YouTube Updates: AV1 Codec, Side-by-Side Ads, and Voice Replies Expansion

New YouTube Updates: AV1 Codec, Side-by-Side Ads, and Android Voice Replies

YouTube continues to refine both its technical infrastructure and its creator toolset. This week’s updates range from high-end video encoding for live streamers to new monetization formats and engagement tools for mobile users. Whether you are a technical power user or a creator focused on community growth, these changes impact how your content is delivered and how you interact with your audience.

AV1 Codec Support for Live Streams

One of the most significant technical updates is the introduction of the AV1 codec for select live streams. While YouTube has not provided a strict definition of what constitutes “high-traffic” streams, this codec is now available for those who meet that unspecified threshold.

For creators using software encoders like OBS, you can now switch your output to AV1. However, there is a caveat regarding the viewer’s experience: while you can transmit AV1 data to YouTube’s servers, it remains unclear exactly when and how that data is delivered to the end viewer.

To verify if your stream is actually being served as AV1 to your audience, you can use the “Stats for Nerds” feature. By right-clicking on the video player during a live broadcast and selecting “Stats for Nerds,” you can view the current codec in use. It is important to note a technical distinction here: AV1 and AV01 are not the same, so be sure to check the specific label in the stats window to confirm the codec’s status.

Expanding Side-by-Side Ads for Live Streams

The rollout of side-by-side ads has now reached 100%. This feature is designed to be less intrusive than traditional mid-rolls, as it allows viewers to continue watching the live content while an advertisement plays alongside the video.

However, eligibility for side-by-side ads is not automatic; it requires a very specific configuration of your stream settings:

• Latency Settings: Your stream must be set to “Normal Latency.” This may be a hurdle for many creators who typically use “Low” or “Ultra-Low” latency to maintain real-time interaction with their chat.
• Captions: All captions must be disabled. This includes both manually uploaded captions and YouTube’s automatic captioning features.
• Ad Placement: The ad automator must be configured to let YouTube decide the placement of ads automatically.

If you wish to take advantage of this non-interruptive ad format, you will need to adjust these settings in your streaming dashboard. Creators will have to weigh the benefit of side-by-side monetization against the loss of low-latency interaction and accessibility provided by captions.

Voice Replies Expand to Android

After a six-month beta period on iOS, voice replies are now expanding to creators on Android. This feature allows for a more personal way to engage with fans by responding to comments with audio.

Despite the expansion, there is a significant limitation regarding workflow: voice replies can only be recorded and posted via the main YouTube app. They are currently unavailable in YouTube Studio, whether on mobile or desktop. For professional creators who manage their community engagement through the dedicated Studio app—similar to how one might use Discord or WhatsApp for communication—this restriction makes the feature less convenient.

To prevent voice replies from becoming overly long or disruptive, YouTube has implemented a 30-second limit per reply. While this keeps responses concise, the requirement to switch to the main app remains a point of friction for those with established management workflows.

Google Lens Integration for Shorts

Finally, YouTube is integrating Google Lens directly into the Shorts experience to improve viewer discovery. When a user pauses a Short, they will now see “oval chips” at the top of the screen. One of these is a new “Lens” chip featuring the Google Lens icon.

By clicking this chip, viewers can select a specific area of the paused frame. Google Lens then analyzes that area to provide information about the objects or text on screen. This removes the need for users to take a screenshot and manually upload it to a separate app to identify something they saw in a video.

While this is a quality-of-life improvement for viewers, it represents YouTube’s ongoing effort to bridge the gap between content consumption and real-world information retrieval through Google’s ecosystem.

Original transcript

Transcript

YouTube Updates:

This week, we begin with the AV1 codec, now available for select live streams. While YouTube specifies high-traffic live streams, they haven’t defined what constitutes “high traffic.” You can transmit AV1 data, but whether it reaches viewers as AV1 is unclear. If you wish to switch to AV1 on your software encoder (e.g., OBS), you’re free to do so; it’s now supported.

You can send AV1 data, but it’s uncertain when viewers will receive it. To check the codec used for your stream, visit the watch page, right-click, and select “Stats for Nerds.” The codec information will be displayed there. Note the distinction between AV1 and AV01—they are not the same.

Staying with live streams, the side-by-side ads rollout is now at 100%. We also have new details about this feature. Your stream must be set to normal latency (most use shorter latency) and captions must be disabled (no auto or manual captions). The ad automator should be configured to let YouTube decide ad placement.

With these settings, your stream becomes eligible for side-by-side ads, allowing viewers to continue watching while an ad plays alongside. If you wish to try this, adjust your settings accordingly. For more on side-by-side ads, see the description below.

Next up: voice replies. They are now expanding to Android creators after a 6-month beta on iOS. However, they can only be recorded and posted via the main YouTube app—not ideal for most users, especially creators replying to fans. It’s odd that they aren’t available in YouTube Studio (mobile or desktop), given similar functionality in apps like Discord and WhatsApp.

I’m not a big fan of voice replies, but restricting them to 30 seconds is a good idea. If you love voice replies and have access on Android, share your thoughts below! Do you use them daily, or do you skip them due to the main app requirement?

Lastly, Google Lens for Shorts:

When pausing a short, you’ll see oval chips at the top, including a new “Lens” chip with the Google Lens icon. Clicking it allows you to select an area on screen, and Google Lens will provide information about it—no need to screenshot and use a separate app.

While this might not be a highly demanded feature, it’s a nice addition. However, there are more pressing issues on the platform that require attention before Google Lens. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!

That’s all for this week’s YouTube updates. See you next time, and maybe we’ll manage a live stream too. Take care!

Sources

• More Info on Side-by-side ads

Confused about the new YouTube updates? From AV1 codec support to side-by-side ads and voice replies on Android, it can be hard to keep up. Visit our Creator Services for expert insights and guidance on implementing these features effectively.