Usually known as the leader in recorded video content, YouTube has started to make heavy waves in the live-streaming world.

YouTube Shorts, the implementation of Handles, in-site editor updates, gifting for creators, and much more has made it’s way into the YouTube roster in the last several years.

So, we’re going to show you how easy it is!

With a 70% creator and 30% youtube revenue split holding strong, along with constant improvements to the platform coming every few months, now is the time to diversify your income and give streaming on YouTube a try.

Ways to Stream on YouTube

1. Web Browser

2. Mobile App

3. Software Encoder

What Do You Need to Stream on YouTube?

Once you grab a device, create a Google Account, go to YouTube, and keep reading!

Step One: Enable Live Streaming

To get the streaming process started, you’ll need to enable Live Streaming within your YouTube settings. 

To do this, verify your account in your channel settings. They will ask you for a phone number and the Two Factor Authentication (2FA) process will begin, sending you a message to verify your identity. 

Once that’s done, head over to your settings tab and click ‘Channel status and features’. From there click Enable Live Streaming! 

Note that you have to wait 24 hours after you enable live streaming before you can actually go live.

Step Two: Choose Your Streaming Method

Streaming to YouTube via Web Browser

Using a web browser to stream to YouTube, allows you to set up a live stream easily and quickly. You don’t need any other programs or overlays, just you. 

You will need the following to stream on YouTube via web browser:

1. A YouTube account with live streaming enabled
2. A laptop or personal computer
3. A camera or webcam
4. A Microphone
5. Internet connection

To stream to YouTube via web browser, simply click the ‘Create‘ icon in the top right of the YouTube homepage. 

Click ‘Go Live’ and you’ll be taken to the streaming page. 

Connect your webcam and a microphone by approving all the permissions for your devices, then set up the details of your stream and go live!

It’s important to note that this type of stream only uses your webcam and microphone.

Streaming from your browser is better for simply ‘just chatting’ style streams and not for gameplay.

Streaming to YouTube via Mobile Device

Streaming with the YouTube mobile app is easy and intuitive, but it does have limitations.

This feature is not available on mobile to channels under 50 subscribers.

You will need to following to stream on YouTube via mobile apps:

1. A YouTube account with live streaming enabled
2. 50 subscribers
3. A mobile device with the YouTube mobile app installed
4. Internet connection

To start your YouTube stream from the app, simply click the plus icon in the bottom middle of the YouTube app. Click ‘Go Live’ and you’ll be taken to the streaming page. 

Connect your webcam and a microphone by allowing permissions in the app, set up the details of your stream, and then go live when you’re ready!

You can schedule your stream for a later date if you’re looking to get ahead of the game.

Mobile streaming works most successfully for vlog-style IRL streaming.

You can utilize the microphone and camera on your device to speak with your community, take a photo or upload a custom graphic to use as a thumbnail for your LIVE.

Set all the details for your stream, all within the app.

Streaming to YouTube via Software Encoder

Software encoding is the most common and customizable form of streaming on YouTube. It only really requires a laptop or desktop computer and streaming software.

This method of streaming to YouTube offers the best variety to the streamer. 

You will need to following to stream on YouTube via external streaming software encoding:

1. YouTube account with live streaming enabled
2. A laptop or personal computer
3. A camera or webcam
4. A Microphone
5. Internet connection
6. Stream encoding software
7. Your stream key

To start your YouTube stream you need to install a stream encoding software, like Open Broadcast Software (OBS), Streamlabs, XSplit or Wirecraft.

Next you must locate and input your personal YouTube stream key into your encoding software.

Your stream key and server url are private and can be used to stream directly to your channel. Keep this information safe and secret.

To locate your YouTube stream key go to your YouTube LIVE dashboard and see the key in the ‘Stream Settings’ panel. 

Then scroll down to ‘Encoder Setup’ and select ‘Reveal’ to get your ‘Server URL’ and ‘Stream name/key’.

When using almost any encoding software for the first time, it will prompt you to set up your stream key and select which service you’re streaming to. If the software doesn’t prompt you, or you’re switching from another service, you can input your stream key manually. 

Do this by clicking ‘File’ then ‘Settings’ and ‘Stream’ to get into your stream menu. Here you can select what website you are streaming to and set the stream key accordingly.

Using a stream encoding software allows you to stream a variety of things, and provides lots of opportunity to expand your stream beyond what you can possibly imagine. The options for plugins, multiple cameras, scenes and chat integrations – the world is your oyster.

Stream Setup Details

After you’ve chosen the title and category for your stream, you’ll have some things to consider.

Privacy – You can set this to Public, Private, or Unlisted. Public means it will appear in the YouTube directories and be joinable by anyone that wants to join. Unlisted is a stream that will not appear in the directory and they have to have a direct link to join. Private means only those directly invited can see the stream.

Stream Latency – This is the delay between when the stream is captured and when the audience sees it. Normal latency is the longest, usually a 10 second delay. Low Latency is near real time and Ultra low latency is milliseconds.

Enable DVR – This means your viewers can pause, rewind, and resume during the stream when enabled.

Beginner Tips to Streaming on YouTube

1. Try to have a consistent strategy and plan when approaching your content
2. It’s never too early to think about brand strength and marketing
3. Cross-promote LIVE content whenever possible across existing platforms
4. Beware of DMCA! Go to streamermusic.com for DMCA-friendly music to use on stream