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Sometimes—but YouTube does not confirm that channel memberships can be purchased in every smart TV app. If you see a Join button while watching, follow the TV app’s purchase flow. If it is missing, open the channel homepage or its membership link on another device, or join on a computer. YouTube documents no separate membership rule for a 24/7 live stream.

Why the Join button may be missing on your TV

YouTube says channel memberships are not available to purchase on every platform. Its smart TV guidance explains how to sign in and use features such as subscriptions and the Library, but does not confirm that membership checkout is available in every TV app. That means TV support is not established universally; it may depend on the app and device. YouTube’s guidance does not provide a current model-by-model compatibility list.

The continuous nature of a 24/7 stream is not identified as a separate restriction. YouTube says a new-member chat message is sent when someone becomes a member during a live stream on that channel, without distinguishing continuous streams.

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How to join while watching a 24/7 stream

  1. Check the TV app: If Join is shown on the channel or stream, select it and complete the on-screen purchase flow.
  2. If Join is absent, switch devices or surfaces: Open the channel homepage in YouTube on another supported device, or use a computer. YouTube also suggests opening the channel’s membership link, formatted as the channel URL with /join appended.
  3. Complete the membership purchase: Choose an available membership level and follow YouTube’s prompts.
  4. Return to the TV or another supported platform: After joining on a computer, members can access eligible perks on available platforms. Perk availability varies by channel and platform.

Check account, channel, and regional eligibility

A missing Join option may be due to more than the TV app. The channel must have memberships enabled, and both the creator and viewer must be in supported regions. YouTube says buyers generally must be at least 18; the minimum is 19 in Korea and Algeria. Buyers must also accept the applicable paid terms.

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Channel memberships are specific to the creator. Levels may offer different prices and benefits, such as badges, emoji, posts, members-only content, or other channel perks. YouTube says that if you become a member during a live stream on that channel, a “New Member” message appears in live chat.

What to try if Join is still missing

  • Confirm that you are signed in to the YouTube account you want to use.
  • Open the channel homepage rather than relying only on the live player’s controls.
  • Try the channel’s /join link or use YouTube on a computer.
  • Check whether the channel offers memberships and whether your account and region meet YouTube’s requirements.
  • If you already joined, look for the channel’s eligible perks on a YouTube platform where those perks are available.

For creators running a 24/7 YouTube stream

Membership purchase support is controlled by YouTube’s platform experience; a streaming setup does not make the Join button appear in a TV app. If your separate goal is keeping uploaded videos live on YouTube around the clock, StreamNeo runs a YouTube stream from the cloud: upload a recording or playlist, add your YouTube stream key, and go live. It is designed for uploaded videos, not camera broadcasts.

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