Content creators can now stream in both portrait and landscape modes simultaneously on YouTube
In the new setup, mobile viewers holding their phones vertically will see a portrait-formatted stream, while those using a desktop or Smart TV will experience the traditional landscape format.
YouTube has announced the rollout of a new livestreaming feature that allows content creators to broadcast simultaneously in both vertical and horizontal video formats, in what is being described as a major step toward improving live content accessibility across devices.
The update, which is being tested by select creators before a wider rollout, comes as YouTube seeks to strengthen its hold in the livestreaming space amid growing competition from platforms like TikTok, Twitch, and Instagram Live.
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In the new setup, mobile viewers holding their phones vertically will see a portrait-formatted stream, while those using a desktop or Smart TV will experience the traditional landscape format.
Both formats are supported during the same livestream, with a unified chat system allowing all viewers to interact in one thread, regardless of the device or orientation.
“This update helps creators reach a wider audience without having to compromise on format,” said Kristen O’Hara, Vice President of Product Marketing at YouTube.
“Viewers now get the experience that best fits their screen, and creators can engage everyone in real time.”
Alongside the dual-format capability, YouTube is also introducing side-by-side advertisements that appear next to the livestream content instead of interrupting it.
This move is aimed at improving viewer retention and offering a more seamless experience during monetised streams.
Content creators can now stream in both portrait and landscape modes simultaneously on YouTube (9t05Google)
For example, during a live product demo or user live stream, an ad may appear on one half of the screen while the livestream continues uninterrupted on the other.
The platform also introduced a practice mode that allows creators to rehearse or test livestream setups privately before going live.
In addition, AI-powered highlights can now be generated from livestreams (Just like TikTok’s live) and repurposed into YouTube Shorts, giving creators more ways to maximise their content reach.
Vertical video, previously popularised by TikTok and later adopted through YouTube Shorts, has proven to drive higher engagement among mobile-first users.
“This is a smart, necessary move,” said Andrew Kithinji, a Nairobi-based digital content consultant.
“It aligns with changing user behaviour, especially among Gen Z and millennials who consume content on the go and expect it to adapt to their screens, not the other way around.”
YouTube has confirmed that the dual-format livestreaming feature will be gradually rolled out over the coming months, with initial access given to select YouTube Partners and verified creators.
Other features currently in development include new community tools, interactive live polls, and enhanced moderation options aimed at improving creator control during live broadcasts.
The platform has also hinted at further integrations between YouTube Shorts and livestreaming, suggesting a broader vision for short and long-form content to coexist in a single user experience.
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