YouTube has introduced cross-channel live retargeting, a new feature that allows streamers to send live viewers to other channels.
Cross-channel live retargeting is functionally similar to Twitch Raids, which allow creators to send their viewers to another stream when their viewership ends.
An important difference with live redirects on YouTube is that they provide additional protection for streaming.
On Twitch, creators can “raid” another stream with almost no restrictions. This has led to people using the raid feature for malicious purposes, such as sending viewers to other streams to abuse the creator.
YouTube has put safeguards in place to prevent this from happening with cross-channel live redirects, making the feature a welcome addition to the platform.
Here’s more about real-time retargeting across channels and how to use them.
What is YouTube Cross-Channel Live Retargeting?
Live Redirect allows you to send viewers to your chosen live broadcast as soon as the broadcast ends.
Let’s say your friend or colleague is streaming and you want to direct viewers to their channel to help them grow. With YouTube Live Retargeting, you can do just that.
After your live broadcast, YouTube’s autoplay feature will transfer your viewers to the channel of your choice.
In addition to helping other streamers, live retargeting can help your viewers discover new channels and get them to watch more live content on YouTube.
Live retargeting is available for channels with more than 1,000 subscribers, and you’ll need to get approval from other creators before sending your viewers to their streams.
Again, you must be approved before other channels can send their viewers to your broadcast.
You can set up a live redirect in YouTube Studio for a scheduled live or when the live ends in the Live Control Room.
How to enable YouTube Live Redirect
Follow the steps below to enable YouTube Live Redirect:
- login to YouTube studio
- go set up
- click Community
- under real-time redirectionenter the specific channel you want to allow redirects to you
- When done, click save
During setup, you can also choose to allow live redirects all Channels you subscribe to.
When your settings are updated, these creators will be allowed to redirect their viewers to any of your upcoming or ongoing streams.
How to Redirect Your Live YouTube Viewers
When you’re about to end your broadcast, you can choose which channel to send your viewers to.
This can be configured from the YouTube Live Control Room on the desktop.
Once in the live control room, follow these steps:
- click edit
- choose custom made
- under redirectclick Add to.
- Search and select the stream your viewers will be sent to
When your stream ends, you’ll see a confirmation message showing where your viewers will be redirected.
Note that if viewers have autoplay turned off, they will not be automatically redirected.
However, a prompt will appear on the screen asking the viewer if they would like to be redirected, and they can choose to say yes.
Live redirects will be available to all eligible creators through the end of the week.
source: YouTube
Featured Image: aslysun/Shutterstock
