YouTube livestreams will now hold back ads during peak engagement to protect the vibe
Source: TechCrunch
YouTube will hold back ads during livestreams when chat engagement peaks
YouTube announced this week that it will now hold back ads during livestreams when chat engagement is at its peak and when users show support with Super Chat, Super Stickers, or gift purchases. Until now, the only way to avoid seeing ads was by paying for a YouTube Premium subscription.
The Google‑owned platform explained in a blog post that when a chat “explodes with energy,” it wants to “protect that collective vibe.” When YouTube’s system detects high engagement, the platform will automatically hold back ads for everyone. The idea behind this change is to help creators maintain momentum for viewers without interruptions from ads.
Immediate Ad‑Free Window for Supporters
When a fan shows support with a Super Chat, Super Stickers, or gifts, they receive a personal ad‑free window right after their purchase.
- Super Chat – viewers pay to highlight their messages.
- Super Stickers – images that users can purchase to make their messages stand out in chats.
Additional Live‑Creator Updates
- Gifts expanded – More creators worldwide are now eligible to receive gifts from viewers. Gifts are now live in Canada, Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, and New Zealand.
- GIFs on horizontal streams – Viewers can now send GIFs on creators’ horizontal livestreams (not just vertical ones) directly from their mobile devices.
- Dual‑orientation streaming – Creators can go live in both vertical and horizontal formats simultaneously, with all viewers sharing a single chat. The company notes that over 30 % of live watch time in the U.S. came from connected TVs in 2025, prompting the push for flexible screen formats.
YouTube Premium Price Increase
The move follows a recent price hike for YouTube Premium in the U.S. The individual plan is increasing from $13.99 to $15.99 per month, and the family plan is rising from $22.99 to $26.99 per month, as reported by TechCrunch.