YouTube Raises Minimum Age To 16 For Live Streaming

YouTube has announced that users must be at least 16 years old to live stream independently. The move comes as a part of the platform's effort to enhance child safety. The updated policy will come into effect on July 22, as stated on YouTube's official Help support page. Under the new guidelines, users aged 13 to 15 will only be permitted to live stream if an adult is visibly present during the broadcast.

Previously, the platform restricted independent live streaming only for children under 13. YouTube warned that users under 16 who attempt to stream without adult supervision may face penalties, including disabled live chats, temporary loss of features, and possible account restrictions. Violators who attempt to bypass the rules using alternate channels may have their accounts permanently terminated.

Creators affected by these changes will receive email notifications if their streams are taken down. To comply, underage users must assign an adult as an editor, manager, or owner of their channel, allowing streams to be initiated through connected accounts. The move follows growing global concerns about online child safety and reflects YouTube's ongoing efforts to create a safer environment for young users engaging with live content.