YouTube is arguably the largest online video platform on the internet (though Facebook is providing some tough competition), so it is interesting that the platform has been one of the slowest to provide a widely available way to live stream.
That may be starting to change, however, as YouTube is significantly lowering the number of subscribers a user needs before being able to stream.
YouTube only introduced its public live streaming feature back in February, although it has partnered with large events to provide live streams for years. Even then, a user needed to have at least 10,000 subscribers before they were allowed to start streaming.
Over the past week, that threshold was quietly reduced to just 1,000 subscribers. Rather than announce the change, it was only discovered after a change to one of YouTube’s help pages.
The subscriber requirement is just one of a couple different stipulations required for streaming. Users must also have a verified channel and have not received any live stream restrictions in the past 90 days. Live stream restrictions are punishments placed against channels that have violated YouTube’s terms of services.
To start a live stream, follow these simple steps:
- Tap the camera icon
- Grant permissions allowing the YouTube app to access the Camera, Mic, and Storage.
- Verify your account if you have not previously.
- Tap GO LIVE.
- Name your live video and set the privacy setting for your stream
- Tap FINISH when you’re ready to end the stream
