Key Points
- Playables mini‑games like Angry Birds Showdown are now playable directly within YouTube Live streams.
- Dual‑format streaming enables simultaneous horizontal and vertical broadcasts with a shared chat.
- AI‑powered highlights automatically create Shorts from the best moments of a livestream.
- Practice Mode lets creators rehearse setups without the risk of going live unintentionally.
- Side‑by‑side ads run adjacent to content, offering a less disruptive monetization option.
- Channel memberships can seamlessly switch public streams to members‑only broadcasts.
- Vertical livestreams can be launched on mobile and react live to other ongoing events.
- YouTube positions these updates as a major step forward against TikTok Live and Twitch.
Made on YouTube Event Announces Landmark Live Updates
During the Made on YouTube event, YouTube detailed a suite of enhancements aimed at revitalizing its livestream ecosystem. The company described the rollout as the most substantial update to Live ever introduced, positioning the platform to better compete with rivals such as TikTok Live and Twitch.
Playables Bring Mini‑Games to Live Streams
One of the headline features is the integration of Playables into Live. Previously limited to the YouTube home page, Playables are a catalog of free mini‑games that creators can now launch directly within a livestream. Popular titles include Angry Birds Showdown, Cut the Rope, Tomb of the Mask, and Trivia Crack. This interactive layer is intended to lower the barrier for new livestreamers, offering a low‑pressure way to engage audiences and potentially attract viewers who enjoy quick, game‑based content.
Dual‑Format Streaming for Desktop and Mobile Audiences
YouTube introduced the ability to broadcast in both horizontal and vertical formats at the same time. This dual‑format approach ensures that viewers on desktop computers and those on mobile devices receive an optimized visual experience without needing separate streams. All participants share a single chat, preserving community interaction regardless of viewing orientation. The feature aligns with broader industry trends that recognize the growing share of mobile‑first consumption.
Live Reaction and Vertical Launch Capabilities
Creators can now start a vertical livestream from a mobile device and react in real time to other events or streams happening concurrently. This reactive capability encourages cross‑stream engagement and offers new ways for creators to interact with trending moments or fellow broadcasters.
AI‑Powered Highlights Turn Live Moments into Shorts
Leveraging artificial intelligence, YouTube’s new highlights tool automatically selects the most compelling segments of a livestream and repurposes them as shareable Shorts. This automation reduces the manual effort required to produce short‑form content and helps amplify the reach of live moments beyond the original broadcast.
Practice Mode Reduces Live‑Stream Pressure
The platform also unveiled a “Practice Mode,” allowing creators to test equipment, overlays, and settings without the risk of unintentionally going live. This sandbox environment aims to improve production quality and confidence among both new and seasoned streamers.
Side‑by‑Side Ads Offer Non‑Intrusive Monetization
In a bid to enhance revenue opportunities without disrupting viewer experience, YouTube rolled out a side‑by‑side ad format. These ads appear adjacent to the main video content, resembling a split‑screen display, and are designed to be less intrusive than traditional pre‑roll or mid‑roll interruptions.
Members‑Only Stream Flexibility
Channel memberships now include a streamlined option to switch a public livestream to a members‑only broadcast without interruption. This flexibility enables creators to deliver exclusive content to paying subscribers while maintaining a seamless viewing experience.
Viewer Engagement Metrics
YouTube reported that more than 30% of daily logged‑in viewers watched live content during the second quarter of 2025, underscoring the growing importance of livestreaming within the platform’s overall ecosystem.
Source: techcrunch.com