Subscriber Threshold Raised for Profits
Subscriber Threshold Raised for Profits
For small creators on YouTube, getting monetized seemed like an uphill task. You had to accumulate over 1,000 subscribers and over 4,000 public watch hours. This can be difficult to attain, especially on a platform where creators are publishing new content every day. However, the 2023 update on the YouTube Partner Program (YPP) provided an easier way to start making money on YouTube. In this article, we look at how the YPP is changing and the beauty of the YouTube monetization 500 subscribers’ policy update.
YouTube Shorts Monetization A cross-platform for helping you present your content in the best way possible!
Free Download Free Download Learn More
Part 1. YouTube Monetization Revamp: 500 Subscribers Minimum Threshold Unveiled
The recent update in YouTube monetization requirements has made it easier than ever for small creators to make money on the platform. The YPP program changed and reduced the number of subscribers needed to be eligible. It has also reduced the amount of watch time needed. Let’s have a look at what the new eligibility criteria look like:
The eligibility criteria for the YPP program are now easier and more achievable than before. To apply, you now need:
- At least 500 subscribers
- Three Shorts or Video uploads in the last 90 days
- At least 3,000 public watch hours in the last 12 months or
- At least 3 million public Short videos in the last 90 days
The new requirements are lower than the old ones. Previously, you were required to have at least 1,000 subscribers with over 4,000 public watch hours. By lowering the threshold, YouTube makes it easier for all creators to monetize their content.
Part 2. YouTube Monetization with 500 Subscribers: A Brief Guide
YouTube announced in 2022 that they were evolving the YPP to continue rewarding more creators. Starting mid-June 2023, the program was expanded to allow more creators to access monetization benefits.
Know If You are Eligible
As a creator, you will want to know if you are eligible for the YouTube monetization 500 subscribers’ plan. Make sure that the notify feature on your channel is active to receive a notification. Go to the Earn area of the YouTube channel, and select Get Notified. Once selected, YouTube will send you an email when reach above the eligibility threshold.
What You Need to Join Expanded YPP
Joining the expanded YouTube Partner Program has the same requirements as the earlier version. These include:
- Being compliant with the YouTube channel monetization policies
- Active 2-Step verification on the Google Account
- Channel is based in any of the available regions or countries
- An active AdSense account linked to the channel
- No Community Guidelines strikes on your Channel
- Have advanced features access on YouTube
Where to Apply for Monetization
After meeting the eligibility criteria, you will need to apply to be enrolled in the YPP. Remember that being eligible does not automatically translate to instant income. You need to apply for the program and wait for the approval. Here are the steps to follow:
On Computer/Desktop
Step 1Sign in to YouTube Studio on your computer or desktop
Step 2Click Earn in the left menu
Step 3Click Apply Now to review and Accept the base terms
Step 4Click Start to set up an AdSense account
On Android, iPhone and iPad
Applying for YouTube monetization on your mobile devices follows the same process as the computer. Only in this case you will using the YouTube Studio app instead of the website. Follow these steps as outlined.
- Open the YouTube Studio mobile app on your Android device.
- Tap Earn from the bottom men
- Tap Apply now to review and accept the base terms.
- Set up an AdSense account as requested, or link an existing active one.
Once you complete these steps on your computer or mobile, In Progress status will surface in the Get Reviewed step. This means that YouTube will review your channel and provide feedback within a month.
What Monetization Review Entails
Once you submit your application, YouTube’s automated systems and human reviewers will look at your channel for a while. They will review it to make sure it follows all the platform’s policies and guidelines. As the reviews are in progress, creators are encouraged to back to the Earn section of YouTube Studio regularly. Typically, you will get the results within a month, but this may be affected by several factors:
- Application Volumes
- Resource Limitations
- System Issues
- Channel requiring several reviewers to determine suitability for YPP
Sometimes the first application may not be successful for some reason. In this case, creators are encouraged to continue uploading original content and try again after 30 days. For second or other rejections, you are allowed to try again after 90 days. During this period, make sure that your channel follows YouTube policies and guidelines to increase your chances of being accepted.
Choose How to Earn
The major way of earning money on YouTube is through ads that show in your videos. In the case of Shorts, the ad-sharing revenue involves YouTube sharing the revenue generated from the ads with creators. However, getting accepted to YPP also allows you to start earning with fan funding and Shopping features. This means that creators can earn money directly from their views using these unique features
YouTube monetization 500 subscribers update allows you to earn money through monetization features that were not there before. This allows creators to interact more with their viewer while generating income. The main fan funding features include:
- Channel Membership: Offer a membership plan to your viewer through monthly payments in exchange for perks like emojis and badges.
- Super Thanks: Earn revenue from viewers who show extra gratitude for your videos.
- Super Stickers and Super Chat: Allows your fans to buy Super Chats that highlight their messages or add fun animated images in the live chat.
- Shopping: Allows you to connect your official merchandise story to YouTube to showcase your products.
Part 3. Edit Your Shorts for Monetization with WonderShare Filmora
The quality of your Shorts plays an essential role in determining whether your channel will be monetized. This is why you need good video editing software to help you present your content in the best way possible. Wondershare Filmora is a great choice when you want your YouTube Shorts to stand out. From cool green screen tricks to auto-reframing your videos for Shorts, Filmora gives you the whole editing package.
Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)
Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later
Filmora offers creators fantastic editing features to create better Shorts. Let’s have a look at some of the features you may find helpful:
1. AI Copywriting
YouTube Shorts require quick content that covers everything within 60 seconds. With the Filmora AI Copywriting feature, you can get inspiration and add text to your videos. Express your thoughts more clearly and generate text that makes the video more engaging.
2. Split Screen Video Editor
YouTube Shorts are limited to a length of 1 minute only. Since 60 seconds is quite a short time, you may want to showcase your content on multiple screens. The Split Screen Video Editor on Filmora allows you to make a split screen instantly. Choose from the readily available templates and show your audience what you want from multiple perspectives in the same video.
3. Motion Tracking
With YouTube Shorts, you need to be more creative. Adding objects to your videos makes them fun and engaging. The motion tracking feature on Filmora allows you to track the movement of an object in the video. You can then pin graphics on the object, making the video more exciting. You can also add specific text and align it to an object, allowing your audience to follow through the story.
4. Speed Ramping
The way you present your video means a lot to the audience. No one wants a boring or a really slow-moving video. With the Speed Ramping feature on Filmora, you can adjust the speed of your Shorts with better control of your keyframes. This allows you to create unique cinematic effects that keep the audience wanting more of the content.
Conclusion
The introduction of the YouTube monetization 500 subscribers’ policy update was a special moment for small YouTubers. It meant that the platform was extending its YPP program to more creators, allowing them to earn money from their content. Lowering the monetization requirement gives more people a chance to make money faster. However, it is important to make sure that your videos are offering value to your audience. We recommend using Wondershare Filmora to edit your videos and make sure they stand out from the competition. The better your videos will be, the more views you will get, and the more money you will make.
Free Download Free Download Learn More
Part 1. YouTube Monetization Revamp: 500 Subscribers Minimum Threshold Unveiled
The recent update in YouTube monetization requirements has made it easier than ever for small creators to make money on the platform. The YPP program changed and reduced the number of subscribers needed to be eligible. It has also reduced the amount of watch time needed. Let’s have a look at what the new eligibility criteria look like:
The eligibility criteria for the YPP program are now easier and more achievable than before. To apply, you now need:
- At least 500 subscribers
- Three Shorts or Video uploads in the last 90 days
- At least 3,000 public watch hours in the last 12 months or
- At least 3 million public Short videos in the last 90 days
The new requirements are lower than the old ones. Previously, you were required to have at least 1,000 subscribers with over 4,000 public watch hours. By lowering the threshold, YouTube makes it easier for all creators to monetize their content.
Part 2. YouTube Monetization with 500 Subscribers: A Brief Guide
YouTube announced in 2022 that they were evolving the YPP to continue rewarding more creators. Starting mid-June 2023, the program was expanded to allow more creators to access monetization benefits.
