Requirements for Going Live on YouTube
Verify Your Channel:
- Your channel needs to be verified to go live. To verify your channel, go to YouTube.com/verify and follow the prompts.
Meet Eligibility Requirements:
- You need to have zero live stream restrictions in the past 90 days.
- For mobile live streaming, you need at least 50 subscribers.
Going Live on YouTube from a Desktop
Using a Webcam
Log in to YouTube:
- Open a web browser, go to YouTube, and log in to your account.
Access the Live Stream Dashboard:
- Click the camera icon with a "+" sign in the top right corner of the screen.
- Select “Go live” from the dropdown menu.
Set Up Your Live Stream:
- Choose the “Webcam” option.
- Enter your live stream details, such as title, description, and privacy settings (Public, Unlisted, Private).
- Select a category and add a thumbnail if desired.
Configure Webcam and Microphone:
- Ensure your webcam and microphone are properly configured and working.
Go Live:
- Click “Go Live” to start streaming. Interact with your audience through the live chat.
End the Stream:
- When you’re finished, click “End Stream” at the bottom of the screen.
Using Streaming Software (OBS, Streamlabs, etc.)
Download Streaming Software:
- Install streaming software such as OBS Studio or Streamlabs OBS on your computer.
Set Up the Live Stream:
- Follow steps 1 and 2 above to access the live stream dashboard.
- Choose the “Stream” option.
- Enter your live stream details.
Get Stream Key:
- In the live stream dashboard, click on “Stream” and copy the stream key.
Configure Streaming Software:
- Open your streaming software and go to settings.
- Paste the stream key into the appropriate field in your streaming software’s settings.
- Set up your scenes and sources in the streaming software.
Start Streaming:
- In your streaming software, click “Start Streaming”. Your broadcast will begin on YouTube.
End the Stream:
- When finished, stop the stream in your streaming software and then end the stream on YouTube.
Going Live on YouTube from a Mobile Device
Open the YouTube App:
- Launch the YouTube app on your mobile device and log in to your account.
Access Live Stream:
- Tap the camera icon with a "+" sign at the bottom center of the screen.
- Select “Go live”.
Set Up Your Live Stream:
- Enter your live stream details, such as title, description, and privacy settings (Public, Unlisted, Private).
- Add a thumbnail if desired.
Go Live:
- Tap “Go Live” to start streaming. Interact with your audience through the live chat.
End the Stream:
- Tap “End” when you’re finished streaming.
Tips for a Successful Live Stream
Plan Ahead:
- Outline the content and purpose of your live stream. Promote it on your social media channels to attract viewers.
Test Equipment:
- Ensure your webcam, microphone, and internet connection are working properly before going live.
Engage with Your Audience:
- Interact with viewers by responding to comments and questions in the live chat.
Moderate the Chat:
- Assign moderators to manage the live chat and handle inappropriate comments.
Monitor Analytics:
- After the stream, review the analytics to understand viewer engagement and improve future streams.