How to Live Stream on YouTube From Your Phone

Going live on YouTube from your Android or iOS phone is quick and easy. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind before you hit the Go Live button. In this article, we will share some tricks and settings that we have learned from our experience of going live on our YouTube channel for the past two years. Whether you are new to live streaming or looking to improve your live streaming experience, we've got you covered.

Before You Go Live

Before you start live streaming on YouTube, there are a few prerequisites you need to fulfill:

  • Make sure your channel has at least 1,000 subscribers.
  • Verify your channel. If it's not verified, you can easily do so at youtube.com/verify. Please note that it may take up to 24 hours to get live stream access after the verification process is completed.
  • Check if you have had no live stream restrictions in the last 90 days at youtube.com/features?nv1.

How to Live Stream on YouTube From Your Phone

To begin live streaming on YouTube, follow these steps:

  1. Open the YouTube app on your Android or iPhone.
  2. Tap on the plus (+) button.
  3. In the pop-up that appears, tap on “Go live.” If it's your first time, you'll need to grant access to the camera, microphone, and storage.
  4. Enter the details of your live stream, such as the title, description, location, and visibility settings. You can also set age restrictions for your audience and specify if your video is made for kids or not.
  5. Scroll down and tap on “More Options” to access advanced settings. Here, you can enable chat and monetization options, although they are optional.
  6. Tap on “Next” at the bottom of the screen.
  7. A countdown timer will start for you to capture the video's thumbnail. If you're not satisfied with the picture, you can upload a custom thumbnail or choose the camera orientation.
  8. Once you're ready, tap on “GO LIVE” to start your live stream.
  9. To end your stream, tap “Finish.” An archive of the stream will be created on your channel. If you don't want it to stay on your channel, you have the option to edit the privacy settings and unlist the video.

Best Practices While Live Streaming on YouTube From Your Phone

If you're new to live streaming, it's natural to feel a bit nervous. However, remember that your audience will understand and appreciate your authenticity. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

  • Keep the video organic and unscripted.
  • Engage with the chat stream and interact with your viewers.
  • Consider going live with multiple people to add variety and enhance the experience.
  • Be prepared for technical issues and have a backup plan in case something goes wrong.
  • Promote your live stream in advance to build anticipation and attract more viewers.

Live streaming on YouTube from your phone opens up endless possibilities for connecting with your audience in real-time. Whether you're a content creator, business owner, or simply someone who wants to share their experiences, live streaming is a powerful tool that can help you reach and engage with a wider audience.

So, what are you waiting for? Go live on YouTube and start sharing your story with the world!