Know If You are Eligible
As a creator, you will want to know if you are eligible for the YouTube monetization 500 subscribers’ plan. Make sure that the notify feature on your channel is active to receive a notification. Go to the Earn area of the YouTube channel, and select Get Notified. Once selected, YouTube will send you an email when reach above the eligibility threshold.
What You Need to Join Expanded YPP
Joining the expanded YouTube Partner Program has the same requirements as the earlier version. These include:
- Being compliant with the YouTube channel monetization policies
- Active 2-Step verification on the Google Account
- Channel is based in any of the available regions or countries
- An active AdSense account linked to the channel
- No Community Guidelines strikes on your Channel
- Have advanced features access on YouTube
Where to Apply for Monetization
After meeting the eligibility criteria, you will need to apply to be enrolled in the YPP. Remember that being eligible does not automatically translate to instant income. You need to apply for the program and wait for the approval. Here are the steps to follow:
On Computer/Desktop
Step 1Sign in to YouTube Studio on your computer or desktop
Step 2Click Earn in the left menu
Step 3Click Apply Now to review and Accept the base terms
Step 4Click Start to set up an AdSense account
On Android, iPhone and iPad
Applying for YouTube monetization on your mobile devices follows the same process as the computer. Only in this case you will using the YouTube Studio app instead of the website. Follow these steps as outlined.
- Open the YouTube Studio mobile app on your Android device.
- Tap Earn from the bottom men
- Tap Apply now to review and accept the base terms.
- Set up an AdSense account as requested, or link an existing active one.
Once you complete these steps on your computer or mobile, In Progress status will surface in the Get Reviewed step. This means that YouTube will review your channel and provide feedback within a month.
What Monetization Review Entails
Once you submit your application, YouTube’s automated systems and human reviewers will look at your channel for a while. They will review it to make sure it follows all the platform’s policies and guidelines. As the reviews are in progress, creators are encouraged to back to the Earn section of YouTube Studio regularly. Typically, you will get the results within a month, but this may be affected by several factors:
- Application Volumes
- Resource Limitations
- System Issues
- Channel requiring several reviewers to determine suitability for YPP
Sometimes the first application may not be successful for some reason. In this case, creators are encouraged to continue uploading original content and try again after 30 days. For second or other rejections, you are allowed to try again after 90 days. During this period, make sure that your channel follows YouTube policies and guidelines to increase your chances of being accepted.
Choose How to Earn
The major way of earning money on YouTube is through ads that show in your videos. In the case of Shorts, the ad-sharing revenue involves YouTube sharing the revenue generated from the ads with creators. However, getting accepted to YPP also allows you to start earning with fan funding and Shopping features. This means that creators can earn money directly from their views using these unique features
YouTube monetization 500 subscribers update allows you to earn money through monetization features that were not there before. This allows creators to interact more with their viewer while generating income. The main fan funding features include:
- Channel Membership: Offer a membership plan to your viewer through monthly payments in exchange for perks like emojis and badges.
- Super Thanks: Earn revenue from viewers who show extra gratitude for your videos.
- Super Stickers and Super Chat: Allows your fans to buy Super Chats that highlight their messages or add fun animated images in the live chat.
- Shopping: Allows you to connect your official merchandise story to YouTube to showcase your products.
Part 3. Edit Your Shorts for Monetization with WonderShare Filmora
The quality of your Shorts plays an essential role in determining whether your channel will be monetized. This is why you need good video editing software to help you present your content in the best way possible. Wondershare Filmora is a great choice when you want your YouTube Shorts to stand out. From cool green screen tricks to auto-reframing your videos for Shorts, Filmora gives you the whole editing package.
Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)
Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later
Filmora offers creators fantastic editing features to create better Shorts. Let’s have a look at some of the features you may find helpful:
1. AI Copywriting
YouTube Shorts require quick content that covers everything within 60 seconds. With the Filmora AI Copywriting feature, you can get inspiration and add text to your videos. Express your thoughts more clearly and generate text that makes the video more engaging.
2. Split Screen Video Editor
YouTube Shorts are limited to a length of 1 minute only. Since 60 seconds is quite a short time, you may want to showcase your content on multiple screens. The Split Screen Video Editor on Filmora allows you to make a split screen instantly. Choose from the readily available templates and show your audience what you want from multiple perspectives in the same video.
3. Motion Tracking
With YouTube Shorts, you need to be more creative. Adding objects to your videos makes them fun and engaging. The motion tracking feature on Filmora allows you to track the movement of an object in the video. You can then pin graphics on the object, making the video more exciting. You can also add specific text and align it to an object, allowing your audience to follow through the story.
4. Speed Ramping
The way you present your video means a lot to the audience. No one wants a boring or a really slow-moving video. With the Speed Ramping feature on Filmora, you can adjust the speed of your Shorts with better control of your keyframes. This allows you to create unique cinematic effects that keep the audience wanting more of the content.
Conclusion
The introduction of the YouTube monetization 500 subscribers’ policy update was a special moment for small YouTubers. It meant that the platform was extending its YPP program to more creators, allowing them to earn money from their content. Lowering the monetization requirement gives more people a chance to make money faster. However, it is important to make sure that your videos are offering value to your audience. We recommend using Wondershare Filmora to edit your videos and make sure they stand out from the competition. The better your videos will be, the more views you will get, and the more money you will make.
Prosper with Your Live Video on YouTube: A Complete Blueprint
The Ultimate Guide to YouTube Live Streaming
Richard Bennett
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Live streaming on YouTube is a great way to get more engagement from your audience, even if you do not have a huge following. As long as you have some reliable subscribers leaving comments on your videos you should be able to schedule a live stream and know it will have an audience. People feel a personal connection with their favorite vloggers so if you give your subscribers a chance to interact with you in real time they will probably plan to join in. The key to a good live streaming is to respond to comments and questions from people who are watching. Besides watching the live chat of your video you can create a hashtag for your stream and monitor it on twitter.
Table of Contents
- Why Livestream?
- Type of Content to Livestream
- What You Need to Livestream On YouTube
- 4 Ways to Setup Your Livestream On YouTube
- 8 Tips to Improve Your Livestream on YouTube
- How to Grow As A Livestreamer on YouTube
Why Livestream?
You have grown your audience, and now you want to take your channel to the next level and diversify your content.
Whether you are vlogging, gaming, or running tutorials on YouTube, there is potential to host a live broadcast. It’s not limited to any genre, you simply need to create content that people are interested in watching.
Before we get started into the How, let’s start with a few reasons Why you should be live streaming your content.
Connect and engage with your audience
When a viewer leaves a comment during a livestream you will be able to see it right away and respond. Having an instantaneous conversation with a viewer while they are watching your video will encourage more engagement and establish a ber relationship with your viewers — and you will know that these viewers are not bots.
Increase watch time and session watch time on your channel
If you are making YouTube videos on average 10 minutes long, and the viewer only watches half of it, that’s only 5 minutes of watch time, which is fine… But if you are live streaming for 45 minutes, and you are able to hold the viewer’s attention, you can surpass what your regular videos can do.
Make videos faster
As a YouTuber, you are always striving to be more efficient. Live streaming allows you to do that as you can set up and go. The content you end up creating during the duration of your livestream can then also be condensed into a highlight reel or a recap.
With a bit of planning before you go live, you can create a week’s worth of content in one go, instead of having multiple schedules for livestream content and your standard publishing videos.
Type of Content to Livestream
Live streaming has a lot of value, but what type of content should you be streaming?
Here are a few popular ideas for content that will attract viewers to your livestream:
Q&A session
Unboxing
Game or challenge
Sneak preview or review
Live events (just make sure the Internet can support it)
A demo or a tutorial
A live commentary or (if you are a gamer) Let’s Play video
What You Need to Livestream On YouTube
A Plan or Outline
It’s good to know what your livestream is going to be about before you start. Is there a key message you want to hit, an action you want your viewers to take, or a structure you want to follow.
