YouTube has introduced their latest beta-testing feature “Subscriber-Only mode” – which allows creators to only give their channel subscribers access to their livestream chats.
Creators will be able to decide whether they want to enable or disable this feature during their live streams. They will also be able to set a minimum subscription time period so that users can’t subscribe minute-of and enter the chat. Ultimately, the Subscribers-Only Mode feature will help creators get subscribers for their channel versus getting traffic from users who only watch their stream and exit without subscribing.
Ryan Wyatt – the Managing Director of Gaming and Commerce at YouTube – revealed that the feature will initially only be available to a limited number of live-streamers:
SUBS-ONLY MODE LAUNCHED:
Great news, we've kicked-off "Subs Only Chat" for Live Streamers!
This has been a big creator request for live streaming, and we're excited to debut it. More to come!
Learn more: https://t.co/kqJpZOLxUQ pic.twitter.com/2gsMTqk8tX
— Ryan Wyatt (@Fwiz) May 6, 2021
So – how can you enable the Subscriber-Only Mode feature? If you’ve been chosen for the beta-testing feature, follow these steps:
- Navigate to the ‘Live Control Room’ tab
- Tap on the ‘Edit’ option
- Tap ‘Live chat’ and click on ‘who can send a message’
- Tap on ‘subscribers’ to enable the subscribers-only mode
- Optional setting: set how long the viewers must be subscribed for
- Click on ‘Save’