Last Updated on February 23, 2022
YouTube is the world’s largest video platform, and slowly but surely it becomes a big hub for live streamers as well.
If you wish to start streaming on YouTube, this guide would teach you everything you need to know!
While streaming on Twitch is still the most popular and accessible way for anyone to make a career out of it, YouTube has become a huge streaming environment for a ton of people as well, with certain streamers creating a proper career out of it.
As a prime example, ValkyRae has become one of the most popular streamers in the world and she has done it solely through her contract with YouTube, becoming an S-Tier streamer on the platform.
if you are struggling on Twitch then YouTube is a much better platform for you to check out, as their policies with streaming are way less strict.
This is a definitive guide on how to start streaming on YouTube and engage with your audience even more than just videos, comments and posts!
How to Start Streaming on YouTube Live
If you’re new to streaming on YouTube, then you need to know that getting your account enabled for streaming is a crucial part of it.
1. Verify Your Account
Verifying your account is the first step in the enabling process. Proceed to www.youtube.com/verify, once there you must add your phone number to receive a verification code which will then enable your account for live streaming.
Note that if you are going live from PC, you need at least 24 hours after the verification to go live. Whereas on YouTube’s mobile application, you need at least 1000 subscribers to gain the ability to go live.
2. Decide Your Hardware
Deciding what hardware you want to use for streaming is a VITAL step for any streams. Remember, the higher the quality of your streams, the more viewers will be appealed to join into those streams and watch you!
The cameras that are available to you on your laptop or mobile phone are the easiest way to start streaming right away without any third-party software. However, these come at a cost of quality in exchange for your convenience. When using third party encoders which are streaming software such as OBS; you gain the ability to use higher quality audio and video gear such as high quality cameras, microphones and even multiple cameras and the ability to stream your screen. These options aren’t available to you if you directly start streaming through your laptop or cellphone camera.
3. Prepare Your Live Stream
Before beginning the live-stream, you need to make sure you have a proper thumbnail, a proper description of what you will be doing and the most important part: The Title.
ON PC:
- Go to YouTube.Com/dashboard on your preferred browser. (Chrome 60+ or Firefox 53+ are recommended.)
- Click the video recorder icon in the top right corner.
- Click on go-live and select your webcam.
- Put down your title, and your privacy settings.
- Click on “More Options” to add a description, live chat on or off, monetization and promotion etc.
- Click on “Next”, YouTube will automatically use your chosen camera to take a thumbnail photo. You can retake or upload a different image afterwards.
- Select “Go Live”.
- To stop, select “End Stream” at the bottom.
ON MOBILE:
- Go into the YouTube application, then select the video recorder icon on top right.
- Select “Go Live.”
- Add your title and select your privacy settings.
- Select “More Options” to add a description, live chat on or off, monetization and promotion etc.
- Press “Show Less” to exit and tap on “Next”. Then you can take a picture or upload a thumbnail.
- Tap “Share” to share the link with other people or on social media.
- Tap on “Go Live.”
- To end the live-stream; click “Finish” and then “OK”.
ON ENCORDER:
- Download an encoding software. Here’s a list of the verified software: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/2907883
- Select the video recorder icon.
- Click on “Go Live”, then select “Stream.” If you have used the software to stream before, you can just copy and create, if not then create new is always an option.
- Add and select your title, description, category, privacy settings, upload a thumbnail, as well as monetization and other settings. Once you’re done selecting your settings just click on “Create Stream.”
- Go to your “Stream Settings” and select your stream key, you can use the same stream key or save multiple ones for future reference.
- Just add the stream key into your encoding software.
- Go to your YouTube dashboard and click on “Go Live.”
- If you want to end it, click “End Stream.”
Tips For Livestreaming on YouTube:
There are multiple different ways you can live-stream on YouTube, but here are a few tips to help you out in the process!
1. Choose Your Livestreaming Time
Choosing a good time to stream can make or break a live-stream. For example, if you choose to stream at 4AM in the morning, then you will not get as much traction because people are definitely asleep. Whereas if you choose a timing of 10AM in the morning, you might not get good traffic either because people will be working! Choosing an appropriate time is the best way to gain an audience.
2. Prepare Yourself For The Stream
Preparing yourself for the stream is very important. You cannot really readjust any of the settings such as lighting, audio and camera framing once you’re live, so make sure you have those adjusted.
More importantly though, charge your batteries if you’re using any products that require them and make sure to check if you have a stable internet connection.
Definitely have water nearby, or energy drinks for those long gaming sessions, and keep tissues on yourself for any coughs, sneezes or runny noses.
After following those instructions, you should now be able to see your chat tab, as well as your initial streaming setup.
3. Promote Your Stream
Promoting your stream can result in a surge of popularity in your live streams. These can help in increasing your traction and monetization. So definitely let as many people know of your stream as possible through sharing your live-stream on social media and amongst your friends!
4. Engage Your Audience
Engaging an audience is a hard thing to do. Different people have different things they find engaging.
But if you can get a proper audience between a specific demographic that you like, then your stream will be successful for quite some time. Interacting with your chat is the best way to keep your audience engaged!
5. Always create a custom title, description and thumbnail
Make sure to always add a relevant title, description and thumbnail. These are the first impressions that anyone will get from your stream so having these as an attention-grabbing thing in a positive light is an absolute necessity.