If YouTube’s Create menu has no live-streaming option, check your channel’s live-streaming eligibility in YouTube Studio first. Your channel must be verified and free of live-streaming restrictions from the previous 90 days. If you just enabled live streaming, YouTube says activation can take up to 24 hours. Mobile streaming has extra requirements, including at least 50 subscribers.
Start with the right checklist for your device
The steps depend on whether you are trying to go live from the YouTube mobile app or from a computer. YouTube’s 50-subscriber minimum applies to mobile live streaming; do not assume it is a requirement for computer webcam or encoder streaming.
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- Phone or tablet: Check channel verification, recent live restrictions, live-streaming activation, subscriber count, and device compatibility.
- Computer: Check channel verification, recent live restrictions, and live-streaming activation. YouTube supports webcam and encoder workflows.
YouTube’s current general guidance says you must be at least 16 years old to start a live stream. See YouTube’s live-streaming requirements.
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Check live-streaming eligibility in YouTube Studio
- Open YouTube Studio.
- Go to Settings → Channel → Feature eligibility.
- Inspect the status of Live streaming. YouTube says eligible features show “Enabled” next to them; some features have separate eligibility requirements. See Learn about feature access for YouTube Creators.
If live streaming is not enabled, follow the prompts shown for your channel. YouTube says first-time activation may take up to 24 hours, so the option may not appear immediately. That is an upper activation window in YouTube’s guidance, not a guarantee that access will appear at a particular moment.
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Verify the channel and check for restrictions
Live streaming requires a verified channel and no live-streaming restrictions within the previous 90 days. Review your channel’s status and any notifications or restrictions shown in YouTube Studio. YouTube lists these requirements in its live-streaming setup guidance.
If YouTube has restricted live streaming on your channel within that period, waiting for first-time activation will not resolve the restriction. Follow the information YouTube provides about the restriction and its duration.
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If you are trying to stream from a phone or tablet
Mobile live streaming has requirements beyond general channel eligibility. YouTube’s current guidance specifies at least 50 subscribers, a supported device, channel verification, no live-streaming restrictions in the previous 90 days, and live streaming turned on. Consult YouTube’s mobile live-streaming requirements for device details and current instructions.
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- If you meet the subscriber minimum but do not see the option, check device compatibility and confirm that live streaming is enabled for the channel.
- If you enabled it recently, allow up to 24 hours for first-time activation.
If you are trying to stream from a computer
YouTube documents two computer routes: streaming with a webcam or using an encoder. The mobile subscriber threshold is not listed as a requirement for these computer methods in YouTube’s general setup guidance.
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- Webcam: Use YouTube’s webcam workflow after live streaming has been enabled for the channel.
- Encoder: Use an encoder workflow for a configured streaming setup. Follow YouTube’s on-screen instructions for the stream details and key.
See Get started with live streaming for the available setup routes.
What to do if the option is still missing
- Confirm you are checking the correct channel in YouTube Studio.
- Recheck Settings → Channel → Feature eligibility for the Live streaming status.
- Confirm the channel is verified and review whether a live-streaming restriction occurred within the previous 90 days.
- If using a mobile device, confirm the channel has at least 50 subscribers and the device meets YouTube’s current requirements.
- If live streaming was just enabled for the first time, wait up to 24 hours before checking again.
- If these checks do not explain the missing option, use YouTube’s in-product feedback or the support route available to your account.
Public help pages explain the general requirements but cannot identify an individual channel’s account state. Avoid treating an unexplained missing menu option as proof of a particular hidden account flag or technical fault.
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