The answer is simple: no, you don't need 1000 followers to go live on Instagram. Unlike TikTok or other platforms that impose follower thresholds to unlock certain features, Instagram allows all users to start a live, even with very few followers.
The only real condition is not related to the number of followers, but to the account's reliability. Instagram may temporarily restrict access to live if: the account is brand new, it has experienced suspicious actions, it has violated community guidelines, or it is under verification. If your account is healthy and active, you can start a live immediately, whether you have 5, 50, or 500 followers.
Reaching 1000 followers is therefore not a requirement, but an advantage: with a larger community, your lives will naturally have more viewers and interactions. But in terms of rules, no threshold is imposed.
In summary: no, 1000 followers are not necessary to go live on Instagram. You can start right now.