YouTube has officially raised the minimum age requirement for livestreaming from 13 to 16 years old, a change that takes immediate effect across the platform. The policy update means that younger teens who previously could go live after meeting certain verification requirements can no longer broadcast to their audiences in real-time.
The decision comes as part of YouTube’s ongoing efforts to make the platform safer for younger users. Livestreaming presents unique risks compared to pre-recorded content, as it involves real-time interaction with viewers through chat features where moderation is more challenging.
Under the previous rules, users as young as 13 could livestream if they verified their accounts and met platform requirements. Now, these young creators will have to wait until they turn 16 before they can engage with their audience through live content.
This change could really affect young gaming talents and aspiring esports professionals who often start building their careers and fan bases well before turning 16. Many competitive gamers peak in their mid-to-late teens, and livestreaming has become a crucial way to get noticed, land sponsorships, and connect with fans.
YouTube’s rules now stand apart from Twitch, which still allows livestreaming for users 13 and up, and isn’t as strict about verification. While YouTube usually wants a government ID or a video to prove your age, Twitch is content with self-reporting and relies more on community moderation.
TikTok has gone even further, actively banning users who are underage with the help of AI and manual checks. The platform has faced plenty of scrutiny over child safety in recent years.
The move lines up with growing pressure from lawmakers and child safety groups who are calling for higher age limits online. More countries, especially in the European Union, are either putting stricter rules in place for kids using digital services or thinking about it.
Child safety experts say livestreaming opens minors up to risks you don’t get with regular social media. With no delay or filter between the creator and the audience, young streamers can end up dealing with inappropriate comments, grooming attempts, or harassment.
Google, YouTube’s parent company, has put other safeguards in place before, like turning off comments on videos with minors and beefing up content moderation teams. This latest rule is another step to tighten control around livestreaming.
For young creators, this means sticking to pre-recorded videos until they’re old enough for livestreaming, or maybe looking at platforms that let younger users go live—but experts warn that safety is more important than convenience.
