How To Livestream on YouTube: What You Need to Know

With billions of active monthly users, YouTube is one of the world's largest streaming platforms. Similar to sites like Twitch and Kick, it lets creators share content with audiences live. 

If you’re new to this content creation style, read on to learn how to livestream on YouTube.

What’s YouTube Live?

YouTube Live is a feature that lets you broadcast footage in real time. It lets you share whatever you’re doing as it happens — whether that’s attending an event, filming a tutorial, or just hanging out and chatting.

Content creators in any niche can go live to earn new subscribers. Beauty influencers can do live makeup tutorials, and mechanics can fix a car problem on stream. Ultimately, the purpose is to make unedited, authentic content that audiences can engage with. 

The platform also has interactive features to let viewers connect with both you and other audience members, which makes streaming a great way to build a community. For instance, followers can talk to each other in chat, answer polls, and send custom emojis.

3 Key Benefits of Livestreaming on YouTube

Even if you’ve never streamed before, going live can offer your channel several benefits. Here are just a few.

1. Increased Audience Interaction and Engagement

Unlike prerecorded videos, livestreaming fosters active participation. It allows you to instantly answer questions and receive feedback, which makes viewers more likely to engage. Plus, people are more likely to comment, watch, and like posts because the window to interact is limited.

2. Improved Event Experience

With YouTube Live, you can host virtual events that people can join from anywhere. No matter what you're producing — a webinar, product launch, or live show — streaming saves money on travel and venue costs. In addition, features like live chat and polls make these events fun and interactive experiences.

3. Better YouTube Algorithm Performance

Livestreams perform well in search results and recommendations because YouTube’s algorithm favors real-time engagement and fresh content, helping creators reach a wider audience. Plus, YouTube automatically archives livestreams, allowing the videos to continue gaining views and engagement long after the broadcast ends.

Go Live on YouTube: 5 Steps 

If you’re ready to stream, here are five simple steps you can take to go live.

Enable Livestreaming on Your Account

Verify Your Channel

Make sure your account is verified to confirm its authenticity and gain access to YouTube Live. Here’s how: 

• Connect — Link your phone number to your account. 
• Confirm — You'll then receive a verification code via SMS or phone call. 
• Explore settings — After verification, you'll gain access to features like custom thumbnails and extended video uploads.

Confirm You Meet Requirements

Channels must adhere to these criteria in order to go live: 

• Follow the platform’s terms — Avoid any broadcast violations within the past 90 days.
• Meet subscriber minimums — Have at least 50 subscribers to go live on mobile (there’s no minimum for desktop streaming).
• Be patient — Livestreaming capabilities may take time to activate once enabled.

Set Up Livestreaming on Your Device

On Mobile

Open the YouTube app, tap the “Create” button, and select “Live.” Follow the prompts to set up your broadcast, then wait for livestreaming to be authorized.

On Desktop

Visit YouTube Studio, click “Create,” and choose “Go Live.” From here, you can arrange your stream settings. 

Add Livestream Details

Include a title, description, and relevant tags so people can easily find your stream. To search for keywords, use Captions’ hashtag generator to see which terms will boost your content’s visibility.

Customize Advanced Settings

Schedule Streams

Schedule your livestream in advance to give your audience a chance to get excited about your new post.

Turn On Monetization Features if Applicable

If you're part of the YouTube Partner Program, you can set up Super Chats to earn money from your stream. This feature lets viewers pay to highlight their messages in the chat, boosting engagement and earnings. Check your eligibility under your YouTube account’s "Monetization" tab.

Start Your Livestream

Double-check your settings, ensure your equipment is working, and go live. Use features like live polls and pinned messages to interact with your viewers. When you're done, click “End Stream.”

Tips for a Successful YouTube Livestream

To build a successful livestreaming career, implement the following tips. 

Understand Your Audience

Use YouTube Analytics to learn more about your viewers’ average age, location, and interests. You can also get direct feedback on what they want to see through comments and polls.

Write a Script

One of the biggest appeals of livestreams is their casual, off-the-cuff feel. However, without a clear direction, you may end up scrambling for what to say next. Before going live, create a loose outline of your talking points to keep your video structured and engaging. 

Captions’ Script Generator can do this for you automatically — simply describe your video idea, and the tool will create an outline you can follow during your stream. 

Test Your Equipment

Check your internet connection, microphone, and camera before going live to avoid technical issues. When the video and audio are clear, viewers are likelier to stay engaged and continue watching.

Promote Your Livestream on Other Platforms

Share your upcoming livestream on social media, email newsletters, and your website to boost attendance. Cross-promotion increases your reach and encourages more viewers to tune in.

Repurpose Clips

Turn key moments from your livestream into short clips for other channels or future content, extending the footage’s lifespan and reaching a wider audience. Captions’ AI Clip Generator uses AI to instantly find the most engaging parts of your long videos, saving you hours of manual editing time. 

Follow YouTube’s Community Guidelines

Adhere to YouTube’s policies so your livestream remains compliant and avoids restrictions. Violations — such as posting harmful content, infringing on copyright, or sharing misinformation — can result in penalties or demonetization. 

Create YouTube Content With Captions

Livestreaming on YouTube is an exciting way to grow your audience and engage with viewers in real time. Captions helps creators every step of the way with YouTube editing tools.

For instance, enter a prompt into our idea generator to access trending content ideas that match your style and audience’s needs. Once you’re done filming, polish your remaining footage in minutes with our AI YouTube Video Editor.

With customizable suggestions and easy editing options, Captions simplifies the creation process.

FAQs

Is YouTube Live Free? 

Yes, livestreaming on YouTube is free. All you need is a verified YouTube account, and you can start broadcasting whenever you’re ready.

How Many Followers Do You Need To Go Live on YouTube? 

To go live on a mobile device, you need at least 50 subscribers. However, the platform doesn’t have subscriber count minimums for streaming from a desktop. 

What Are the 3 Ways to Livestream on YouTube? 

The platform lets you go live using a cell phone, desktop and webcam, or gaming console. You can choose which tools to use while setting up your stream.