality could improve.
- Industry alignment: TikTok already requires 1,000 followers to go live. YouTube also has similar controls in place, making Instagram’s move part of a broader trend.
How This Affects Smaller Creators and Casual Users
This update hits hardest for small creators and regular users who used Live casually:
- Micro-influencers with a few hundred followers can no longer livestream to their audience.
- Everyday users who went live for fun or to connect with close friends now have to rely on video calls instead.
- The discoverability that came from going Live is now limited to more established users.
It’s a big shift in how Instagram Live is positioned from a casual tool to a more exclusive feature.
Can You Bypass the 1K Followers Rule on Instagram Live?
In short: No, there’s no official workaround to bypass the 1,000-follower requirement.
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However, you still have some options:
- Use video calls with friends via DMs for more private, real-time communication.
- Share updates through Stories or Reels to stay connected with your audience.
- Explore other platforms (like YouTube or TikTok) that might offer livestreaming options with lower entry requirements.
Be cautious of third-party tools or hacks that claim to “unlock” Live access. These can put your account at risk.
Tips to Grow Your Followers and Unlock Instagram Live
Want to reach 1,000 followers and regain access to Live? Here are some quick tips:
- Post consistently with valuable or entertaining content.
- Focus on Reels, they’re the fastest way to boost reach and land on Explore.
- Use smart hashtags to get discovered by new users.
- Engage in conversations via comments and DMs to build community.
- Keep your bio, profile photo, and highlights professional and engaging.
With steady effort, reaching the 1,000-follower mark is absolutely doable, and once you do, Instagram Live will be back in your toolkit.
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