YouTube Takes a Step Towards a Better Livestream Experience
YouTube has announced that it will now hold back ads during livestreams if chat engagement is at its peak, giving creators a chance to maintain momentum without interruptions.*
This move aims to protect the collective vibe of a lively chat, ensuring that viewers stay engaged without being disrupted by ads.
The idea behind this change is to help creators maintain momentum for viewers without interruptions from ads, the company says.
New Features for Live Creators
* Creators can now go live in both vertical and horizontal formats at the same time, with all viewers being able to connect in a single shared chat. * Viewers can now send GIFs on creators' horizontal livestreams, not just vertical ones, directly from their mobile devices. * More creators around the world are now eligible to receive gifts from viewers, as gifts are now live in Canada, Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, and New Zealand.
Protecting the Vibe
* YouTube's system recognizes when engagement is high and automatically holds back ads for everyone. * When a fan shows support with a Super Chat, Super Stickers, or gifts, they will be rewarded right away with a personal ad-free window right after their purchase.
The Future of Livestreaming
* The company says over 30% of live watch time in the U.S. came from connected TVs in 2025, which is why it wants creators to be able to customize their streams for all sorts of screens. * This move shows that YouTube is committed to improving the livestreaming experience for both creators and viewers.
Changes to YouTube Premium
* The YouTube Premium individual plan is increasing from $13.99 to $15.99 per month. * The family plan is going from $22.99 to $26.99 per month.
This change comes a few days after YouTube raised subscription prices for YouTube Premium in the U.S.
Conclusion
* This move shows that YouTube is committed to improving the livestreaming experience for both creators and viewers. * The changes to YouTube Premium may be a concern for some users, but the ad-free feature during peak engagement is a welcome change for many.*