How to Go Live on YouTube (Even Without 50 Subscribers) 2026

Want to go live on YouTube but don’t have 50 subscribers? You still can. YouTube removed the subscriber requirement for desktop streaming, so any verified channel can start a live broadcast from a computer right now.

Mobile streaming still requires 50 subscribers, but there’s an easy workaround. This guide covers the current 2026 requirements, step-by-step setup instructions, and how to get the most out of your live streams.

YouTube Live Requirements

YouTube has different rules for desktop and mobile streaming. Here’s what you need in 2026:

Desktop streaming (no subscriber minimum):

1. Verify your YouTube account at youtube.com/verify using your phone number. This is a one-time process.
2. No live stream restrictions on your channel in the past 90 days.
3. Wait 24 hours after enabling live streaming for the first time.

Mobile streaming (50 subscribers needed):

1. All the desktop requirements above, plus at least 50 subscribers.
2. You must be 18 or older to stream from the YouTube mobile app.

If you have fewer than 50 subscribers and want to stream from your phone, use a mobile browser and go to YouTube Studio instead. This counts as desktop streaming and bypasses the subscriber limit.

How to Go Live on YouTube

1. Verify Your Account

If you haven’t verified your channel yet:

• Go to youtube.com/verify.
• Sign in to your YouTube account.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to add your phone number.
• Enter the verification code you receive.

2. Enable Live Streaming

• Go to YouTube Studio.
• Click the “Create” button in the top-right corner.
• Select “Go live”.
• If it’s your first time, YouTube will prompt you to enable live streaming. Follow the steps.

You’ll need to wait 24 hours after enabling the feature before your first broadcast.

3. Set Up Your Stream

• Title and description: Write a clear title with your topic. The description should explain what the stream covers. Example: “How to Go Live on YouTube Without 50 Subscribers - Live Q&A”.
• Privacy: Set your stream to Public, Unlisted, or Private.
• Scheduling: You can go live right away or schedule it for later. Scheduling helps build anticipation and lets you promote your live stream in advance.

4. Pick a Streaming Method

Desktop webcam (simplest): Go live directly from your Chrome browser using your built-in webcam. No software needed.

Streaming software (most flexible): Use OBS Studio, Streamlabs, or StreamYard for overlays, multiple cameras, and screen sharing. You’ll need to copy your “stream key” from YouTube’s Live Control Room and paste it into the software. To stream on YouTube using Streamlabs, you’ll need to link your YouTube account to the Streamlabs app. For developers building custom streaming platforms, a live streaming API can provide the flexibility to create tailored streaming experiences with real-time interactions.

Screen recording for streams: ScreenApp lets you record your screen and stream simultaneously. It also generates AI-powered transcripts and notes from your recordings, which is useful for repurposing stream content later.

Mobile app: Open the YouTube app, tap the ”+” icon, tap “Go Live”, and set up your title and privacy settings. Remember, you need 50 subscribers for this method.

Streaming Software Comparison

Choosing the right software depends on your experience level and what you need. Here’s how the most popular options compare:

OBS Studio is the go-to for creators who want full control without paying anything. Streamlabs adds beginner-friendly features on top of OBS. StreamYard is browser-based, so there’s nothing to install. Use ScreenApp if you want automatic recordings with AI transcription of your streams.

YouTube Live vs Other Platforms

If you’re deciding where to stream, here’s how YouTube Live compares to the main alternatives in 2026:

YouTube’s biggest advantage is long-term discoverability. Your live streams stay on your channel as regular videos, and they rank in search results. Twitch streams disappear after a few weeks unless you save them. TikTok Live requires 1,000 followers just to start, but its algorithm pushes new creators to viewers fast. You can track your YouTube rankings and performance with tools like SE Ranking to see how your streams perform in search.

