A Shift in YouTube’s Safety Protocols for Young Streamers
Essential Information
– YouTube has announced a change in the minimum age requirement for live streaming, raising it from 13 to 16.
– Users below the age of 16 (ages 13-15) must have an adult “physically present” at all times to avoid breaching YouTube’s revised guidelines.
– Earlier this year, the platform trialed a livestream leaderboard for users who engage considerably, send Super Chats, and more.
YouTube is implementing a child safety modification on its platform aimed at minors interested in streaming.
The platform communicated an adjustment to the minimum age requirement in an updated post regarding live stream limitations. As per YouTube, on July 22, the minimum age for streaming will increase from 13 to 16. Young content creators aged 16 or older will be able to live stream with an active chat and without the fear of takedowns (aside from circumstances involving copyright infringements). However, content creators who are younger than 16 (ages 13-15) will be required to have an adult accompanying them during their streams.
YouTube indicates that if an adult is not “physically present,” not only will the chat feature be disabled, but also “additional functionalities.”
The post elaborates that there are plans to further address these infractions, with YouTube stating, “…in the future, we intend to remove these live streams and the account might temporarily lose the ability to stream live.”
YouTube advises that young streamers accompanied by an adult can allow them access to the channel. This can be accomplished by assigning them editor, manager, or owner roles. Additionally, there is a list of “best streaming practices” for minors (and for parents to review) prior to going live.
Recent Updates from YouTube
YouTube has begun testing a new community-oriented feature for live streaming that introduced a leaderboard for fans. This trial included providing users with a means to accumulate points by engaging in chatting, sending Super Chats, and being active. Those who are (literally) the most engaged were showcased on a top 50 leaderboard. However, those who excelled further, ranking in the top three, would earn a distinctive badge to showcase their status.
Beyond livestreams, the company has initiated a test set to occur from June 26 to July 30, which presents its own version of AI Overviews. Available on Android and iOS platforms, specific inquiries will produce an AI-generated “Highlight.” These will contain short video snippets, each accompanied by an AI-generated title and description related to your query to offer helpful insights.
While it closely resembles Google Search’s AI Overviews, YouTube’s variation heavily emphasizes its video clips, allowing users the option to click on them to watch the complete video.
