Trending Now - Youtube Introduces Ad-free Livestreams for Supportive Viewers
WHO:
Techmeme - YouTube is the platform introducing new features for livestreams.
Dexerto - YouTube CEO Neal Mohan is mentioned regarding the updates.
WHAT:
Dexerto - YouTube has implemented unskippable ads that can last as long as 30 seconds.
Dexerto - Users who donate through Super Chat, Super Stickers, or gifts will receive a personal ad-free window during livestreams.
Dexerto - YouTube's system recognizes when Live Chat engagement is at its peak and automatically holds back ads for everyone during those moments.
Techmeme - YouTube livestreams will show fewer ads to users who support creators through Super Chat, Super Sticker, or gift purchases.
Dexerto - YouTube announced on April 13th, 2026, that livestream ads can be held back if viewers engage in chat.
Dexerto - The only guaranteed ad-free experience on YouTube is through a subscription to YouTube Premium, which costs $15.99 per month.
Dexerto - Viewers can now send gifts during livestreams, which will be expanded to several countries including Canada, Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, and New Zealand.
WHERE:
Dexerto - The gift feature is being expanded to Canada, Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, and New Zealand.
WHEN:
Dexerto - YouTube announced the new features on April 13th, 2026.
WHY:
Techmeme - YouTube has been under scrutiny for increased ad frequency during videos and livestreams.
HOW:
Dexerto - Viewers can now send gifts during both horizontal and vertical broadcasts from their mobile devices.
Techmeme - Ads will be disabled during peak engagement times when viewers interact in chat.
Dexerto - Users can work together to stop ads from playing by maximizing engagement in chat.
Dexerto - The system recognizes when Live Chat engagement is at its peak and automatically holds back ads for everyone.
(UPDATED April 14, 2026 19:24 UTC)
YouTube has introduced unskippable ads that can last up to 30 seconds, a change that has sparked discussions among users. However, those who donate through Super Chat, Super Stickers, or gifts will enjoy a personal ad-free experience during livestreams, and the platform's system will even hold back ads when Live Chat engagement peaks. Additionally, viewers can now send gifts during both horizontal and vertical broadcasts from their mobile devices, enhancing the interactive experience.
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(UPDATED April 14, 2026 17:25 UTC)
YouTube has announced new features for livestreams that will reduce the number of ads shown to viewers who support creators through Super Chat, Super Sticker, or gift purchases. The updates, revealed on Monday, allow ads to be held back during peak engagement times in chat, and the gift feature will soon be available in several countries, including Canada and Australia. The only guaranteed ad-free experience remains a subscription to YouTube Premium, which costs $15.99 per month.