A simple, step-by-step guide for beginners. No experience needed — you can go live today!
YouTube is one of the best places to start streaming because almost everyone already has an account, and it's completely free. Whether you want to stream gaming, art, music, or just hang out and chat — YouTube Live has you covered.
YouTube requires your account to be verified before you can go live on desktop. This just means confirming your phone number — ask a parent to help. On mobile, you can go live right away if your channel is at least 50 subscribers.
Go to YouTube.com and sign in. Click your profile icon → "Your Channel" → customize your channel name and add a profile picture. Make it something fun and memorable!
On mobile (phone/tablet): Download the YouTube app. Tap the "+" icon at the bottom, then "Go Live." Easy!
On computer: Download free software called OBS Studio (obsproject.com). It's free, beginner-friendly, and used by millions of streamers.
Open OBS and run the auto-setup wizard. Add a "Scene" and a "Source" (like your game or screen). Then go to Settings → Stream → pick YouTube and paste your Stream Key (found in YouTube Studio → Go Live).
In YouTube Studio, click "Go Live." Write a fun title like "Playing Minecraft for the first time!" and add a short description. A good title helps people find your stream.
Click "Go Live" in OBS or the YouTube app. You're streaming! Say hi, be yourself, and have fun. Your first stream probably won't be perfect — and that's totally okay.
Never share your real name, school, address, or phone number on stream. If a viewer says something that makes you uncomfortable, don't engage — just ban or block them. Check out our full safety guide for more tips.
You've got everything you need. The hardest part is clicking that button for the first time.
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