YouTube has introduced four updates to its live streaming platform aimed at increasing creator earnings and viewer engagement, including personal ad-free windows tied to viewer purchases and support for simultaneous multi-format broadcasts.

Ad-Free Windows and Chat Protection

The platform will automatically create a personal ad-free viewing window for any viewer who purchases a Super Chat, Super Sticker, or gift during a live stream. The window activates immediately after a purchase and applies only to creators who have automatic ads enabled.

YouTube is also rolling out a system that detects peak Live Chat engagement and automatically holds back ads for all viewers during those moments. The feature also requires automatic ads to be active.

Gifts Reach New Markets

YouTube expanded its gifts feature to horizontal live streams on mobile, adding to the existing vertical format. The feature is now available to creators in Canada, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, and New Zealand. YouTube said it plans to expand gifts to additional countries and introduce gifts tied to local holidays and events.

Multi-Format Streaming With Unified Chat

Creators can now broadcast simultaneously in vertical and horizontal formats, with all viewers joining a single shared chat. YouTube cited internal data showing that over 30% of live watch time on the platform in the United States came from connected TVs in 2025.

Additional tools, including vertical cropping layouts in Live Studio and multiple stream keys, are scheduled to roll out in the coming months and will allow creators to send separate, customized feeds for each format.

Separately, YouTube announced price increases for its Premium subscription tier in the U.S. The individual plan will rise from $13.99 to $15.99 per month, with existing subscribers transitioning to the new rate in their June billing cycle.

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