You need at least 50 subscribers to go live on YouTube from your phone. There's no subscriber minimum for streaming from a computer with a webcam or an encoder, but every route needs a verified channel, live streaming switched on (allow up to 24 hours) and you being at least 16.
The 50 subscriber rule only applies to one of YouTube's four ways of streaming, which is why people argue about it. Here's what YouTube's help centre says for each route, plus the limit that kicks in between 50 and 1,000 subscribers.
Subscriber rules by streaming method
| How you stream | Subscriber minimum | What else you need |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile (YouTube app) | 50 | Verified channel, live streaming turned on, no live restrictions in the last 90 days, Android 8.0+ or iOS 8+ |
| Webcam (computer) | None listed | A computer with a webcam, verified channel, live streaming turned on |
| Encoder (streaming software) | None listed | Streaming software or hardware, verified channel, live streaming turned on |
| Console | None listed | A supported console and the same channel setup |
So if you're under 50 subscribers and want to go live today, the answer is a computer. YouTube's getting started page lists mobile, webcam, encoder and console as the four methods, and only mobile carries the subscriber requirement.
The cap nobody warns you about
Hitting 50 gets you onto mobile live, but not onto a full audience. YouTube's help centre says that with over 50 and under 1,000 subscribers it may limit the number of viewers on your mobile live stream, and your archived stream is set to private by default. Even after you reach 1,000, it may take several weeks for the limit to come off, and longer if your subscriber count dips while you wait.
Dropping back below 1,000 brings the limit back. You don't lose mobile live streaming altogether unless you fall below 50.
The age rule
This one surprises parents. YouTube says you must be at least 16 to live stream, and streams that break that rule are taken down. Streams featuring 13 to 15 year olds who aren't visibly accompanied by an adult may have their live chat switched off. If you're 13 to 17, your mobile live streams also default to unlisted rather than public, though you can change it.
How to go live for the first time
- Verify your channel with a phone number in YouTube Studio.
- Turn on live streaming, then wait. YouTube says your first live stream may take up to 24 hours to be allowed.
- On mobile, check you have at least 50 subscribers and a supported phone; on a computer, plug in a webcam or set up streaming software.
- Try Live Practice Mode in the app first. It's a private space with no audience where you can test your setup.
- Set the visibility, add a title, choose your chat options and tap Go live.
Why it might still not work
- A live streaming restriction on your channel in the last 90 days blocks mobile live.
- Live streaming was switched on less than 24 hours ago.
- The channel isn't verified yet.
- You're under 16.
What the 50 to 1,000 window means for you
Think of the space between 50 and 1,000 subscribers as a probation period for mobile streaming. You can go live from your phone, but YouTube may cap how many people can watch, and your replays start out private. That has a practical knock-on: if you're counting on replays to bring in new viewers, a mobile stream in this window won't do it by default. Change the replay to public afterwards if you want people to find it, or stream from a computer, where the mobile cap doesn't apply.
It also means a mobile stream is a poor choice for anything you're promoting heavily, such as a launch or a live Q and A you've announced in advance. Run those from a webcam or an encoder until you're comfortably past 1,000.
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My verdict
Don't wait for 50 subscribers to start streaming. Go live from your computer now, use those streams to grow, and switch to mobile when the number arrives. Just plan on a capped audience on mobile until you're past 1,000. If something breaks along the way, these fixes for a stuck YouTube upload and videos that won't play cover the common problems.
Frequently asked questions
Can you go live on YouTube with no subscribers?
Yes, from a computer with a webcam or an encoder. The 50 subscriber minimum only applies to mobile live streaming.
Why is my YouTube live stream audience limited?
With over 50 and under 1,000 subscribers, YouTube may limit how many viewers can watch your mobile live stream. The limit can take several weeks to lift after you pass 1,000.
How long does it take to enable live streaming on YouTube?
YouTube says you may need to wait 24 hours before you can start your first live stream.
Do you lose YouTube live if you drop below 50 subscribers?
You lose mobile live streaming, yes. YouTube says you won't lose access to mobile live streaming unless your channel goes below 50 subscribers. Webcam and encoder streaming don't depend on it.
How old do you have to be to go live on YouTube?
At least 16, according to YouTube's help centre. Streams that break the minimum age rule are taken down.
