Instagram Live Streaming Guidelines: Require Minimum Follower Count; Implications for Users
As of the current date in India, there has been a change in the live streaming policies for three popular social media platforms: Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Instagram, owned by Meta, has introduced a new restriction for its Live Broadcast feature. Now, only public accounts with at least 1,000 followers can start a live session. This change affects casual users, small creators, and businesses from hosting live videos or interacting with their audiences in real time.
Similarly, TikTok requires users to have at least 1,000 followers to access the live streaming feature. Both platforms aim to improve stream quality, reduce spam and harassment, and cut operational costs associated with low-viewership streams.
YouTube, however, maintains a more accessible live streaming policy. Users only need 50 subscribers to stream live on mobile, but there are still limitations. YouTube does not have an age restriction for live streaming like Instagram, but Meta has added safety features for teen users on Instagram.
Instagram's live-streaming restriction does not apply to teen users under 16 by default. They need permission to go live after reaching the age of 16. Teens can enable live streaming on Instagram after reaching the age of 16, but they need parental or guardian permission to go live. Meta has also added additional safety features for teen users on Instagram, including showing when someone joined the platform and reminders to stay safe when messaging strangers.
These policies reflect each platform’s efforts to balance accessibility with content quality, user safety, and platform costs. The new follower limit draws a clearer line between large creators and everyday users on Instagram.
| Platform | Follower/Subscribers Minimum | Account Privacy Requirement | |-----------|------------------------------|---------------------------------| | Instagram | 1,000 followers | Must be a public account | | TikTok | 1,000 followers | Public by default; live depends on follower count | | YouTube | 50 subscribers | No explicit public/private requirement for live, but channel must meet eligibility and community standards |
This change may impact the ability of smaller accounts to engage with their audiences in real time on Instagram. It may also affect small businesses and creators who rely on Instagram for promotional purposes. No explanation has been provided by Meta-owned Instagram as to why this change has been implemented.
[1] Instagram Help Centre [2] TikTok Help Centre [3] YouTube Help Centre [4] The Verge: Instagram is making it harder for anyone to go live
- On Instagram, the new live streaming policy, limiting live sessions to accounts with 1,000 followers, might hinder smaller accounts from interacting with their audiences in real time, potentially impacting small businesses and creators using the platform for promotional purposes.
- Entertaining content on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube now faces stricter live streaming policies, with all three platforms aiming to enhance stream quality, reduce spam and harassment, and minimize operational costs associated with low-viewership streams, thereby transforming these social media platforms into more professional arenas for entertainment.