Just because it’s live, doesn’t mean it all has to be improvised. If you go in without a plan, you might end up feeling flustered or getting stressed out. Allow for spontaneous comments or events to take you off your initial plan, but always return to your outline so you know how to wrap up your livestream when you have to.
Stable Internet Connection
You cannot conduct a quality livestream, if your Internet is bad. When evaluating your internet connection for live streaming on YouTube, look at the Upload speed. Depending on the quality of your video, these are the minimum upload speed rates your Internet will need to perform:
480p = 1.5 mbps
720p = 3 mbps
1080 = 5 mbps
In addition, be aware of external causes that may be slowing down your internet such as someone else using it, a poorly performing router, or a damaged cable.
Camera
If you have a smartphone or a laptop with a webcam built in, that is the best camera for you to get started live streaming. It’s good to have a milestone and work towards a more advanced camera, but until then, don’t feel discouraged because you don’t have expensive gear. If you have a smartphone, a laptop, or a basic webcam, that’s perfectly fine.
Microphone
You don’t need a great microphone for live streaming, you only need a good one. If you do want to spend several hundred to a thousand dollars for a professional studio microphone, nobody will stop you, but know this, a mic that is easy to use is as important as the audio quality as you develop a consistent live streaming schedule.
Streaming Software (For Higher Quality Streams)
Once upon a time, to livestream on YouTube, you needed additional software to capture content from desktop, camera, microphone, etc, called encoding software — but not anymore.
Those encoding software, such as OBS , Wirecast , and VMix , are required if you are producing content that requires a high frame rate such as gaming, but not mandatory if you are simply vlogging or running a tutorial.
If you are using Chrome, you canstream live on YouTube without using an encoder .
A Capture Card (For Higher Quality Streams)
You will need a capture card when you are capturing footage from a different PC or console. If you are a gamer and you are using one PC to stream and one PC to play your game, then you should consider getting a capture card.
4 Ways to Setup Your Livestream On YouTube
There are 4 main ways you can start live streaming on YouTube. The one that works best for you depends on the content you are going to be streaming.
1. Camera/Go Live (Chrome Browser)
By accessing www.youtube.com/webcam on the Google Chrome browser, you can start streaming immediately through your connected webcam. This way is best for a simple Q&A or letting your viewers know your thoughts in a timely situation. This method does not require an encoder.
There are 3 ways to access livestream this way:
1. Click here to connect to your YouTube channel
2. You can access it from the top menu on YouTube
3. You can access it by clicking Camera under the Live Streaming tab in your Creator Studio
2. Google Hangouts On Air (Quick)
Another way to livestream without an encoding software is by using the Google Hangouts On Air feature.
This is great if you want the feel of your livestream to be similar to a board meeting, where you can invite people, split screen, and share screen to illustrate your point.
Here’s how you can access this Google Hangouts On Air:
Step 1: Go to Events under the Live Streaming tab in your Creator Studio
Step 2: Click New Live Event button on the top right corner
Step 3: Enter the event’s Info and Setting page. Fill out the details of your Livestream, and under Type, select Quick (using Google Hangouts On Air).
Step 4: You can schedule your livestream or Go Live immediately by clicking one of the blue buttons on the left-hand side.
3. Mobile
Live streaming via your mobile device gives you a lot more freedom to maneuver. You can walk around and give your viewers a tour — but remember to stay within the WiFi or LTE range. That means you still won’t be able to livestream well inside an elevator.
Here’s how you can livestream on mobile:
Step 1: Access the YouTube app and make sure you are signed in to the account you want to livestream from.
Step 2: At the top, click on the camera icon
Step 3: Click on Go Live
Pro Tip: When live streaming, always hold your smartphone horizontally. This allows your video to be oriented as a landscape, instead of a portrait.
4. Custom Encoder
The fourth way of live streaming on YouTube is with encoding software. This is the recommended method if video quality is essential, such as gaming videos.
Step 1: Download and install an encoding software. In this example, we’ll be using OBS .
Step 2: Open OBS
Step 3: Go to YouTube Creator Studio and enter the Stream Now page
Step 4: Under Encoder Setup, copy Stream name/key (Warning: DO NOT share this key with anyone)
Step 5: Return to OBS and enter the Setting menu on the lower right-hand side of the application
Step 6: Click into the Stream tab
a) Under Stream Type, select Streaming Services
b) Under Service, select YouTube/YouTube Gaming
c) Under Server, select Primary YouTube ingest server
d) In Stream Key box, paste the Stream Key you copied from YouTube
e) Click Apply and then OK
Step 7: Plug in your webcam
Step 8: In the main OBS dashboard, under the Sources menu, click the + icon and add Video Capture Device. You should now see visuals from your Webcam.
Step 9: Select the Resolution you want for your video and click OK
Step 10: Return to your YouTube Streaming Page and fill out the details of your livestream
Step 11: Go back to OBS and click Start Streaming
Step 12: See on YouTube Streaming Page at the top that you are Live. You are officially streaming. Once You are finished streaming, return to OBS and click Stop Streaming to end the stream.
8 Tips to Improve Your Livestream on YouTube
Do Speed Test
Before you start your livestream, do a speed test of your Internet. Check out from here.
Have Good Lighting
Be aware of your surroundings when you are about to livestream. You don’t need the top-notch lighting kit, you can simply sit beside a window and allow natural lights to illuminate your stream.
Shoot A Live Test (Unlisted)
Have a technical rehearsal by doing a livestream test, then rewatching it, and evaluating the quality of the audio and visual.
You don’t have to worry about your audience logging in and seeing your test if you set the Privacy of the stream to Unlisted.
Look at the Lens, Not the Screen
If you are streaming with the selfie camera on your smartphone or using your camera’s viewfinder to make sure you are in the frame, remember that you need to be looking at the lens — not the image of yourself.
Eye contact is important in building trust, and if you are looking at yourself, it will appear as if you are looking past your viewers instead of at them.
Show It To Your Viewers
Whatever you are talking about, if you can, show it to your viewers. YouTube is a visual medium, and that means your viewers can become disinterested if there’s nothing visual holding their attention.
In the beginning, you probably won’t have a multi-camera setup, so you cannot cut away from your livestream. However, you can share the screen and you can bring physical objects into a frame.
If you are talking about your dog, show her on camera. If you’re presenting something with a lot of steps, create a Powerpoint slideshow.
Consider what visuals or props you can add to your livestream to enhance your performance.
Find A Way to Make it Evergreen
Evergreen content refers to content that is relevant for a great length of time. Talking about an event isn’t evergreen, because the event will soon pass and become old news. However, giving some tips for how to plan an event would be evergreen content.
Since your livestream will be saved on YouTube and your viewers can replay and watch it. They’re more likely to enjoy it if the content is relevant and interesting.
It Doesn’t Have to Be Long
A livestream doesn’t need to be 40 minutes long. It only needs to be long enough for you to get your story across — and if you want to answer some questions and engage with your audience. As soon as your story is over, even if it’s only 5 minutes, that’s okay. Don’t stress about the length of your stream, it’s not an endurance competition.
Allow Yourself to Make Mistakes
Another thing you shouldn’t worry about at all is making mistakes. When you are doing livestreams pretend you are engaging with someone in real life. In real life, you aren’t able to edit out your mistakes, whether it’s a word mispronounced or coffee spilling. Roll with it and laugh it off.
How to Grow As A Livestreamer on YouTube
Let People Know When You Are Streaming
Give people enough time to schedule it in, don’t spring it on them in the last minute. Share it on social media, your website, and any other means.
Create a Streaming Link 2 Days Before
Share your livestream link via social media to remind everyone to tune in when you go live. Looking for your link? It should look something like this: <www.youtube.com/user/\[channelname\]/live>
Reach Out To the Communities Most Interested
If you are going to be live streaming about a specific topic, such as photography, you should reach out to those who are interested in the topic. Highlight what aspect of photography you are going to be streaming and attract new viewers to your content.
