YouTube ups minimum age requirement for livestreams

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YouTube has made a change: From now on, only users who are at least 16 years old will be able to live-stream content on the platform. Previously, this feature was available for anyone aged 13 and above.

Previously, individuals aged 13 and above on YouTube had the freedom to broadcast live content without any limitations, similar to the minimum age requirement on other live-streaming platforms such as Twitch and Kick.

Currently, YouTube (which is owned by Google) is increasing its age limit for live streaming. Starting from July 22nd, anyone who wants to live stream on the platform must be at least 16 years old.

In other words, individuals who are underage must have an adult with them while they’re streaming. Ignoring this rule may lead to various penalties such as limited access to live chat or even losing the right to stream altogether.

YouTube’s new livestream age restriction explained

Starting July 22, anyone using YouTube should be at least 16 years old to press the ‘Go live’ button. If you satisfy this condition, you can stream content without facing any issues or restrictions.

Earlier, the age limit was 13 years and above. However, Google hasn’t disclosed the reason behind raising the minimum age requirement by three years.

Due to its popularity among newer content producers, especially those focusing on games and toys, this update introduces some fresh limitations.

Users below the age of 16 who choose to live-stream should always have a responsible adult present in the frame during the broadcast. This means that the adult cannot simply initiate the stream and leave the room; instead, they need to remain on-camera throughout the entire streaming session.

Disregarding these guidelines will undoubtedly result in consequences. For instance, Google has specified that accounts might be limited from accessing live chat and additional features. Moreover, they’ve stated their intention to remove live streams, which could potentially restrict the account’s short-term ability to stream live content.

How does YouTube’s new livestream age restriction compare to other platforms?

Due to YouTube increasing the minimum age for live streaming, it now stands out among its peers in the streaming market. While platforms such as Snapchat, Instagram, Twitch, and Kick allow users as young as 13 to stream, there are certain conditions attached to these services.

Regarding Twitch, individuals aged 13 to the legal adult age in their respective regions must utilize the services under the watchful eye of a parent or legal guardian, according to the platform’s terms of use.

In line with this, Kick adopts similar phrasing in its manual for parents and educators. “Kick is a live-streaming service accessible to users aged 13 and above. If users are between 13 (16 in Europe) and the age of majority where they reside (18 in most regions), they can only utilize Kick with the consent and agreement to Kick’s Terms of Service from a parent or legal guardian.

“Children under 13 may not use Kick. We are strict in upholding these age restrictions.”

Time alone will reveal whether other platforms adopt a similar approach by increasing their minimum age limit, or if YouTube continues to stand apart from the rest.

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2025-06-26 08:48