Big News! YouTube Makes a Major Change — This Feature Stops Working From July 22

YouTube is now introducing new safety rules for young users from July 22. The platform will not allow users to live stream content if they under 16 years old. The age limit for live streaming was first at 13, but that has now been increased to 16 by the video streaming platform. If a child who is under 16 needs to go on a live stream, they will need an adult alongside. This mandate, as mentioned, will come into effect from July 22.

On its support page, YouTube has announced that the minimum age limit has been revised to 16 years old. “As of 22 July, we are increasing the minimum age required to live stream to 16 years old. This means that creators will need to be 16 or older to be able to live stream on YouTube,” The platform said in a statement.

Furthermore, if a child below the age limit is found live streaming content alone, then their live chat will be disabled and they can even stand to lose access to their account. “Live streams featuring 13 to 15-year-olds who are not visibly accompanied by an adult may have their live chat disabled and the account may temporarily lose access to live chat or other features. Please note that, in the future, we plan to take down these live streams and the account may temporarily lose its ability to live stream,” YouTube warns.

YouTube says that it is also permanently or temporarily switching off the ability to live stream for certain YouTube channels owned by children. However, this hasn’t been done for all channels and those who can live stream, will need a visible adult in the frame. The platform notes that the adult can be given access as an editor, manager, or owner. “This allows the adult to start the live stream from your account while still reaching your audience through your own channel,” YouTube says.

YouTube has also shared some guidelines to follow for kids to stay safe during a live stream. These include keeping personal stuff private and not overindulge, using privacy settings, always having an adult nearby, moderation of live chats, and keeping it positive and fun.