YouTube Raises Live Streaming Age Limit to 16 Globally

YouTube has implemented new restrictions on its live streaming feature, effective July 22, 2025. The platform has raised the minimum age requirement for users to host live streams from 13 to 16 years old. This policy update is designed to prevent young content creators, predominantly gaming streamers who often start their digital careers in early adolescence, from broadcasting live without adult supervision.

According to a help center post published on Wednesday, the new policy states that “creators will need to be 16 or older to be able to livestream on YouTube.” Those aged 13 to 15 will only be permitted to live stream if they are “visibly accompanied by an adult.” The platform has warned that livestreams featuring 13–15-year-olds who are not visibly accompanied by an adult may have their live chat disabled and the account may temporarily lose access to live chat or other features.

YouTube now requires underage users to comply with the new age rules by streaming through an adult-managed account, or at least have an adult present during the livestream, if they are using their own accounts. If an under-16 user wants to participate in a livestream from an account owned by an adult, that adult must be visibly present in the livestream. The adult can be given access to the user's channel as an editor, manager, or owner, allowing the adult to start the livestream from the user's account while still reaching the user's audience through their own channel.

In addition to the rule change, Google has reiterated its safety guidelines for minors engaging with the platform’s live features. Children and teenagers are urged not to disclose personal information such as full name, age, address, or school. The company also advises users to be careful about what’s in the background of their stream, avoiding anything that could give away their location. Users are also asked to appoint adults or guardians as moderators for chat interactions, and to stop their stream immediately and inform a trusted adult if anything inappropriate happens.

This policy change comes after pressure from lawmakers in various regions, including Australia and France, who have been discussing whether YouTube should be added to the list of platforms subject to under-16 social media bans. The 2024 legislation in Australia prevents anyone under the age of 16 from registering on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and X. YouTube was initially excluded from the list due to its role in education and child-friendly entertainment. However, the eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, called for that exemption to include YouTube, citing a survey that found nearly 40% of children aged 10 to 16 reported encountering harmful content on the platform. Grant blamed YouTube’s algorithms for driving users down rabbit holes that they are powerless to fight against, and criticized the company for reportedly downsizing its online safety teams. In response, Google dismissed the commissioner’s findings, stating that the data “ignored” evidence from teachers and parents supporting the platform’s access for young users.

This move by YouTube is part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen its safety protocols and create a safer environment for its users. The change is expected to have a significant impact on younger content creators who rely on live streaming as a means of engaging with their audience and building their online presence. The new age limit will apply globally, ensuring that all users meet the updated age requirement before they can livestream on the platform.