The news: Instagram added new limitations to its livestream feature, now requiring creators to have a public account with over 1,000 followers to go live, per TechCrunch.

• The change makes Instagram’s requirements more similar to TikTok’s, which also requires a minimum of 1,000 followers to go live.
• Instagram stated that the update aims to “improve the overall Live consumption experience” but did not provide more specifics.

The benefit to Meta: There are advantages to making livestreams more exclusive for the social media giant.

• The update will ideally limit low-quality livestreams, TechCrunch notes—making it much simpler for users to find quality live content and keeping audiences engaged with the livestream experience.
• The move could save Meta money, as hosting livestreams comes at a high cost.

A blow to small creators: Not everyone benefits from the move.