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2w ago

YouTube Raises Live-Streaming Age to 16

Under-16 creators must have a visibly present adult co-host on every live stream or face disabled chat and possible removal of non-compliant broadcasts.

Portrait of teenage African-American boy wearing headset and waving at camera while streaming video games at home, young gamer or blogger concept, copy space
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YouTube’s New Age Rules Could Lead to Increase in Family Livestreams: Benefits and Challenges of Streaming Together | Image: Reuters
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Overview

  • Effective July 22, YouTube will require users to be at least 16 to livestream unaccompanied, extending previous adult-supervision rules for under-13s to include all 13- to 15-year-olds.
  • Creators aged 13 to 15 can only go live if an adult added as a channel editor, manager or owner remains on camera throughout the broadcast.
  • YouTube will disable live chat and may remove streams or revoke livestreaming features for accounts that violate the new age restrictions.
  • The policy is part of Google’s broader push to protect minors online, using machine-learning age checks alongside supervised accounts and “Made for Kids” content.
  • Industry observers warn the change could slow growth for young creators but may spur more family-led streams under parental supervision.