YouTube is rolling out a new feature that automatically pauses ads during live streams when chat activity reaches its peak. The update was announced in a Google blog post and comes alongside several other improvements for creators and viewers.
This ad pause feature only works if automatic ads are enabled on a stream. When the system detects high chat engagement, it temporarily suspends ads for all viewers during those busy moments. Broadcasters do not need to take any manual action for this to happen.
Ad-Free Windows and Expanded Gift Sending for YouTube Live
A new ad-free window is being introduced for viewers who send a Super Chat, Super Sticker, or gift during a stream. This window opens automatically right after the purchase, ensuring that the stream continues without interruptions from ads. The feature will be available automatically for creators with automatic ads enabled once it is rolled out.
Viewers can now send gifts during horizontal live streams, in addition to vertical ones, from mobile devices. Support for sending gifts is expanding to creators in Canada, South Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, and New Zealand. YouTube says it is working to bring gift options to more countries and plans to introduce region-specific gifts connected to local holidays and events.
Simultaneous Vertical and Horizontal Live Streams
YouTube is introducing a new feature that allows users to go live in both vertical and horizontal formats at the same time. Viewers share a single chat regardless of which format they are watching. Plans for additional tools are set for later in 2026, including vertical cropping layouts in Live Studio and support for multiple stream keys to send separate customized feeds for each format.
The company has not announced specific dates for the upcoming ad-free purchase feature or the new streaming tools that allow multiple streams at the same time, only that both are expected in the coming months.
