Live streaming lets you interact with your audience in real time with a video feed, chat, and more. You can now easily transition public live streams to members-only streams. This new feature lets you switch to a members-only stream while you're already live, creating a more engaging and rewarding experience for your loyal supporters. In order to enable live streams, you need to have no live streaming restrictions in the past 90 days and you need to verify your channel. For more information, see get started with live streaming.
How to start a members-only live stream
- Sign in to YouTube.
- In the upper right, click Create
Go Live.
- Within your Live Control Room (LCR), navigate to the bottom of the Live chat box. At the bottom right-hand corner, you will see a plus
button. Click on it.
- A pop-up box will appear with options on how you can Engage with your audience. Select Members-only live stream.
- The Members-only live box will appear. Select the:
- Level of members you wish to include in your members-only live stream.
- The time remaining until the members-only live stream starts.
- Click Schedule.
You have now scheduled a members-only live stream. Once the countdown timer ends, your members-only live stream will automatically begin. Your audience will be transitioned to the members-only live stream and non-members will have an option to join.
Best practices for members-only live streaming
- Schedule the switch: While you're live, you can now use your Live Control Room (LCR) to schedule a transition from your public live stream to a members-only one.
- Remind your audience: Use the countdown timer (the default is 5 minutes) to let your audience know what special content is coming up for members only. This is a chance to encourage new people to join your channel.
- Easily transition: When the countdown ends, your audience will automatically be moved to the new members-only live stream. No extra steps are required from you or your viewers.
- Members-only viewing: Viewers who aren't yet members will see a prompt to join your channel so they can unlock access to the special stream, both during the countdown and after the switch.
Connect more deeply with your audience
Members-only live streams are a way to show appreciation for your biggest fans and build a closer-knit community. By creating an exclusive space, you can foster a more intimate and engaging atmosphere for your supporters. It’s an opportunity to connect on a deeper level and offer a special perk for your channel members.
Hosting members-only live streams allow you to:
- Enhance membership offering: Offer more value to your members to encourage new subscriptions and long-term support.
- For existing members: Offer exclusive content and experiences to your most dedicated fans to enhance their engagement.
- Simple integration: It's simple to switch between a public and members-only stream with just a few clicks. You can make the change without disrupting your live content.
- For potential members: Showcase channel member benefits and exclusive content to non-members, illustrating the value of joining your community.
Manage your archived streams
FAQs
What is a members-only live stream?
How do I benefit from using this feature?
Which creators can use this?
What do viewers see when I switch from a public to a members-only live stream?
Can I schedule a members-only live stream in advance?
How do I reschedule or cancel a transition?
How is this stream archived?
How do I access the performance data of the streams?