How to Broadcast Live on YouTube

YouTube allows live broadcasts (or "live streams") from select users in the site. You must be a part of the YouTube Partner program to stream live broadcasts on the site. Partners are those users who generate revenue by posting videos onto the site. After you are approved, you must enable YouTube live from your account homepage. YouTube selects which partners are offered live streaming capabilities.

Instructions

1. Submit an application for the YouTube Partner program. Among other criteria, YouTube considers your audience size, content quality and how well you satisfy the site's Terms of Use and Community Guidelines. YouTube will notify you when you have been accepted into the program.

2. Install a video encoder on your computer. YouTube recommends the Flash Media Live Encode. They also list other options, including NewTek Tricaster, Telestream Wirecast, and Elemental Live.

3. Enable live streaming on your account. Log into your account at YouTube.com. Click "Videos & Playlists," and select the checkbox labeled "Live Streaming." Refresh the page by clicking on your browser's "Refresh" button.

4. Connect your external Web camera and microphone. Skip this step if you are using an internal Web camera and mic. For example, if you are using a laptop with a pre-installed camera and mic, you can skip this step.

5. Click on the button labeled "Live" at the top of the channel. Click "Broadcast Now."

References

• YouTube: Getting Start with Live Streaming
• YouTube: How Can I Tell If My Account is Enabled for Live Streaming?