New YouTube Live tools for fan funding, dubbing and more
Explore new YouTube Live features, from fan funding competitions to live auto dubbing and co-host matchmaking.
Sep 23, 2026 [[read-time]] minute read
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More and more people are turning to livestreams on YouTube to connect in real time. In fact, in August 2026, on average, more than 600M logged-in viewers watched live content (including archive) each day. 1
I lead the product team here at YouTube Live, but I’m also a gaming creator who has been streaming weekly since 2015. That dual perspective keeps our team focused on what makes streaming great, and where we can make it even better. Today at Made on YouTube, we’re sharing a set of updates built to give you more freedom while live.
React live to videos across YouTube
That starts with making it easier to get inspired for your next stream. We first piloted Watch With for premium tentpole streams so creators could react to major broadcasts and earlier this year, we began testing live reactions between creators' livestreams. Now, we’re taking the next step: expanding Watch With beyond livestreams to include all eligible long form videos across YouTube, with a roll out starting later this year.
Whenever inspiration strikes, you can tap ‘React live’ on any eligible long form video or livestream to jump right into the conversations happening across the platform.
We’ve designed the feature with creators on both sides in mind. Reacting creators keep the live ad revenue and fan funding they earn, while original creators get clear attribution, added view credit in YouTube Studio, and full control over which of their videos can be reacted to.
Co-host streams with Go Live Together
Going live is easier (and a lot more fun) when you have someone to bounce off of, so we’re introducing new ways to co-stream. While you could previously only invite an offline guest with a link, we’re introducing live creator matchmaking. In early 2027, you’ll be able to either browse and select from creators who are currently streaming, or jump into a quick match queue to let YouTube automatically pair you with similar creators you may not know yet!
Team up and compete in a Live showdown
Once connected in a co-hosted stream, you can tap into a Live showdown—an interactive format that turns fan funding into a team challenge, coming in 2027. Co-hosts can kick off friendly head-to-head matchups where viewers send chats, gifts, and Super Chats to push their creator's score forward on-screen in real time. It creates a fun, competitive dynamic that rallies both communities around a common goal, helping creators grow revenue while giving fans an active way to participate.
Break language barriers with Live auto dubbing
One of the coolest parts of going live is finding out where your viewers are tuning in from. Today, more than 40% of live watch time comes from viewers outside a creator’s home country, but language barriers often keep potential fans from joining the conversation.
To help you connect with audiences everywhere, we’re piloting Live auto dubbing, starting in early 2027. This feature automatically translates your speech in real time, so viewers can listen along in their preferred language as you speak.
Everything we're sharing today came out of direct conversations with streamers about what would help them most before and during a broadcast. Looking ahead, our main priorities are helping creators reach new audiences and earn more while live. There’s a lot more on the way, so thanks for continuing to tell us what you need. We’ll be keeping a close eye on your feedback as these tools roll out over the coming months.