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Yes. A subscriber count that appears hidden is not listed as a reason a channel cannot livestream. YouTube says channels can no longer hide subscriber counts; the display setting was removed. Live access depends on YouTube’s eligibility rules and, for mobile streaming, an additional subscriber minimum.
Why your subscriber count may look hidden
YouTube removed the option to hide subscriber counts. In an August 2022 Help Community response, TeamYouTube said counts would become public as the change rolled out and that some channels might take time to reflect it. That dated rollout explanation does not establish why a particular channel’s count looks hidden now; current guidance does not identify a hidden-looking count as a livestream eligibility issue.
Count visibility and livestream eligibility are separate matters. Check the requirements for the method you plan to use rather than treating the displayed count as an eligibility switch.
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YouTube’s general live-streaming guidance says a channel must meet these conditions:
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- Be verified.
- Have no live-streaming restrictions in the previous 90 days.
- The person livestreaming must be at least 16 years old.
YouTube lists mobile, webcam, encoder, and console as ways to stream. Its general eligibility guidance does not state a subscriber minimum for webcam, encoder, or console streaming. Do not apply the mobile threshold to every method.
Subscriber requirements and safeguards for mobile streaming
Mobile livestreaming has additional rules. YouTube’s mobile guidance requires at least 50 subscribers, channel verification, no live-streaming restrictions in the previous 90 days, and live streaming enabled. YouTube says enabling a first stream can take up to 24 hours. Its listed device requirements are Android 8.0 or later, or iOS 8 or later.
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For mobile channels with 50–999 subscribers, YouTube may limit the audience, and the stream archive is private by default. YouTube says access to mobile livestreaming is retained unless the channel falls below 50 subscribers. If a channel reaches 1,000 subscribers, audience limits may take several weeks to clear while YouTube processes the change.
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| Method | Subscriber threshold stated in the cited guidance | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile | At least 50 | Also requires verification, no live-stream restrictions in the previous 90 days, and livestreaming enabled. Below 1,000 subscribers, audience limits may apply and archives default to private. |
| Webcam | No minimum stated on YouTube’s general eligibility page | A separately listed streaming method; general eligibility rules still apply. |
| Encoder | No minimum stated on YouTube’s general eligibility page | May use software or hardware; the encoder is a production choice, not a way to bypass account requirements. |
| Console | No minimum stated on YouTube’s general eligibility page | A separately listed method; general eligibility rules still apply. |
Check eligibility and enable your stream
- Choose your method. If you plan to stream from a phone, confirm that the channel has at least 50 subscribers. For webcam, encoder, or console streaming, YouTube’s cited general eligibility page does not state a subscriber minimum.
- Verify the channel. YouTube requires channel verification for livestreaming.
- Check for restrictions. The channel must not have had a live-streaming restriction in the previous 90 days.
- Meet the age requirement. The person livestreaming must be at least 16.
- Enable livestreaming. If this is the channel’s first stream, allow up to 24 hours for activation. For mobile, use a device that meets YouTube’s listed Android or iOS version requirement.
- Account for mobile safeguards. If the channel has fewer than 1,000 subscribers, plan for a possible audience limit and a private-by-default archive.
If you still cannot go live
- The count appears hidden: That appearance alone does not establish ineligibility. The 2022 rollout may explain a display lag at that time, but it does not confirm the cause of a current display issue. Check the account requirements above.
- You are trying to stream from a phone with fewer than 50 subscribers: The mobile guidance sets 50 as the minimum. A different method is listed by YouTube, but its general eligibility page does not state a subscriber threshold for webcam, encoder, or console streaming.
- This is your first stream and access is not available yet: YouTube says activation may take up to 24 hours after enabling livestreaming.
- The channel has a recent restriction: YouTube requires no live-streaming restrictions in the preceding 90 days.
- You are expecting a mobile audience limit to disappear immediately at 1,000 subscribers: YouTube says processing can take several weeks.
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Using a cloud service does not change YouTube’s account eligibility requirements.
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Sources
- YouTube Help: Get started with live streaming
- YouTube Help: Create a live stream on mobile
- YouTube Help Community: subscriber-count setting removed
- YouTube Help: Create a YouTube live stream with an encoder
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