To go live on YouTube on a computer, click Create, then Go live, choose Webcam, add a title and privacy setting, click Next, then Go live. On a phone, tap Create, then Live. The thing that trips people up: your channel must be verified, and your first stream can take up to 24 hours to be enabled.
Going live is one of the quickest ways to build trust with an audience, because people get to see you answer questions in real time. For a small business it's brilliant for launches, Q&As and behind-the-scenes sessions. The setup isn't hard, but YouTube has a few requirements you need to meet first, and the phone has extra rules the computer doesn't. Everything below follows YouTube's help centre.
YouTube live streaming requirements to meet first
According to YouTube's help page on getting started with live streaming, you need to:
- Verify your channel. You can do this at youtube.com/verify, where YouTube asks for a phone number and sends a code.
- Have no live streaming restrictions on your channel in the past 90 days.
- Be at least 16 years old. YouTube says streams that don't meet this are taken down, and the account may temporarily lose the ability to stream.
YouTube's mobile help page adds that your first live stream may take up to 24 hours to become available after live streaming is turned on, so don't leave setup until the morning of your launch.
Three ways to go live on YouTube
| Method | Best suited to | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Webcam | Talking-head sessions, Q&As, quick updates from your desk | A computer, a webcam and a browser such as Chrome or Firefox |
| Mobile | Vlogging and on-the-go updates | The YouTube app and the extra mobile requirements below |
| Encoder | Screen sharing, overlays, several cameras, games and events | Streaming software or hardware connected to YouTube Studio |
YouTube's help page also mentions game consoles such as PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo, which can stream directly using each maker's instructions.
Go live on YouTube with a webcam
- Sign in to YouTube.
- In the top right, click Create, then Go live. This opens the Live Control Room.
- From the left menu, select Webcam.
- Enter a title and description and choose a privacy setting. You can also schedule the stream for later.
- Click Next. YouTube takes a thumbnail with your camera.
- Check the right webcam and microphone are selected.
- Click Go live.
When you're finished, click End stream at the bottom of the screen. YouTube's help page says streams under 12 hours are archived automatically, so your replay appears on your channel without any extra work. The default privacy is private for creators aged 13 to 17 and public for those 18 and over.
Go live on YouTube from your phone
Mobile streaming has an extra requirement. YouTube's help page says you need at least 50 channel subscribers, along with a verified channel and no restrictions in the last 90 days. Then:
- Open the YouTube app on your phone or tablet.
- Tap Create, then Live.
- Tap Edit to add your stream details.
- Tap Go live when you're ready.
- When you've finished, tap Finish. YouTube shows a recap and saves an archive to your channel.
Nervous about the first one? YouTube's help page describes a Practice mode you can select below the Next button, which lets you get comfortable before streaming to your audience.
One more thing worth knowing: YouTube's help page says that between 50 and 1,000 channel subscribers, the number of viewers on a mobile stream may be limited and archives are private by default. Once you pass that higher mark the limit is lifted, although YouTube says changes can take several weeks to apply.
Schedule a YouTube live stream in advance
Scheduling gives you a watch page you can share ahead of time, which is perfect for promoting a launch or a webinar in your newsletter and social posts.
- On a computer, choose to schedule when you enter your title and privacy settings. When it's time, go to the Live Control Room, select Manage, choose the stream and click Go live.
- On a phone, tap Create, then Live, tap Calendar, pick your scheduled stream and tap Go live.
A strong thumbnail makes a big difference to who turns up, so it's worth reading my tips on making YouTube thumbnails that get clicked before you schedule.
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Go live on YouTube with an encoder
An encoder is software or hardware that sends your stream to YouTube, and it's the route to take if you want to share your screen, add branded overlays or switch between cameras. YouTube's help page says encoders are commonly used for gaming, sports, concerts and conferences. You start from the same Live Control Room (Create, then Go live) and connect your encoder there. YouTube has a separate help article with the full encoder steps, and settings vary by the software you use.
If you can't go live on YouTube
- Check your channel is verified. Without it, the live option won't be available.
- Wait. YouTube says your first stream may take up to 24 hours after you turn live streaming on.
- Check for restrictions. Any live streaming restriction in the past 90 days blocks access.
- On a phone, check your channel subscriber total meets the mobile requirement.
- Check your age setting. Creators must be 16 or older.
- YouTube's help page says there's a cap of 10 active streams per channel, so close old streams you no longer need.
Still setting up? Start with my guide on creating your YouTube channel, then come back here once it's verified.
If you want the full set, start at the YouTube Help: 30 Guides to Channels, Subscribers, Monetisation, Thumbnails and Fixes.
Frequently asked questions
How many subscribers do you need to go live on YouTube?
On a computer with a webcam or encoder, YouTube's help pages don't set a subscriber minimum. To go live from the mobile app, YouTube says you need at least 50 channel subscribers.
Why does it take 24 hours to go live on YouTube?
YouTube's mobile help page says your first live stream may take up to 24 hours once live streaming is turned on. After that, you can go live straight away.
How old do you have to be to live stream on YouTube?
YouTube's help page says creators must be at least 16 to live stream.
Can I practise a YouTube live stream first?
Yes. In the mobile app, YouTube's help page describes a Practice mode below the Next button. You can also run a private stream on a computer.
Does my YouTube live stream save afterwards?
Yes. YouTube says webcam streams under 12 hours are archived automatically, and mobile streams save an archive to your channel.