New YouTube Live Features

YouTube added several streaming features in 2025-2026 that are worth knowing about:

• Dual-format streaming: Broadcast horizontal and vertical versions of the same stream at the same time. The vertical version shows up in the Shorts feed on mobile.
• Practice mode: Test your setup before going public. You can experiment with camera angles, overlays, and audio without anyone watching.
• AI Best Moments: YouTube automatically identifies the best clips from your stream and creates draft Shorts for you to review and publish.
• Smart Q&A Sticker: An AI-powered tool that organizes viewer questions during your stream so you don’t miss anything.
• Side-by-side ads: Ads display next to your content instead of interrupting the stream, which helps keep viewers around.
• Members-only switching: Switch from a public stream to members-only mid-broadcast without stopping. Good for Q&A sessions or bonus content for paying supporters.

These features make YouTube a stronger choice for creators who want to build a long-term audience through live content. For more on YouTube Live best practices and scheduling, check out dedicated streaming guides.

Tips for Your First Stream

• Promote it ahead of time. Share on your other social platforms when you’re going live.
• Collaborating with other YouTubers who have a similar audience can bring new viewers to your streams. Cross-promotion is one of the fastest ways to grow.
• Engage with your chat. Acknowledge viewers by name, answer their questions, and ask them questions back. The interaction is what makes live streaming different from regular video. Using a tool for conversational intelligence can help you understand what topics your audience cares about most.
• Have a loose plan. Even a few bullet points keep you on track and prevent awkward silences.
• Test your equipment. Check your camera and microphone before going live. A stable internet connection matters more than expensive gear.
• Use SEO-friendly keywords in your stream title and description. YouTube indexes live stream content just like regular videos, so searchable titles help people find your broadcasts.

Growing Your Channel

Streaming regularly helps build an audience, but you need a broader strategy to grow. Here are some approaches that work:

Regular content posting: Consistency matters more than frequency. Pick a schedule you can maintain and stick with it. You can also create merchandise like branded sweatshirts with interactive custom QR codes to promote your channel during streams and in your community.

Repurpose your streams: Record your live broadcasts with ScreenApp and turn them into clips, blog posts, or social media content. One stream can become 5-10 separate pieces of content.

Accept donations through YouTube’s Super Chat during streams, or set up external donation links. Even small channels can earn from engaged live audiences.

Leverage third-party software: For more professional streams, use encoding software with AI voice generators for intros and outros, overlays for branding, and scene transitions that keep viewers watching.

Regardless of your current subscriber count, consistent effort and a focus on creating useful content leads to growth. Innovative tools like deovr also offer VR solutions for more immersive and engaging live streams.

FAQ

How many subscribers to go live on YouTube?

Zero subscribers for desktop streaming. You need 50 subscribers for mobile streaming through the YouTube app. Both methods require a verified account and no live stream restrictions in the past 90 days.

How do I go live on YouTube without 50 subscribers?

Use desktop streaming. Go to YouTube Studio in your browser, click “Create”, then “Go live”. Desktop streaming has no subscriber requirement. If you want to stream from your phone, open YouTube Studio in your mobile browser instead of the YouTube app.

Why can’t I go live on YouTube?

The most common reasons:

1. Your account is not verified. Go to youtube.com/verify.
2. You haven’t waited 24 hours after enabling live streaming for the first time.
3. Your channel received a live streaming restriction in the last 90 days.
4. You’re trying to use the mobile app with fewer than 50 subscribers.

Can I monetize live streams without 1,000 subscribers?

No. To earn money from live streams through ads, Super Chat, or channel memberships, you need to join the YouTube Partner Program. That requires 1,000 subscribers and either 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months or 10 million Shorts views in 90 days.

What is the best software for YouTube live streaming?

For beginners, streaming directly from the browser or using StreamYard works well. For more control, OBS Studio (free) and Streamlabs are the most popular choices. If you want to record and repurpose your streams, ScreenApp gives you automatic recordings with AI transcription. For developers, integrating a live streaming API lets you build custom streaming solutions.

Can I stream on YouTube and Twitch at the same time?

Yes. Tools like Restream and StreamYard let you multistream to YouTube, Twitch, and other platforms simultaneously. OBS Studio can also do this with plugins. Just check each platform’s terms of service, as some may have exclusivity rules for partnered streamers.

How long can a YouTube live stream be?

YouTube allows streams up to 12 hours long. If you’re streaming for more than 12 hours, the stream will automatically end and you’ll need to start a new one. Streams under 12 hours are automatically archived as regular videos on your channel.