Be Aware of Time Difference
If you have an international audience, find time to livestream where you can get the optimal amount of viewers.
You can find the location of your main demographic in your YouTube analytics .
Create a Channel Trailer to Promote Livestream
Make a video and host it as your channel trailer, that way anyone who lands on your YouTube page will see the promo for your livestream.
Promote Through Feature Content and Channel
YouTube has a feature that enables you to use your existing content to promote your upcoming livestream.
Here’s how to set it up:
Key Takeaways
- Live streaming will help you make more videos, engage with your audience, and grow your channel.
- You don’t need expensive equipment to livestream on YouTube, you only need a webcam and a microphone.
- YouTube has made live streaming as easy as a few clicks, no additional software needed unless you are gaming.
- Always do a test run of your livestream to ensure the internet, audio, and visual are all working properly.
- Create content and reach out to communities to promote your livestream.
Have you encountered any obstacles when setting up your livestream on YouTube? Let us know in the comments below, we are happy to help!
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Live streaming on YouTube is a great way to get more engagement from your audience, even if you do not have a huge following. As long as you have some reliable subscribers leaving comments on your videos you should be able to schedule a live stream and know it will have an audience. People feel a personal connection with their favorite vloggers so if you give your subscribers a chance to interact with you in real time they will probably plan to join in. The key to a good live streaming is to respond to comments and questions from people who are watching. Besides watching the live chat of your video you can create a hashtag for your stream and monitor it on twitter.
Table of Contents
- Why Livestream?
- Type of Content to Livestream
- What You Need to Livestream On YouTube
- 4 Ways to Setup Your Livestream On YouTube
- 8 Tips to Improve Your Livestream on YouTube
- How to Grow As A Livestreamer on YouTube
Why Livestream?
You have grown your audience, and now you want to take your channel to the next level and diversify your content.
Whether you are vlogging, gaming, or running tutorials on YouTube, there is potential to host a live broadcast. It’s not limited to any genre, you simply need to create content that people are interested in watching.
Before we get started into the How, let’s start with a few reasons Why you should be live streaming your content.
Connect and engage with your audience
When a viewer leaves a comment during a livestream you will be able to see it right away and respond. Having an instantaneous conversation with a viewer while they are watching your video will encourage more engagement and establish a ber relationship with your viewers — and you will know that these viewers are not bots.
Increase watch time and session watch time on your channel
If you are making YouTube videos on average 10 minutes long, and the viewer only watches half of it, that’s only 5 minutes of watch time, which is fine… But if you are live streaming for 45 minutes, and you are able to hold the viewer’s attention, you can surpass what your regular videos can do.
Make videos faster
As a YouTuber, you are always striving to be more efficient. Live streaming allows you to do that as you can set up and go. The content you end up creating during the duration of your livestream can then also be condensed into a highlight reel or a recap.
With a bit of planning before you go live, you can create a week’s worth of content in one go, instead of having multiple schedules for livestream content and your standard publishing videos.
Type of Content to Livestream
Live streaming has a lot of value, but what type of content should you be streaming?
Here are a few popular ideas for content that will attract viewers to your livestream:
Q&A session
Unboxing
Game or challenge
Sneak preview or review
Live events (just make sure the Internet can support it)
A demo or a tutorial
A live commentary or (if you are a gamer) Let’s Play video
What You Need to Livestream On YouTube
A Plan or Outline
It’s good to know what your livestream is going to be about before you start. Is there a key message you want to hit, an action you want your viewers to take, or a structure you want to follow.
Just because it’s live, doesn’t mean it all has to be improvised. If you go in without a plan, you might end up feeling flustered or getting stressed out. Allow for spontaneous comments or events to take you off your initial plan, but always return to your outline so you know how to wrap up your livestream when you have to.
Stable Internet Connection
You cannot conduct a quality livestream, if your Internet is bad. When evaluating your internet connection for live streaming on YouTube, look at the Upload speed. Depending on the quality of your video, these are the minimum upload speed rates your Internet will need to perform:
480p = 1.5 mbps
720p = 3 mbps
1080 = 5 mbps
In addition, be aware of external causes that may be slowing down your internet such as someone else using it, a poorly performing router, or a damaged cable.
Camera
If you have a smartphone or a laptop with a webcam built in, that is the best camera for you to get started live streaming. It’s good to have a milestone and work towards a more advanced camera, but until then, don’t feel discouraged because you don’t have expensive gear. If you have a smartphone, a laptop, or a basic webcam, that’s perfectly fine.
Microphone
You don’t need a great microphone for live streaming, you only need a good one. If you do want to spend several hundred to a thousand dollars for a professional studio microphone, nobody will stop you, but know this, a mic that is easy to use is as important as the audio quality as you develop a consistent live streaming schedule.
Streaming Software (For Higher Quality Streams)
Once upon a time, to livestream on YouTube, you needed additional software to capture content from desktop, camera, microphone, etc, called encoding software — but not anymore.
Those encoding software, such as OBS , Wirecast , and VMix , are required if you are producing content that requires a high frame rate such as gaming, but not mandatory if you are simply vlogging or running a tutorial.
If you are using Chrome, you canstream live on YouTube without using an encoder .
A Capture Card (For Higher Quality Streams)
You will need a capture card when you are capturing footage from a different PC or console. If you are a gamer and you are using one PC to stream and one PC to play your game, then you should consider getting a capture card.
4 Ways to Setup Your Livestream On YouTube
There are 4 main ways you can start live streaming on YouTube. The one that works best for you depends on the content you are going to be streaming.
1. Camera/Go Live (Chrome Browser)
By accessing www.youtube.com/webcam on the Google Chrome browser, you can start streaming immediately through your connected webcam. This way is best for a simple Q&A or letting your viewers know your thoughts in a timely situation. This method does not require an encoder.
There are 3 ways to access livestream this way:
1. Click here to connect to your YouTube channel
2. You can access it from the top menu on YouTube
3. You can access it by clicking Camera under the Live Streaming tab in your Creator Studio
2. Google Hangouts On Air (Quick)
Another way to livestream without an encoding software is by using the Google Hangouts On Air feature.
This is great if you want the feel of your livestream to be similar to a board meeting, where you can invite people, split screen, and share screen to illustrate your point.
Here’s how you can access this Google Hangouts On Air:
Step 1: Go to Events under the Live Streaming tab in your Creator Studio
Step 2: Click New Live Event button on the top right corner
Step 3: Enter the event’s Info and Setting page. Fill out the details of your Livestream, and under Type, select Quick (using Google Hangouts On Air).
Step 4: You can schedule your livestream or Go Live immediately by clicking one of the blue buttons on the left-hand side.
3. Mobile
Live streaming via your mobile device gives you a lot more freedom to maneuver. You can walk around and give your viewers a tour — but remember to stay within the WiFi or LTE range. That means you still won’t be able to livestream well inside an elevator.
Here’s how you can livestream on mobile:
Step 1: Access the YouTube app and make sure you are signed in to the account you want to livestream from.
Step 2: At the top, click on the camera icon
Step 3: Click on Go Live
Pro Tip: When live streaming, always hold your smartphone horizontally. This allows your video to be oriented as a landscape, instead of a portrait.
4. Custom Encoder
The fourth way of live streaming on YouTube is with encoding software. This is the recommended method if video quality is essential, such as gaming videos.
Step 1: Download and install an encoding software. In this example, we’ll be using OBS .
Step 2: Open OBS
Step 3: Go to YouTube Creator Studio and enter the Stream Now page
Step 4: Under Encoder Setup, copy Stream name/key (Warning: DO NOT share this key with anyone)
Step 5: Return to OBS and enter the Setting menu on the lower right-hand side of the application
Step 6: Click into the Stream tab
a) Under Stream Type, select Streaming Services
b) Under Service, select YouTube/YouTube Gaming
c) Under Server, select Primary YouTube ingest server
d) In Stream Key box, paste the Stream Key you copied from YouTube
e) Click Apply and then OK
Step 7: Plug in your webcam
Step 8: In the main OBS dashboard, under the Sources menu, click the + icon and add Video Capture Device. You should now see visuals from your Webcam.
