YouTube Help says you need at least 50 subscribers to live stream from a mobile device. Its computer-streaming guidance lists channel verification and no live-stream restrictions in the previous 90 days, but does not state a subscriber minimum for computer streaming.
Subscriber count is only one eligibility check: streamers must also be at least 16, and the channel must meet YouTube’s verification and policy requirements. A first mobile stream may take up to 24 hours to become available after live streaming is enabled.
YouTube Live subscriber requirements by method
| Streaming method | Subscriber requirement stated by YouTube | Other key requirements or limits |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile device | At least 50 subscribers | Verified channel, live streaming enabled, no live-stream restrictions in the previous 90 days, supported device, and minimum age of 16. The first stream may take up to 24 hours to become available. |
| Computer: webcam or encoder | YouTube’s computer guidance does not state a subscriber minimum | Verified channel and no live-stream restrictions in the previous 90 days. Streamers must meet YouTube’s age and policy requirements. |
These requirements come from YouTube Help’s computer live-streaming tips, mobile streaming guidance, and computer setup instructions. A webcam is optional equipment for webcam streaming; it does not change eligibility.
What to know about mobile streaming
YouTube Help lists at least 50 subscribers as a requirement for mobile live streaming. It also requires a verified channel, live streaming turned on, and no live-stream restrictions in the previous 90 days. The listed supported devices are Android 8.0 or later and iOS 8 or later. You may have to wait up to 24 hours after enabling the feature before your first mobile stream is available.
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Reaching 50 subscribers does not remove every mobile limitation. YouTube says mobile streams from channels with more than 50 but fewer than 1,000 subscribers may have a limited number of viewers, and their archived streams may be set to private by default. YouTube says it may take several weeks after a channel reaches 1,000 subscribers to remove the audience limitation. If a channel later falls below 1,000, the lower-tier audience limit applies again; access to mobile live streaming is not lost unless the channel drops below 50 subscribers.
What to know about computer streaming
YouTube’s general computer setup guidance identifies channel verification and having no live-stream restrictions in the previous 90 days as prerequisites. It describes webcam and encoder options but does not state a subscriber minimum for those computer methods. That is different from the explicit 50-subscriber threshold on the mobile-specific page, so do not assume the mobile number applies to computer streaming.
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You can use YouTube’s webcam streaming route from a computer with a webcam, or use an encoder. Equipment choice does not grant eligibility or alter a subscriber threshold.
Age and account restrictions
YouTube states that, as of July 22, 2025, you must be at least 16 years old to live stream. Its policy describes conditions for under-16 participants, including adult presence in certain situations; streams featuring 13–15-year-olds without a visibly present adult may have live chat disabled or account features restricted.
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YouTube may disable live access temporarily or permanently for policy reasons. Examples include a Community Guidelines strike or a live stream removed under policy, and a copyright match to another live broadcast. If live streaming is restricted, YouTube says not to use another channel to get around the restriction. See YouTube’s live-stream restriction guidance.
How to check why you cannot go live
- Confirm whether you are trying to stream from a mobile device or a computer. The published subscriber requirement differs by method.
- For mobile streaming, check that the channel has at least 50 subscribers and that live streaming is enabled.
- Confirm the channel is verified and has had no live-stream restrictions in the previous 90 days.
- Check that you meet YouTube’s minimum age requirement and use a supported mobile device if streaming from a phone or tablet.
- If this is your first mobile stream, allow up to 24 hours after enabling live streaming for it to become available.
- If the feature is still unavailable, review YouTube’s account notices and live-stream policy guidance for a restriction or other eligibility issue.
FAQ
Can I live stream on YouTube with fewer than 50 subscribers?
YouTube Help requires at least 50 subscribers for mobile live streaming. Its computer-streaming guidance does not state a subscriber minimum for webcam or encoder streaming.
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Does YouTube require 1,000 subscribers to stream from a phone?
No. The stated mobile threshold is at least 50 subscribers. Below 1,000 subscribers, however, YouTube may limit the audience for mobile streams and set archives to private by default.
Why is YouTube Live unavailable even though my channel is verified?
Verification is not the only requirement. Check your streaming method, subscriber count for mobile, age eligibility, live-stream restriction history, whether live streaming is enabled, and—if it is your first mobile stream—whether the activation wait has passed.
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How long does it take for a first mobile live stream to become available?
YouTube says it may take up to 24 hours after enabling live streaming before your first mobile stream is available.
How old do you have to be to live stream on YouTube?
YouTube says streamers must be at least 16 years old. Its policy also gives conditions for under-16 participants and warns that some streams may have chat or account features restricted.
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