Livestreams are now easier to find on YouTube #Shorts

Improving Live Stream Discoverability on YouTube

Recent updates to the YouTube mobile app have introduced a streamlined way for viewers to identify and join active broadcasts. By implementing a clear visual indicator, YouTube has reduced the friction between discovering that a Creator is online and actually joining their broadcast.

How the Live Indicator Works

The primary change is the introduction of a specific visual cue attached to a Creator’s profile picture. When a channel is currently broadcasting, a red circle featuring the word “Live” appears around the profile image.

This indicator serves as a real-time notification for the viewer. Instead of having to navigate to a specific channel page or check a separate “Live” tab to see who is online, the information is delivered directly within the existing browsing experience. To join the broadcast, viewers simply need to click on the Creator’s profile picture, which acts as a direct link to the ongoing live stream.

Where to Find the Live Symbol

The utility of this feature lies in its integration across various parts of the YouTube mobile interface. The “Live” indicator is designed to appear wherever a Creator’s profile picture is displayed, ensuring that viewers don’t miss out on real-time content regardless of how they are navigating the platform.

You can expect to see this symbol in the following areas:

• The Home Feed: While scrolling through your personalized recommendations, you can instantly spot which Creators are currently live.
• YouTube Search: When searching for specific topics or channels, the indicator appears in the search results, allowing you to jump straight into a live conversation.
• Suggested Videos: If you are watching a video and see a related channel in the suggestions, the red circle will alert you if that Creator is currently streaming.

Benefits for Viewers and Creators

For viewers, this update simplifies the process of engaging with their favorite content creators in real-time. By removing several clicks from the user journey, it becomes much easier to participate in live chats and community interactions as they happen.

For Creators, this increased visibility can lead to higher discoverability. Because the indicator appears in search results and suggested videos—not just for subscribed viewers—it provides an opportunity for new audiences to discover their channel through a live broadcast, potentially increasing overall viewer engagement and reach within the mobile app.

Original transcript

Transcript

Since the last YouTube Mobile update, there’s an indicator whenever a Creator is live. If you see a red circle with the word “Live” around a profile picture, there’s a live stream currently running on the associated YouTube channel. Clicking on the Creator’s profile picture will take you directly to the stream. This works anytime you see this symbol: in suggested videos, your home feed, or YouTube search.

Confused about finding live streams on YouTube? Our YouTube Tips & Tricks in English offers tips to help you discover ongoing broadcasts easily, or contact our expert below.