Step 9: Select the Resolution you want for your video and click OK
Step 10: Return to your YouTube Streaming Page and fill out the details of your livestream
Step 11: Go back to OBS and click Start Streaming
Step 12: See on YouTube Streaming Page at the top that you are Live. You are officially streaming. Once You are finished streaming, return to OBS and click Stop Streaming to end the stream.
8 Tips to Improve Your Livestream on YouTube
Do Speed Test
Before you start your livestream, do a speed test of your Internet. Check out from here.
Have Good Lighting
Be aware of your surroundings when you are about to livestream. You don’t need the top-notch lighting kit, you can simply sit beside a window and allow natural lights to illuminate your stream.
Shoot A Live Test (Unlisted)
Have a technical rehearsal by doing a livestream test, then rewatching it, and evaluating the quality of the audio and visual.
You don’t have to worry about your audience logging in and seeing your test if you set the Privacy of the stream to Unlisted.
Look at the Lens, Not the Screen
If you are streaming with the selfie camera on your smartphone or using your camera’s viewfinder to make sure you are in the frame, remember that you need to be looking at the lens — not the image of yourself.
Eye contact is important in building trust, and if you are looking at yourself, it will appear as if you are looking past your viewers instead of at them.
Show It To Your Viewers
Whatever you are talking about, if you can, show it to your viewers. YouTube is a visual medium, and that means your viewers can become disinterested if there’s nothing visual holding their attention.
In the beginning, you probably won’t have a multi-camera setup, so you cannot cut away from your livestream. However, you can share the screen and you can bring physical objects into a frame.
If you are talking about your dog, show her on camera. If you’re presenting something with a lot of steps, create a Powerpoint slideshow.
Consider what visuals or props you can add to your livestream to enhance your performance.
Find A Way to Make it Evergreen
Evergreen content refers to content that is relevant for a great length of time. Talking about an event isn’t evergreen, because the event will soon pass and become old news. However, giving some tips for how to plan an event would be evergreen content.
Since your livestream will be saved on YouTube and your viewers can replay and watch it. They’re more likely to enjoy it if the content is relevant and interesting.
It Doesn’t Have to Be Long
A livestream doesn’t need to be 40 minutes long. It only needs to be long enough for you to get your story across — and if you want to answer some questions and engage with your audience. As soon as your story is over, even if it’s only 5 minutes, that’s okay. Don’t stress about the length of your stream, it’s not an endurance competition.
Allow Yourself to Make Mistakes
Another thing you shouldn’t worry about at all is making mistakes. When you are doing livestreams pretend you are engaging with someone in real life. In real life, you aren’t able to edit out your mistakes, whether it’s a word mispronounced or coffee spilling. Roll with it and laugh it off.
How to Grow As A Livestreamer on YouTube
Let People Know When You Are Streaming
Give people enough time to schedule it in, don’t spring it on them in the last minute. Share it on social media, your website, and any other means.
Create a Streaming Link 2 Days Before
Share your livestream link via social media to remind everyone to tune in when you go live. Looking for your link? It should look something like this: <www.youtube.com/user/\[channelname\]/live>
Reach Out To the Communities Most Interested
If you are going to be live streaming about a specific topic, such as photography, you should reach out to those who are interested in the topic. Highlight what aspect of photography you are going to be streaming and attract new viewers to your content.
Be Aware of Time Difference
If you have an international audience, find time to livestream where you can get the optimal amount of viewers.
You can find the location of your main demographic in your YouTube analytics .
Create a Channel Trailer to Promote Livestream
Make a video and host it as your channel trailer, that way anyone who lands on your YouTube page will see the promo for your livestream.
Promote Through Feature Content and Channel
YouTube has a feature that enables you to use your existing content to promote your upcoming livestream.
Here’s how to set it up:
Key Takeaways
- Live streaming will help you make more videos, engage with your audience, and grow your channel.
- You don’t need expensive equipment to livestream on YouTube, you only need a webcam and a microphone.
- YouTube has made live streaming as easy as a few clicks, no additional software needed unless you are gaming.
- Always do a test run of your livestream to ensure the internet, audio, and visual are all working properly.
- Create content and reach out to communities to promote your livestream.
Have you encountered any obstacles when setting up your livestream on YouTube? Let us know in the comments below, we are happy to help!
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Live streaming on YouTube is a great way to get more engagement from your audience, even if you do not have a huge following. As long as you have some reliable subscribers leaving comments on your videos you should be able to schedule a live stream and know it will have an audience. People feel a personal connection with their favorite vloggers so if you give your subscribers a chance to interact with you in real time they will probably plan to join in. The key to a good live streaming is to respond to comments and questions from people who are watching. Besides watching the live chat of your video you can create a hashtag for your stream and monitor it on twitter.
Table of Contents
- Why Livestream?
- Type of Content to Livestream
- What You Need to Livestream On YouTube
- 4 Ways to Setup Your Livestream On YouTube
- 8 Tips to Improve Your Livestream on YouTube
- How to Grow As A Livestreamer on YouTube
Why Livestream?
You have grown your audience, and now you want to take your channel to the next level and diversify your content.
Whether you are vlogging, gaming, or running tutorials on YouTube, there is potential to host a live broadcast. It’s not limited to any genre, you simply need to create content that people are interested in watching.
Before we get started into the How, let’s start with a few reasons Why you should be live streaming your content.
Connect and engage with your audience
When a viewer leaves a comment during a livestream you will be able to see it right away and respond. Having an instantaneous conversation with a viewer while they are watching your video will encourage more engagement and establish a ber relationship with your viewers — and you will know that these viewers are not bots.
Increase watch time and session watch time on your channel
If you are making YouTube videos on average 10 minutes long, and the viewer only watches half of it, that’s only 5 minutes of watch time, which is fine… But if you are live streaming for 45 minutes, and you are able to hold the viewer’s attention, you can surpass what your regular videos can do.
Make videos faster
As a YouTuber, you are always striving to be more efficient. Live streaming allows you to do that as you can set up and go. The content you end up creating during the duration of your livestream can then also be condensed into a highlight reel or a recap.
With a bit of planning before you go live, you can create a week’s worth of content in one go, instead of having multiple schedules for livestream content and your standard publishing videos.
Type of Content to Livestream
Live streaming has a lot of value, but what type of content should you be streaming?
Here are a few popular ideas for content that will attract viewers to your livestream:
Q&A session
Unboxing
Game or challenge
Sneak preview or review
Live events (just make sure the Internet can support it)
A demo or a tutorial
A live commentary or (if you are a gamer) Let’s Play video
What You Need to Livestream On YouTube
A Plan or Outline
It’s good to know what your livestream is going to be about before you start. Is there a key message you want to hit, an action you want your viewers to take, or a structure you want to follow.
Just because it’s live, doesn’t mean it all has to be improvised. If you go in without a plan, you might end up feeling flustered or getting stressed out. Allow for spontaneous comments or events to take you off your initial plan, but always return to your outline so you know how to wrap up your livestream when you have to.
Stable Internet Connection
You cannot conduct a quality livestream, if your Internet is bad. When evaluating your internet connection for live streaming on YouTube, look at the Upload speed. Depending on the quality of your video, these are the minimum upload speed rates your Internet will need to perform:
480p = 1.5 mbps
720p = 3 mbps
1080 = 5 mbps
In addition, be aware of external causes that may be slowing down your internet such as someone else using it, a poorly performing router, or a damaged cable.
Camera
If you have a smartphone or a laptop with a webcam built in, that is the best camera for you to get started live streaming. It’s good to have a milestone and work towards a more advanced camera, but until then, don’t feel discouraged because you don’t have expensive gear. If you have a smartphone, a laptop, or a basic webcam, that’s perfectly fine.
