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How to Go Live on YouTube

Written by

Liam William

in

Going live on YouTube is a powerful way to connect with your audience in real-time. Whether you’re a content creator, educator, or business professional, live streaming can enhance engagement and build community. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough to help you start live streaming on YouTube.

Prerequisites for Live Streaming on YouTube

Before you begin, ensure the following:

  • Verified YouTube Account: Your channel must be verified. This process can take up to 24 hours.
  • No Live Streaming Restrictions: Ensure your account has no live streaming restrictions in the past 90 days.
  • Subscriber Count:
    • Mobile Streaming: Requires at least 50 subscribers.
    • Webcam or Encoder Streaming: No subscriber minimum.
  • Stable Internet Connection: A minimum upload speed of 3 Mbps is recommended for 1080p streaming.

Step-by-Step Guide to Going Live on YouTube

Step 1: Enable Live Streaming

  1. Sign in to YouTube: Use your verified account.
  2. Access YouTube Studio: Click on your profile picture and select “YouTube Studio.”
  3. Enable Live Streaming:
    • Click the Create icon (camera with a plus sign) at the top right.
    • Select Go Live.
    • Follow the prompts to enable live streaming. Note that it may take up to 24 hours for this feature to activate.

Step 2: Choose Your Streaming Method

YouTube offers three primary methods for live streaming:

  • Mobile Device: Ideal for on-the-go streaming.
  • Webcam: Suitable for straightforward, face-to-camera streams.
  • Encoder: Best for advanced setups, including screen sharing, multiple cameras, and external audio.

Streaming from a Mobile Device

Note: Requires at least 50 subscribers.

  1. Open the YouTube App: Ensure it’s updated to the latest version.
  2. Tap the “+” Icon: Located at the bottom center.
  3. Select “Go Live”: Grant necessary permissions for camera and microphone access.
  4. Set Up Your Stream:
    • Enter a title and description.
    • Choose privacy settings: Public, Unlisted, or Private.
    • Select the audience: “Yes, it’s made for kids” or “No, it’s not made for kids.”
    • Enable or disable live chat.
  5. Go Live: Tap “Next,” take a thumbnail photo or upload one, then tap “Go Live.”

Streaming from a Webcam

  1. Access YouTube Studio: Navigate to
  2. Click “Create” > “Go Live”: This opens the Live Control Room.
  3. Select “Webcam”: Choose this option for a simple streaming setup.
  4. Configure Stream Details:
    • Enter a title and description.
    • Set the privacy level.
    • Schedule for later or go live immediately.
    • Select the audience.
  5. Set Up Webcam and Microphone: Choose your devices.
  6. Go Live: Click “Go Live” to start streaming.

Streaming with an Encoder

Ideal for gaming, multi-camera setups, or using external audio equipment.

  1. Choose an Encoder: Popular options include OBS Studio, Streamlabs, and XSplit.
  2. Access YouTube Studio: Go to
  3. Click “Create” > “Go Live”: Opens the Live Control Room.
  4. Select “Stream”: This option is for encoder streaming.
  5. Configure Stream Settings:
    • Enter a title and description.
    • Set privacy settings.
    • Schedule the stream if desired.
  6. Obtain Stream Key and URL:
    • Under “Stream Settings,” copy the Stream Key and Stream URL.
  7. Set Up Encoder:
    • Open your encoder software.
    • Paste the Stream Key and URL into the appropriate fields.
    • Configure video and audio settings.
  8. Start Streaming:
    • Begin streaming from your encoder.
    • Return to YouTube Studio and click “Go Live.”

Best Practices for a Successful Live Stream

  • Test Your Setup: Conduct a private test stream to ensure audio and video quality.
  • Engage with Viewers: Monitor and respond to live chat to foster interaction.
  • Promote Ahead of Time: Share your stream link on social media and other platforms.
  • Monitor Stream Health: Use YouTube’s analytics to keep an eye on stream performance.
  • End Stream Properly: Click “End Stream” in YouTube Studio and stop streaming from your encoder.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Live Streaming Not Enabled: Ensure your account is verified and has no restrictions.
  • Poor Video Quality: Check your internet connection and encoder settings.
  • Audio Issues: Verify microphone settings and test audio levels before going live.
  • Stream Delays: Adjust latency settings in YouTube Studio for real-time interaction.

Conclusion

Live streaming on YouTube is an effective way to connect with your audience. By following this guide, you can set up and execute a successful live stream, whether you’re using a mobile device, webcam, or encoder. Remember to test your setup, engage with viewers, and monitor your stream’s performance for the best results.

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