YouTube is introducing stricter guidelines for live streaming, a move designed to bolster the safety of children on the platform. The core change is an increase in the minimum age requirement for live streaming, moving from 13 to 16 years old. These modifications, set to take effect on July 22nd, will prevent users younger than 16 from streaming independently. YouTube’s support page highlights that these adjustments are part of a broader commitment to safeguarding adolescents and reducing risks they might face while engaging with online audiences.
The revised policy permits teenagers under 16 to appear in live streams, provided they are accompanied by an adult co-streamer. Failure to adhere to this requirement could result in the suspension of live chat features or the removal of the stream. This new policy could present an obstacle for those who desire to live stream without parental or adult supervision, necessitating the inclusion of a parent or adult as a channel manager. Despite potential disappointment for some young creators, YouTube underscores that the safety and well-being of minors remain their paramount concern.