Microphone
You don’t need a great microphone for live streaming, you only need a good one. If you do want to spend several hundred to a thousand dollars for a professional studio microphone, nobody will stop you, but know this, a mic that is easy to use is as important as the audio quality as you develop a consistent live streaming schedule.
Streaming Software (For Higher Quality Streams)
Once upon a time, to livestream on YouTube, you needed additional software to capture content from desktop, camera, microphone, etc, called encoding software — but not anymore.
Those encoding software, such as OBS , Wirecast , and VMix , are required if you are producing content that requires a high frame rate such as gaming, but not mandatory if you are simply vlogging or running a tutorial.
If you are using Chrome, you canstream live on YouTube without using an encoder .
A Capture Card (For Higher Quality Streams)
You will need a capture card when you are capturing footage from a different PC or console. If you are a gamer and you are using one PC to stream and one PC to play your game, then you should consider getting a capture card.
4 Ways to Setup Your Livestream On YouTube
There are 4 main ways you can start live streaming on YouTube. The one that works best for you depends on the content you are going to be streaming.
1. Camera/Go Live (Chrome Browser)
By accessing www.youtube.com/webcam on the Google Chrome browser, you can start streaming immediately through your connected webcam. This way is best for a simple Q&A or letting your viewers know your thoughts in a timely situation. This method does not require an encoder.
There are 3 ways to access livestream this way:
1. Click here to connect to your YouTube channel
2. You can access it from the top menu on YouTube
3. You can access it by clicking Camera under the Live Streaming tab in your Creator Studio
2. Google Hangouts On Air (Quick)
Another way to livestream without an encoding software is by using the Google Hangouts On Air feature.
This is great if you want the feel of your livestream to be similar to a board meeting, where you can invite people, split screen, and share screen to illustrate your point.
Here’s how you can access this Google Hangouts On Air:
Step 1: Go to Events under the Live Streaming tab in your Creator Studio
Step 2: Click New Live Event button on the top right corner
Step 3: Enter the event’s Info and Setting page. Fill out the details of your Livestream, and under Type, select Quick (using Google Hangouts On Air).
Step 4: You can schedule your livestream or Go Live immediately by clicking one of the blue buttons on the left-hand side.
3. Mobile
Live streaming via your mobile device gives you a lot more freedom to maneuver. You can walk around and give your viewers a tour — but remember to stay within the WiFi or LTE range. That means you still won’t be able to livestream well inside an elevator.
Here’s how you can livestream on mobile:
Step 1: Access the YouTube app and make sure you are signed in to the account you want to livestream from.
Step 2: At the top, click on the camera icon
Step 3: Click on Go Live
Pro Tip: When live streaming, always hold your smartphone horizontally. This allows your video to be oriented as a landscape, instead of a portrait.
4. Custom Encoder
The fourth way of live streaming on YouTube is with encoding software. This is the recommended method if video quality is essential, such as gaming videos.
Step 1: Download and install an encoding software. In this example, we’ll be using OBS .
Step 2: Open OBS
Step 3: Go to YouTube Creator Studio and enter the Stream Now page
Step 4: Under Encoder Setup, copy Stream name/key (Warning: DO NOT share this key with anyone)
Step 5: Return to OBS and enter the Setting menu on the lower right-hand side of the application
Step 6: Click into the Stream tab
a) Under Stream Type, select Streaming Services
b) Under Service, select YouTube/YouTube Gaming
c) Under Server, select Primary YouTube ingest server
d) In Stream Key box, paste the Stream Key you copied from YouTube
e) Click Apply and then OK
Step 7: Plug in your webcam
Step 8: In the main OBS dashboard, under the Sources menu, click the + icon and add Video Capture Device. You should now see visuals from your Webcam.
Step 9: Select the Resolution you want for your video and click OK
Step 10: Return to your YouTube Streaming Page and fill out the details of your livestream
Step 11: Go back to OBS and click Start Streaming
Step 12: See on YouTube Streaming Page at the top that you are Live. You are officially streaming. Once You are finished streaming, return to OBS and click Stop Streaming to end the stream.
8 Tips to Improve Your Livestream on YouTube
Do Speed Test
Before you start your livestream, do a speed test of your Internet. Check out from here.
Have Good Lighting
Be aware of your surroundings when you are about to livestream. You don’t need the top-notch lighting kit, you can simply sit beside a window and allow natural lights to illuminate your stream.
Shoot A Live Test (Unlisted)
Have a technical rehearsal by doing a livestream test, then rewatching it, and evaluating the quality of the audio and visual.
You don’t have to worry about your audience logging in and seeing your test if you set the Privacy of the stream to Unlisted.
Look at the Lens, Not the Screen
If you are streaming with the selfie camera on your smartphone or using your camera’s viewfinder to make sure you are in the frame, remember that you need to be looking at the lens — not the image of yourself.
Eye contact is important in building trust, and if you are looking at yourself, it will appear as if you are looking past your viewers instead of at them.
Show It To Your Viewers
Whatever you are talking about, if you can, show it to your viewers. YouTube is a visual medium, and that means your viewers can become disinterested if there’s nothing visual holding their attention.
In the beginning, you probably won’t have a multi-camera setup, so you cannot cut away from your livestream. However, you can share the screen and you can bring physical objects into a frame.
If you are talking about your dog, show her on camera. If you’re presenting something with a lot of steps, create a Powerpoint slideshow.
Consider what visuals or props you can add to your livestream to enhance your performance.
Find A Way to Make it Evergreen
Evergreen content refers to content that is relevant for a great length of time. Talking about an event isn’t evergreen, because the event will soon pass and become old news. However, giving some tips for how to plan an event would be evergreen content.
Since your livestream will be saved on YouTube and your viewers can replay and watch it. They’re more likely to enjoy it if the content is relevant and interesting.
It Doesn’t Have to Be Long
A livestream doesn’t need to be 40 minutes long. It only needs to be long enough for you to get your story across — and if you want to answer some questions and engage with your audience. As soon as your story is over, even if it’s only 5 minutes, that’s okay. Don’t stress about the length of your stream, it’s not an endurance competition.
Allow Yourself to Make Mistakes
Another thing you shouldn’t worry about at all is making mistakes. When you are doing livestreams pretend you are engaging with someone in real life. In real life, you aren’t able to edit out your mistakes, whether it’s a word mispronounced or coffee spilling. Roll with it and laugh it off.
How to Grow As A Livestreamer on YouTube
Let People Know When You Are Streaming
Give people enough time to schedule it in, don’t spring it on them in the last minute. Share it on social media, your website, and any other means.
Create a Streaming Link 2 Days Before
Share your livestream link via social media to remind everyone to tune in when you go live. Looking for your link? It should look something like this: <www.youtube.com/user/\[channelname\]/live>
Reach Out To the Communities Most Interested
If you are going to be live streaming about a specific topic, such as photography, you should reach out to those who are interested in the topic. Highlight what aspect of photography you are going to be streaming and attract new viewers to your content.
Be Aware of Time Difference
If you have an international audience, find time to livestream where you can get the optimal amount of viewers.
You can find the location of your main demographic in your YouTube analytics .
Create a Channel Trailer to Promote Livestream
Make a video and host it as your channel trailer, that way anyone who lands on your YouTube page will see the promo for your livestream.
Promote Through Feature Content and Channel
YouTube has a feature that enables you to use your existing content to promote your upcoming livestream.
Here’s how to set it up:
Key Takeaways
- Live streaming will help you make more videos, engage with your audience, and grow your channel.
- You don’t need expensive equipment to livestream on YouTube, you only need a webcam and a microphone.
- YouTube has made live streaming as easy as a few clicks, no additional software needed unless you are gaming.
- Always do a test run of your livestream to ensure the internet, audio, and visual are all working properly.
- Create content and reach out to communities to promote your livestream.
Have you encountered any obstacles when setting up your livestream on YouTube? Let us know in the comments below, we are happy to help!
