YouTube Increases Age Limit for Livestreaming

YouTube’s looking to avoid potential risks with youngsters livestreaming in the app, with the platform announcing that it’s increasing its age limit for livestreams, with live broadcasts to be restricted to users aged 16 and up from next month.

YouTube will soon also remove livestreams that display youngsters without the presence of an adult.

As explained by YouTube:

“As of July 22, we are increasing the minimum age required to livestream to 16 years old. This means that creators will need to be 16 or older to be able to livestream on YouTube. Additionally, 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. Please note that, in the future, we plan to take down these livestreams and the account may temporarily lose its ability to live stream.”

The change is likely to impact gaming streamers the most, who often start in their teens, with the new restriction now delaying their content ambitions.

But it may well be an important, valuable change in protecting younger users from exploitation and risk, though YouTube’s hasn’t shared any official reason for the update.

Though there have been various reports of teens being exposed on livestreams over the years.

At the same time, YouTube is also currently embroiled in a debate in Australia as to whether the app should be included in the government’s upcoming age restrictions on social media use, with Australian officials set to implement a 16-year-old access limit for all social media apps.

YouTube has been exempted from this, due to its educational value, but the nation’s eSafety Commissioner has this week called for YouTube to be included in the change, as it also poses a risk.

Maybe, upping the age of livestreaming could help YouTube pushback against this, by reiterating that social elements are not its focus, and that its social video tools, like livestreaming, are already restricted to over 16s anyway.

I don’t think that law changes in Australia would be the only motivation on this front, but it could be another reason for the update, which, presumably, won’t have a major impact on overall streaming activity.

Really, it seems like a sensible update, which will keep kids safe, and it’s good to see YouTube looking to take a stronger stand on this front.