YouTube Live Gets Enhanced Features Influenced by Twitch and TikTok

YouTube introduced numerous fresh updates for creators during its Made on YouTube 2025 event on Tuesday.

YouTube Live received the most substantial updates, with the service revealing new live streaming functionalities.

YouTube reported that more than 30 percent of daily logged-in users viewed live content in Q2 2025. Livestreams are on the rise on YouTube, and the company acknowledges the necessity to compete with distinctive features from platforms such as Twitch and TikTok.

Playables on Live

The first announcement from YouTube brings Playables to YouTube Live.

With Playables on Live, creators can tap into over 75 casual games like Angry Birds Showdown and Cut The Rope to enjoy while interacting with their audience.

Vertical and Horizontal Formats

Vertical video has surged in popularity across platforms such as TikTok and YouTube Shorts. Streamers have had to make a choice between vertical or horizontal video during their streams.

YouTube will soon provide support for both formats, delivering a livestream in both vertical and horizontal orientations with a combined live chat. This will improve discoverability as viewers often show a preference for one format over the other.

Live Practice Mode

YouTube has introduced a live practice mode, enabling streamers to check their setup and new features without broadcasting live.

This feature indicates YouTube’s intention to transform more video creators into live streamers.

React Live

Reaction videos continue to be in high demand, particularly on TikTok.

YouTube’s new react live feature permits streamers to go live on mobile in response to another live stream, providing real-time commentary.

AI-Powered Clips

AI-driven clips are on their way to YouTube.

YouTube’s AI-generated highlights will pull out the most engaging content from live videos and automatically produce YouTube Shorts for sharing.

New Live Monetization Options

YouTube revealed two new monetization formats: ad-based and membership-based.

Side-by-side ads display a video ad next to a live stream, ensuring viewers do not miss any stream content.

For channels featuring membership options, streamers can change a stream to subscriber-only, allowing them to turn viewers into paying members by granting exclusive access to segments of the stream.