YouTube tests smarter livestream ads: Pauses during peak chat moments and adds ad-free thank-you perks

YouTube is updating how ads work on livestreams, aiming to reduce interruptions when audience engagement is highest while giving creators new ways to reward supporters.

The changes are part of a broader push to keep live chats active without undermining monetization.

In new monetization tools outlined by YouTube, creators can trigger short ad-free windows as a thank-you when viewers send paid support such as Super Chat, Super Stickers, or gifts. YouTube says a dedicated ad-free window will also be created automatically for channels that use automatic ads.

Another change is designed to protect momentum for everyone watching. YouTube says it will monitor livestream chat activity and briefly pause ad playback for all viewers when engagement peaks, so key moments are less likely to be disrupted.

More gifting and format updates

YouTube is also expanding gifting options, allowing viewers to send gifts on horizontal livestreams in addition to vertical streams, directly from mobile devices. The company says the goal is to make in-the-moment support easier across more viewing contexts.

Creators are expected to gain new production flexibility as well, including the option to go live in both horizontal and vertical formats at the same time while keeping a single shared live chat.

YouTube has also signaled upcoming additions such as more customization in Live Control Room, including vertical cropping layouts and multiple stream keys.

The updates arrive as YouTube competes for live audiences with services such as Twitch and TikTok Live, where chat velocity is central to retention.

By tying ad timing more closely to real-time engagement, YouTube is betting that fewer badly placed interruptions can improve watch time while keeping creator revenue tools intact.