When you find out a stream started an hour ago
It's common to discover a favorite creator's live stream only after it's already more than half over. Getting notifications set up correctly means you get alerted the moment a broadcast starts, so you can join right from the beginning.
A scheduled stream has its own separate "Notify me" button
For a stream that's already scheduled ahead of time, clicking "Notify me" on that specific video page adds a reminder just for that broadcast, on top of whatever your channel-wide bell setting is β a useful extra layer for a premiere you don't want to miss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set a reminder in advance for a stream that's already scheduled?
Yes β clicking "Notify me" on the page for an upcoming scheduled stream will send you a separate alert right before that specific broadcast starts.
What should I check if notifications are turned on but nothing arrives?
Check both that the YouTube app has notification permission enabled in your phone's settings and that a battery saver or optimization mode isn't blocking background notifications.