YouTube has rolled out a new update for livestreams. Now, ads will be paused when chat activity is at its peak. This means viewers will not face interruptions during the most active and exciting moments of a live stream.
YouTube to Pause Livestream Ads During Peak Engagement Moments Now
The system will automatically detect when engagement is strong and temporarily stop ad playback for all users. YouTube says this change is made to protect the “live energy” of streams and improve the overall experience for viewers and creators.
Super Chat, Stickers and Fan Support Benefits
YouTube is also updating how fan support works during livestreams. When viewers send Super Chat messages, Super Stickers, or gifts, they will receive a short ad-free viewing window after their support.
Super Chat allows users to pay to highlight their messages in live chat, while Super Stickers are paid visuals that help messages stand out. Gifts are another way for fans to support creators during live sessions This update encourages real-time support while giving fans a smoother viewing experience.
The platform is also expanding its gifts feature to more regions. Countries like Canada, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, and New Zealand now have access to this option.
With this expansion, more viewers around the world can directly support creators during livestreams. YouTube says this is part of its goal to grow live community interaction globally.
New Livestream Features for Creators and Viewers
YouTube is adding several new tools for creators. One major update is that viewers can now send GIFs during horizontal livestreams using mobile devices. Earlier, this feature was limited mainly to vertical streams.
Creators are also getting the ability to go live in both vertical and horizontal formats at the same time. This means one stream can reach users on phones, tablets, and TVs more effectively.
All viewers will now share a single live chat, making interaction more unified and easier to follow. YouTube also highlighted that more than 30% of live watch time in the U.S. in 2025 came from connected TVs, which is why multi-format streaming is becoming more important.
These updates are designed to improve the viewing experience across different devices. Whether users are watching on mobile phones, desktops, or smart TVs, YouTube wants to make livestreams smoother and more engaging. Creators will also get improved customization tools, helping them manage streams more easily and reach wider audiences.
YouTube Premium Price Increase in the U.S.
Along with livestream changes, YouTube has also increased its Premium subscription prices in the United States. The individual plan has increased from $13.99 to $15.99 per month. The family plan has also gone up from $22.99 to $26.99 per month. This update comes as part of wider changes seen across YouTube subscription services, including YouTube Premium price update and related feature adjustments.
It is also linked with other recent changes in YouTube’s paid services, including YouTube Premium Lite features, which adds background play and offline downloads for users.
YouTube is making major changes to improve livestreaming. The platform is working to improve the overall user experience. It wants to make live streaming smoother and more enjoyable for viewers. At the same time, it is also improving creator tools so they can easily manage their content and grow their channels without difficulty.