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Live streaming on YouTube is a great way to get more engagement from your audience, even if you do not have a huge following. As long as you have some reliable subscribers leaving comments on your videos you should be able to schedule a live stream and know it will have an audience. People feel a personal connection with their favorite vloggers so if you give your subscribers a chance to interact with you in real time they will probably plan to join in. The key to a good live streaming is to respond to comments and questions from people who are watching. Besides watching the live chat of your video you can create a hashtag for your stream and monitor it on twitter.
Table of Contents
- Why Livestream?
- Type of Content to Livestream
- What You Need to Livestream On YouTube
- 4 Ways to Setup Your Livestream On YouTube
- 8 Tips to Improve Your Livestream on YouTube
- How to Grow As A Livestreamer on YouTube
Why Livestream?
You have grown your audience, and now you want to take your channel to the next level and diversify your content.
Whether you are vlogging, gaming, or running tutorials on YouTube, there is potential to host a live broadcast. It’s not limited to any genre, you simply need to create content that people are interested in watching.
Before we get started into the How, let’s start with a few reasons Why you should be live streaming your content.
Connect and engage with your audience
When a viewer leaves a comment during a livestream you will be able to see it right away and respond. Having an instantaneous conversation with a viewer while they are watching your video will encourage more engagement and establish a ber relationship with your viewers — and you will know that these viewers are not bots.
Increase watch time and session watch time on your channel
If you are making YouTube videos on average 10 minutes long, and the viewer only watches half of it, that’s only 5 minutes of watch time, which is fine… But if you are live streaming for 45 minutes, and you are able to hold the viewer’s attention, you can surpass what your regular videos can do.
Make videos faster
As a YouTuber, you are always striving to be more efficient. Live streaming allows you to do that as you can set up and go. The content you end up creating during the duration of your livestream can then also be condensed into a highlight reel or a recap.
With a bit of planning before you go live, you can create a week’s worth of content in one go, instead of having multiple schedules for livestream content and your standard publishing videos.
Type of Content to Livestream
Live streaming has a lot of value, but what type of content should you be streaming?
Here are a few popular ideas for content that will attract viewers to your livestream:
Q&A session
Unboxing
Game or challenge
Sneak preview or review
Live events (just make sure the Internet can support it)
A demo or a tutorial
A live commentary or (if you are a gamer) Let’s Play video
What You Need to Livestream On YouTube
A Plan or Outline
It’s good to know what your livestream is going to be about before you start. Is there a key message you want to hit, an action you want your viewers to take, or a structure you want to follow.
Just because it’s live, doesn’t mean it all has to be improvised. If you go in without a plan, you might end up feeling flustered or getting stressed out. Allow for spontaneous comments or events to take you off your initial plan, but always return to your outline so you know how to wrap up your livestream when you have to.
Stable Internet Connection
You cannot conduct a quality livestream, if your Internet is bad. When evaluating your internet connection for live streaming on YouTube, look at the Upload speed. Depending on the quality of your video, these are the minimum upload speed rates your Internet will need to perform:
480p = 1.5 mbps
720p = 3 mbps
1080 = 5 mbps
In addition, be aware of external causes that may be slowing down your internet such as someone else using it, a poorly performing router, or a damaged cable.
Camera
If you have a smartphone or a laptop with a webcam built in, that is the best camera for you to get started live streaming. It’s good to have a milestone and work towards a more advanced camera, but until then, don’t feel discouraged because you don’t have expensive gear. If you have a smartphone, a laptop, or a basic webcam, that’s perfectly fine.
Microphone
You don’t need a great microphone for live streaming, you only need a good one. If you do want to spend several hundred to a thousand dollars for a professional studio microphone, nobody will stop you, but know this, a mic that is easy to use is as important as the audio quality as you develop a consistent live streaming schedule.
Streaming Software (For Higher Quality Streams)
Once upon a time, to livestream on YouTube, you needed additional software to capture content from desktop, camera, microphone, etc, called encoding software — but not anymore.
Those encoding software, such as OBS , Wirecast , and VMix , are required if you are producing content that requires a high frame rate such as gaming, but not mandatory if you are simply vlogging or running a tutorial.
If you are using Chrome, you canstream live on YouTube without using an encoder .
A Capture Card (For Higher Quality Streams)
You will need a capture card when you are capturing footage from a different PC or console. If you are a gamer and you are using one PC to stream and one PC to play your game, then you should consider getting a capture card.
4 Ways to Setup Your Livestream On YouTube
There are 4 main ways you can start live streaming on YouTube. The one that works best for you depends on the content you are going to be streaming.
1. Camera/Go Live (Chrome Browser)
By accessing www.youtube.com/webcam on the Google Chrome browser, you can start streaming immediately through your connected webcam. This way is best for a simple Q&A or letting your viewers know your thoughts in a timely situation. This method does not require an encoder.
There are 3 ways to access livestream this way:
1. Click here to connect to your YouTube channel
2. You can access it from the top menu on YouTube
3. You can access it by clicking Camera under the Live Streaming tab in your Creator Studio
2. Google Hangouts On Air (Quick)
Another way to livestream without an encoding software is by using the Google Hangouts On Air feature.
This is great if you want the feel of your livestream to be similar to a board meeting, where you can invite people, split screen, and share screen to illustrate your point.
Here’s how you can access this Google Hangouts On Air:
Step 1: Go to Events under the Live Streaming tab in your Creator Studio
Step 2: Click New Live Event button on the top right corner
Step 3: Enter the event’s Info and Setting page. Fill out the details of your Livestream, and under Type, select Quick (using Google Hangouts On Air).
Step 4: You can schedule your livestream or Go Live immediately by clicking one of the blue buttons on the left-hand side.
3. Mobile
Live streaming via your mobile device gives you a lot more freedom to maneuver. You can walk around and give your viewers a tour — but remember to stay within the WiFi or LTE range. That means you still won’t be able to livestream well inside an elevator.
Here’s how you can livestream on mobile:
Step 1: Access the YouTube app and make sure you are signed in to the account you want to livestream from.
Step 2: At the top, click on the camera icon
Step 3: Click on Go Live
Pro Tip: When live streaming, always hold your smartphone horizontally. This allows your video to be oriented as a landscape, instead of a portrait.
4. Custom Encoder
The fourth way of live streaming on YouTube is with encoding software. This is the recommended method if video quality is essential, such as gaming videos.
Step 1: Download and install an encoding software. In this example, we’ll be using OBS .
Step 2: Open OBS
Step 3: Go to YouTube Creator Studio and enter the Stream Now page
Step 4: Under Encoder Setup, copy Stream name/key (Warning: DO NOT share this key with anyone)
Step 5: Return to OBS and enter the Setting menu on the lower right-hand side of the application
Step 6: Click into the Stream tab
a) Under Stream Type, select Streaming Services
b) Under Service, select YouTube/YouTube Gaming
c) Under Server, select Primary YouTube ingest server
d) In Stream Key box, paste the Stream Key you copied from YouTube
e) Click Apply and then OK
Step 7: Plug in your webcam
Step 8: In the main OBS dashboard, under the Sources menu, click the + icon and add Video Capture Device. You should now see visuals from your Webcam.
Step 9: Select the Resolution you want for your video and click OK
Step 10: Return to your YouTube Streaming Page and fill out the details of your livestream
Step 11: Go back to OBS and click Start Streaming
Step 12: See on YouTube Streaming Page at the top that you are Live. You are officially streaming. Once You are finished streaming, return to OBS and click Stop Streaming to end the stream.
8 Tips to Improve Your Livestream on YouTube
Do Speed Test
Before you start your livestream, do a speed test of your Internet. Check out from here.
Have Good Lighting
Be aware of your surroundings when you are about to livestream. You don’t need the top-notch lighting kit, you can simply sit beside a window and allow natural lights to illuminate your stream.
Shoot A Live Test (Unlisted)
Have a technical rehearsal by doing a livestream test, then rewatching it, and evaluating the quality of the audio and visual.
You don’t have to worry about your audience logging in and seeing your test if you set the Privacy of the stream to Unlisted.
