YouTube is introducing a brand new collaboration feature that allows two people to live stream at the same time – the aptly named Go Live Together.
The way it works is that a creator can invite another user to co-host a live stream. You can only host one guest at a time, but other people can swap in and out during the same live stream. It’s similar to how a FaceTime call works without the groups feature.
Technically, Go Live Together first launched in early November 2022 when it was first revealed YouTube’s own Creator Insider channel (opens in new tab). It was only available to a handful of content creators back then, and from the looks of it, not much has changed since then.
The small catch is that the host channel must have at least 50 subscribers before they are allowed to use the feature. However, the invitee is not restricted by this requirement. It can be anyone: large or small channels.
Grab a friend and start a co-stream 🤝🤩 Introducing Go Live Together, a new way to easily start a co-stream and invite a guest, all from your phone! 📱Creators need 50+ subscribers to host co-streams, but anyone can be a guest! more info here: https://t.co/g6PdxJY7ux pic.twitter.com/lmDDogXQ5tFebruary 2, 2023
Availability
Go Live Together is now available for iOS and Android smartphones. So be sure to download the latest version of YouTube for mobile if you want to try it out. For instructions on getting a shared live stream, see Google support page (opens in new tab), but for a quick overview you first have to tap the plus icon at the bottom of the YouTube app. “Go Live Together” will appear in the bottom menu. Select that, invite your guest and you’re good to go.
A desktop version of Go Live Together is currently in the works, but it’s unknown when it will be released. Accordingly TeamYouTube on Twitter (opens in new tab)keep ’em all posted when there’s more to share.
Other reports state (opens in new tab) It’s possible for a host channel to schedule a co-stream via YouTube on desktop, but that’s about it. You ultimately have to use the mobile app to actually have the live stream. In the meantime, until Go Live Together hits desktop, you can always try Google Meet. Last summer Google Meet support has expanded on YouTube to host large scale events on the platform.
If you’re interested in diving into the world of live streaming, now’s a good time to give it a try so you’ll be prepared for when YouTube expands on Go Live Together — because, let’s face it, a desktop version feels like an inevitability at. Be sure to check out TechRadar’s list of Best Free Streaming Software with the likes of OBS Studio and Steamlabs.
