How to start a stream on YouTube?

Basic requirements.

Want to go live on YouTube but don’t know where to start? Are you afraid of the technical settings, rules, and requirements of the platform? Don’t worry — we’ve collected everything you need to know to launch your first stream, including in the vertical format for YouTube Shorts, which is currently gaining popularity.

And most importantly, with our platform you can launch broadcasts in a couple of clicks, without spending hours on preparation.

What do you need to start streaming on YouTube?

Before you go live, make sure you meet the basic requirements from YouTube itself.

Turn on broadcasts on your channel

To access streaming, YouTube requires:

Verify your phone number;
Wait 24 hours after activating the feature.

Without this, you will not be able to start a live broadcast.

Vertical Broadcasts: How to Get into the Shorts Feed

YouTube now allows you to make vertical live broadcasts that appear in the Shorts section. This is a great opportunity to show yourself to a new audience and increase your reach.

Requirements for streams in Shorts:

Video format - strictly vertical (aspect ratio 9:16);
Platform - only from the YouTube mobile app;
The broadcast must be active through the channel settings.

- Video settings: Codec: H.264
- Resolution: 240p to 2160p
- Bitrate: 3000 – 40,000 kbps
- FPS: up to 60 fps
- CBR (constant bit rate)
- Keyframe interval: 2 seconds
- Audio: Codec: AAC or MP3
- Bitrate: 128 kbps (stereo) or 384 kbps (5.1)
- Sampling frequency: 44.1 kHz (stereo) or 48 kHz (surround sound)
- Maximum title length: 100 characters
- Maximum description length: 5000 characters
- Cover size (preview): 1280x720 pixels

Add automatic subtitles for greater engagement. YouTube automatically adds subtitles to your broadcast. You can turn them on or off in the player — convenient for viewers from all over the world.

How does this work?

YouTube broadcasts are a way to earn more on videos you've already shot, increasing their reach. Once completed, the stream is saved in the broadcasts section and continues to be promoted by the platform like a regular video. It also collects views, ads, and can bring donations.

How does our platform help you enter the international market?

🔹Automatic subtitle translation – support for over 140 languages.
🔹 Easy launch of broadcasts – just a couple of clicks.
🔹 Reach new viewers – to attract a relevant audience.

140+ languages
AI assistant with recommendations
start streaming
in a couple of clicks
video format
optimization

Start streaming and increase engagement today!

Live broadcasts are an opportunity to retain your audience, increase views and even earn money. Try the new trend now!

And if you want to start a stream quickly and without unnecessary complications, use Creator Tools – a service that makes the process simple and efficient.

Ready to give it a try? Start your first stream now!

Start streaming now

Sincerely,
Creator Tools Team