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How to Start a Live Stream on YouTube

Tap each step to follow along in order.

  1. Check your live streaming eligibility

    Mobile live streaming generally requires at least 50 subscribers and no channel restrictions in the past 90 days; streaming from a computer has fewer restrictions.

  2. Click the Create icon and choose "Go live"

    Click the create icon near the top of YouTube and select "Go live" from the menu.

  3. Set a title, description, and privacy setting

    Enter a title and description for the broadcast and choose whether it will be public, unlisted, or private.

  4. Click "Go Live"

    Choose your webcam or a screen share as the source, then click the button to start broadcasting immediately.

Talk with your audience in real time

Unlike a video you record, edit, and upload later, a live stream lets you exchange comments with viewers as it happens, and you can start one with nothing more than a phone or computer -- no dedicated broadcast equipment required.

A stable connection matters more than fancy gear

Before worrying about camera or microphone quality, make sure your internet upload speed is stable -- a dropped or stuttering stream frustrates viewers far more than modest video quality does.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can I not find the live streaming option on my account?

Live streaming eligibility on mobile is usually tied to subscriber count and recent account standing; if the option is missing, check your channel status or try starting the stream from a computer instead.

Does a live stream stay on my channel after it ends?

Yes -- by default, a completed broadcast automatically converts into a regular on-demand video that stays on your channel unless you choose to delete or unlist it.