Look at the Lens, Not the Screen
If you are streaming with the selfie camera on your smartphone or using your camera’s viewfinder to make sure you are in the frame, remember that you need to be looking at the lens — not the image of yourself.
Eye contact is important in building trust, and if you are looking at yourself, it will appear as if you are looking past your viewers instead of at them.
Show It To Your Viewers
Whatever you are talking about, if you can, show it to your viewers. YouTube is a visual medium, and that means your viewers can become disinterested if there’s nothing visual holding their attention.
In the beginning, you probably won’t have a multi-camera setup, so you cannot cut away from your livestream. However, you can share the screen and you can bring physical objects into a frame.
If you are talking about your dog, show her on camera. If you’re presenting something with a lot of steps, create a Powerpoint slideshow.
Consider what visuals or props you can add to your livestream to enhance your performance.
Find A Way to Make it Evergreen
Evergreen content refers to content that is relevant for a great length of time. Talking about an event isn’t evergreen, because the event will soon pass and become old news. However, giving some tips for how to plan an event would be evergreen content.
Since your livestream will be saved on YouTube and your viewers can replay and watch it. They’re more likely to enjoy it if the content is relevant and interesting.
It Doesn’t Have to Be Long
A livestream doesn’t need to be 40 minutes long. It only needs to be long enough for you to get your story across — and if you want to answer some questions and engage with your audience. As soon as your story is over, even if it’s only 5 minutes, that’s okay. Don’t stress about the length of your stream, it’s not an endurance competition.
Allow Yourself to Make Mistakes
Another thing you shouldn’t worry about at all is making mistakes. When you are doing livestreams pretend you are engaging with someone in real life. In real life, you aren’t able to edit out your mistakes, whether it’s a word mispronounced or coffee spilling. Roll with it and laugh it off.
How to Grow As A Livestreamer on YouTube
Let People Know When You Are Streaming
Give people enough time to schedule it in, don’t spring it on them in the last minute. Share it on social media, your website, and any other means.
Create a Streaming Link 2 Days Before
Share your livestream link via social media to remind everyone to tune in when you go live. Looking for your link? It should look something like this: <www.youtube.com/user/\[channelname\]/live>
Reach Out To the Communities Most Interested
If you are going to be live streaming about a specific topic, such as photography, you should reach out to those who are interested in the topic. Highlight what aspect of photography you are going to be streaming and attract new viewers to your content.
Be Aware of Time Difference
If you have an international audience, find time to livestream where you can get the optimal amount of viewers.
You can find the location of your main demographic in your YouTube analytics .
Create a Channel Trailer to Promote Livestream
Make a video and host it as your channel trailer, that way anyone who lands on your YouTube page will see the promo for your livestream.
Promote Through Feature Content and Channel
YouTube has a feature that enables you to use your existing content to promote your upcoming livestream.
Here’s how to set it up:
Key Takeaways
- Live streaming will help you make more videos, engage with your audience, and grow your channel.
- You don’t need expensive equipment to livestream on YouTube, you only need a webcam and a microphone.
- YouTube has made live streaming as easy as a few clicks, no additional software needed unless you are gaming.
- Always do a test run of your livestream to ensure the internet, audio, and visual are all working properly.
- Create content and reach out to communities to promote your livestream.
Have you encountered any obstacles when setting up your livestream on YouTube? Let us know in the comments below, we are happy to help!
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Richard Bennett
Also read:
- [New] A Comprehenensive Guide to YouTube Studio's Editing Features
- [New] Create Harmonious Hits A Step-by-Step Guide to Making YouTube Playlists Online & App
- Capturing Moving Images Mirrorless Versus DSLR
- [Updated] Discover Essential YouTube Music Channels
- Step Into Worlds YouTube's Premier Selection of VR Movies
- In 2024, Content Creators' Dilemma Which Site Reigns - Vimeo, YouTube?
- Ensuring Profit Tracking on Your Channel for 2024
- Master the Motion Personalized Animation Techniques
- Expert Techniques for Professionalizing Mobile-Based YouTube Thumbnails
- Curating a Musical Portfolio in Youtube
- [New] Essential Economic Education Top 15 YouTube Picks
- [New] Dominating Discussion Topics in the Social Space
- The Ultimate Guide to Banner & Art Design for Your YouTube Channel
- Maximize Your Content Creation Top-Rated Mac MP4 Slicers
- [Updated] DSLR Camera's Stand Against Mirrorless for Videographers
- Pioneering Sustainability Transforming Metropolitan Environments
- Craft a Unique Channel Look for Free
- Elevate Engagement Posting YouTube Video on FB for 2024
- Beginner's Bible to Your YouTube Audio-Visual Arsenal
- [Updated] Elevate Your YouTube Presence with Optimal Post Times
- In 2024, Content Creator Acclaim Through Subscriber Recognition
- In 2024, Captivate Your Audience Professional End Screen Creations
- Evaluating Rapid Subscription's Impact on Video Engagement for 2024
- 2024 Approved Endless Entertainment Escapade Top-Tier Free Films on YouTube
- Aspect Ratio Fundamentals for Effective YouTube Content Creation for 2024
- Cutting-Edge Method Quick Erasure of Youtube Comments
- 2024 Approved A Step-by-Step Aspect Ratio Guide for YouTube Creators
- Maximizing Video Channels Earning with New Policies
- Tailoring the Perfect YouTube Conclusion for Engagement
- A Guide to the Best Bridal Films (8 From YouTube + Vimeo) for 2024
- 2024 Approved Best Live Recording Gadgets for YouTube Content Creators
- [New] Unlock Insightful Revelations Instagram Snapshot Audiences for 2024
- New 5 Methods to Denoise a Video
- [New] 2024 Approved ShareX Examined Evaluations & Alternatives
- [Updated] FB Story Downloads Decoded A Quick & Convenient Guide for All Users for 2024
- Updated In 2024, Top 10 Voice Recorder Apps for Android Phone
- In 2024, Why is iPogo not working On Honor 100 Pro? Fixed | Dr.fone
- In 2024, How To Unlock Motorola Edge 2023 Phone Without Password?
- [New] 2024 Approved ExpertSnap Recording Tool, Win 10 Version
- 2024 Approved Advanced Tips for Recording Google Voice Dialogues
- How To Bypass iCloud Activation Lock On iPod and Apple iPhone X The Right Way
- New Unlock the Best Deal Final Cut Pro Education Discount Inside for 2024
- In 2024, Navigating Instagram Reels A Comprehensive Guide
- New Discover the Peak Sound Perfection Recommended Equalizer Settings
- [New] The Sizzling Social Feast 10 Viral Food Trends
- Updated 2024 Approved Mastering AMR Files Comprehensive AMR File Conversion Handbook
- How To Unlock Any Nubia Red Magic 9 Pro Phone Password Using Emergency Call
- How To Bypass Tecno Spark 10 Pro FRP In 3 Different Ways
- [Updated] In 2024, Exclusive Couple's Spaces on Discord Platform
- In 2024, Avoiding Instagram's False Facade for a Solid Stature
- In 2024, Editing Videos on Mac OS X Yosemite A Comprehensive Tutorial
- Flip Video Clips in Final Cut Pro A 4-Step Guide for Beginners for 2024
- In 2024, How to Erase an Apple iPhone 7 Plus without Apple ID?
- Camera Kings' Picks Selecting the Very Best 6 4K DSLRs
- 2024 Approved Mac Movie Magic How to Choose the Right Video Editing Tool for You
- [Updated] Clarifying Gap Between Full View & Immersive Videos
- How To Restore Missing Pictures Files from Honor 90 Lite.
- [Updated] In 2024, Unlocking the Secrets The Ultimate Guide to Instagram Stories Mastery
- Title: Subscriber Threshold Raised for Profits
- Author: Kevin
- Created at : 2024-05-25 16:20:41
- Updated at : 2024-05-26 16:20:41
- Link: https://youtube-videos.techidaily.com/subscriber-threshold-raised-for-profits/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.