Starting August 2025, YouTube will raise the minimum age to livestream from 13 to 16. The update applies globally to creators using the default YouTube app, according to Google’s Help Center.
The rule change is part of a broader move to improve safety for younger users on the platform. YouTube stated that this decision was made “to help protect younger users from potential risks.” Kids aged 13 to 15 will no longer be able to go live unless they’re using YouTube Kids or supervised accounts through YouTube Studio, which offer more restrictions and parental controls.
Livestreaming age changes are the latest in a series of safety updates
YouTube has taken several steps in recent years to tighten privacy and safety controls for younger users. This includes disabling comments by default on content featuring minors, limiting personalized ads on children’s videos, and reducing recommendations of content flagged as potentially unsafe.
Raising the minimum age for livestreaming is the platform’s latest step in limiting direct interaction between young users and the broader YouTube audience, especially through live chat and donations, where moderation is harder to enforce.
What creators need to know
If your channel features younger contributors or targets a teen audience, this change may impact your content strategy. Teens under 16 will need to shift away from livestream formats and focus on edited uploads or consider using supervised experiences if livestreaming is essential.
Channels that frequently feature young creators may also need to adjust their upload schedules or filming plans ahead of August to avoid sudden disruptions.
Why this matters for the creator economy
Livestreaming is a major monetization and engagement tool for many creators. By limiting who can go live, YouTube is making a stance on digital safety, but it’s also forcing younger creators to rethink their approach. While safety concerns are valid, this change may create friction for creators who’ve built communities at a younger age.
If your channel or brand works with younger talent, it’s worth reviewing YouTube’s updated policy now and preparing alternative formats or content workflows.