Ultra.
As YouTube continues to innovate, the platform has introduced a new way for creators to connect with their audience—vertical live streams. This feature is designed to simplify live streaming, making it more accessible and casual, especially for those still finding their way in the streaming space (particularly those who may feel more comfortable streaming from mobile devices).
What is the YouTube Vertical Live Feature?
After hearing some buzz about YouTube vertical lives, you’re probably wondering why YouTube is experimenting with the feature and precisely what it is. As stated by Sherry, Product Manager on Live at YouTube, the YouTube vertical live feed is meant to merge the discoverability of Youtube Shorts with the power of YouTube Live.
YouTube vertical live streams are intended to take the edge off live streaming when you’re still building your community and nailing your content style. Think of it as a more laid-back and casual way to live stream on YouTube.
How to Go Live Vertically on YouTube (via YouTube App)
As you may have guessed, going live vertically on YouTube is a mobile-first feature. Below are instructions using the YouTube mobile app.
- Open the YouTube app on your mobile device and click the plus sign (+) button from the bottom navigation bar.
- Next, fill in the details of your live stream.
-
- Set your visibility to Public or Unlisted (available only to those with a link)
- Audience (if your live stream content is suitable for kids or not—required)
- Invite guests (ability to share links to live stream)
- Description (what your live stream is showcasing)
- Location (where/what city) you’re live streaming from
- Schedule for later (if you’re going to live stream at a later date or time).
When you’re done filling in the details of your live, hit Next.
- Once you’ve inputted your live stream details, you’ll see a blurred preview of your live and a thumbnail for your live stream. Here, you will also see a waiting room and the option to share the live stream and flip your camera.
When you’re ready to start your live, click Go Live at the bottom of your screen.
- That’s it, you’re now streaming on YouTube Live. During your live stream you can still tweak settings from the bottom navigation menu, such as flipping your camera, chat viewing options, applying a filter, sharing your live stream, and more.
Can you live stream vertically on YouTube using Streamlabs Mobile or Streamlabs Desktop?
In short (no pun intended), yes. However, it appears when using third-party software such as Streamlabs Desktop and Streamlabs Mobile, while you can orient your YouTube Live vertically, it may appear in the traditional YouTube Live feed (not the Shorts/Vertical feed). YouTube will try its best to pick up the vertical aspect ratio of your live but it may not always be pushed to the shorts feed.
On the bright side, if you wish to stream vertically on YouTube to appeal to those who prefer tuning in on mobile devices, your live stream will appear vertically on their phone or tablet, which may enhance their viewing experience.
Furthermore, you can always test drive streaming to YouTube vertically and horizontally using the free Dual Output feature of Streamlabs Desktop to appeal to both preferences. Dual Output allows you to stream to one vertical and one horizontal canvas simultaneously. If you use overlays and scenes via Streamlabs Desktop, Dual Output allows you to adjust your so those customizations aren’t cut off or warped in either view.
By combining the ease of YouTube Shorts with the interactive nature of live streams, creators have a new tool at their disposal to engage with their community. How will you use vertical live streaming on YouTube?