If you have fewer than 1,000 followers on Instagram, you can no longer use its Live broadcast feature. Users have reported being blocked from going live over the last few days, receiving a pop-up notice that reads, “We changed the requirements to use this feature.” Now, Meta has confirmed the new rule is official.
According to the company, the change was made to ensure it’s “providing the best experience for creators” and improving the feature’s overall usage. However, it provided no clear explanation for why users with fewer followers might not have a good experience or why this change was necessary.
The new rule doesn’t just apply to public accounts trying to build an audience; it hits private users, too. This means that a popular feature launched in 2024, which let you go live with just a few close friends, is also being killed off. The change is rolling out to private accounts now, so anyone without the required follower count will soon lose the ability to broadcast.
This move effectively shuts the door on a huge number of Instagram users. Small creators just starting, friends wanting to chat, or families sharing a moment live will no longer be able to use the feature. It transforms Instagram Live from a tool for everyone into one reserved for accounts that have already managed to build a significant following.
