YouTube has added a modest new feature that will let you know if a channel is broadcasting live, similar to TikTok and Instagram.
While livestreaming has been available on YouTube since 2016, users will now notice a ring around a channel’s circular emblem with the word “Live” across it, which they can click to go to the stream.
Last Monday, YouTube’s chief product officer, Neal Mohan, announced the news on Twitter. A similar ring already exists on TikTok and Instagram, which encircle an account’s profile picture while they’re livestreaming.
This isn’t the first time YouTube has announced a TikTok-inspired makeover. Last year, the business launched YouTube Shorts, a direct competitor to TikTok that promotes short-form videos on YouTube’s mobile app. TikTok’s ability to inspire other Internet startups is well documented: Last year, Netflix added “Kids Clips” to its iOS app in a few regions, a feature that displays short clips from its kid-friendly material.
It’s no wonder that these sites are continually replicating TikTok – after all, it was the most downloaded app on the planet last year.
Really focused making it easier for users to find livestreams on @YouTube so we're rolling out the Live rings feature on mobile! @YouTubeCreators streaming live will now have a ring around the channel avatar & clicking on the avatar will take you directly to the livestream. pic.twitter.com/QylUbpktum
— Neal Mohan (@nealmohan) February 18, 2022
