YouTube is raising its age limit for livestreaming to 16 years old, effective July 22, 2025. This change aims to mitigate risks associated with younger users livestreaming on the platform. Users aged 13-15 who livestream without an adult present will face restrictions, including potential disabling of live chat and temporary loss of livestreaming capabilities.
This update primarily affects gaming streamers, who often begin their careers in their teens, potentially hindering their content creation goals. Although YouTube has not provided a specific reason for this change, it appears to be a proactive measure to protect younger users from exploitation, especially in light of past incidents involving teens on livestreams.
Additionally, YouTube is currently involved in discussions in Australia regarding age restrictions for social media, with officials proposing a 16-year-old access limit for all platforms. While YouTube has been exempted due to its educational value, there are calls for it to be included in these regulations. The new livestreaming age limit may help YouTube position itself as prioritizing user safety and distancing itself from social media risks. Overall, this update is viewed as a positive step towards safeguarding younger users.
