YouTube Raises Live Streaming Age Limit to 16 Starting July 2025

- Minimum live streaming age increasing to 16 from 13, effective July 22, 2025. - Creators aged 13-15 will require adult supervision for live broadcasts. YouTube has announced an update to its live streaming policies, raising the minimum age for individual creators to live stream from 13 to 16 years old. These changes will take effect on July 22, 2025. This update is part of the platform’s broader effort to enhance safety for younger users as it faces increasing scrutiny and regulatory pressure. On June 26, 2025, Engadget reported this new policy. On June 26, The Economic Times also reported this new policy, and India Today reported this new policy on the same day. Under it, creators aged 13 to 15 can only live stream if an adult is visibly accompanying them or if the live stream is through an adult-managed account. Furthermore, while parents or designated adults can access younger creators’ channels as editors, managers, or owners to initiate broadcasts, an adult must still be physically present on-screen during these live streams. The policy stipulates that YouTube may automatically disable live chat features for live streams by users aged 13 to 15 if an adult is not visibly present. Consequently, if users do not comply, the platform may temporarily revoke their live chat or live streaming permissions. YouTube has further indicated it will enforce stricter measures for repeated violations, which could include temporary bans on live streaming for such accounts. According to its official YouTube Help support page, the company outlined these policy changes, stating that these updates aim to protect youths from potential online harm during live interactions. These changes also align with increasing global regulatory focus, such as Australia’s forthcoming social media restrictions for users under 16. In connection with this, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, has actively advocated to include YouTube in the proposed ban, referencing research that highlights many young users encountering harmful content on the platform. YouTube has contested these findings, emphasizing its utility as an educational resource that teachers and parents endorse. Nevertheless, the platform also reiterated its existing safety measures, which discourage minors from sharing personal information and recommend adult moderators for live chat engagements.