Enable YouTube Live for your channel
You need to enable live streaming before YouTube lets your channel start a livestream. The setup begins from YouTube itself. You request access, verify the channel with a phone number, then wait for YouTube to activate live streaming.
The activation wait can take up to 24 hours. Plan for that delay before you schedule a first stream. Once the wait is over, you can return to the live streaming page and prepare a stream from your computer or phone.
Video Tutorial
Request access to live streaming
Start while signed in to the YouTube account for the channel you want to use. You can begin from YouTube or YouTube Studio. The important part is opening the Go live page for the correct channel.
- Go to YouTube and make sure you are logged in.
- Select Create in the top-right corner.
- Select Go live.
- On the access screen, select Request.
YouTube will then ask you to verify the channel. This verification is required before the live streaming feature can be enabled.
Verify your YouTube channel
Channel verification uses a code sent to your phone. Keep a phone available that can receive text messages before starting this part.
- Select Verify when YouTube asks you to verify the channel.
- Select your country.
- Enter your phone number.
- Select Next.
- Check your phone for the verification code from YouTube.
- Enter the code on YouTube to finish verification.
Be careful to enter the phone number for the country you selected. If the code does not arrive, check the number and country selection before trying again. You cannot finish the live streaming request until YouTube accepts the verification code.
Wait for YouTube to activate live streaming
After verifying your channel, select Create and then Go live again. A newly verified channel can show a 24-hour countdown on the live streaming page.
This is normal. YouTube needs time to activate live streaming access after verification. There is no extra setting shown in this process that removes the wait. Let the countdown complete, then return to the same page.
Use the time to decide how you will stream. You can prepare to stream from your phone, use your computer’s webcam, or get your streaming setup ready in OBS. The key point is that the channel must finish activation first.
Set up your first livestream after activation
When the 24-hour wait ends, open Create and select Go live once more. The stream page changes from the activation countdown to the setup area for your livestream.
From there, YouTube shows the available setup process and lets you begin entering details for the stream. If you plan to use a webcam, make sure your computer can access it. If you plan to use OBS, have your stream setup ready before you create the broadcast. If you are using your phone, make sure you are signed in to the same verified channel.
Add the information needed for the livestream on the stream page, then review it before starting. This gives you a chance to make sure you are using the right channel and the right streaming method.
What to check if you cannot go live
Go back through the required steps if YouTube does not show the stream setup page:
- Confirm that you are signed in to the channel you verified.
- Open Create and select Go live again.
- Make sure the phone verification code was entered and accepted.
- Check whether a 24-hour activation countdown is still running.
- Wait until the countdown has fully ended before trying to start a stream.
Once YouTube has verified the channel and completed the activation period, you can use the live streaming page to prepare your broadcast and start streaming.
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