How to Go Live on YouTube

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.