YouTube Introduces Side-by-Side Mid-Roll Ads to Enhance Livestream Monetization
Overview of Side-by-Side Ads on YouTube Livestreams
YouTube is launching a new advertising format for eligible Connected TV (CTV) and web livestream broadcasts called side-by-side mid-roll ads. This format minimizes disruption by shrinking and shifting the livestream video to play ads alongside it rather than fully interrupting the stream.
During the ad break, the livestream audio is muted while the ad audio plays, then the video player expands back and livestream audio resumes once the ad ends or is skipped.
Benefits for Creators and Advertisers
- Monetization opportunity: Provides live creators with additional revenue streams through less disruptive mid-roll ads.
- Advertiser appeal: Offers advertisers a new way to reach engaged livestream audiences.
- Encourages live content: Supports YouTube’s broader push to increase live broadcast engagement.
YouTube’s Expanded Livestream Features
- Jewels: Digital stickers viewers can buy during livestreams, with proceeds shared with creators.
- Breaks during broadcasts: Livestreamers can now pause streams to manage content flow.
- Focus on live engagement: YouTube aims to tap into the growing trend of live content consumption.
Market Context and Growth
Livestreaming consumption is rapidly growing, with over 163 million U.S. users watching influencer live streams in 2023, and over 100 million creators going live on TikTok in 2024. The interactive and immediate nature of live broadcasts fosters stronger viewer-creator connections and drives impulse buying through social selling.
Eligibility and Implementation
Side-by-side ads are available for livestreams broadcast with normal latency. Creators must have the “Let YouTube Decide” mid-roll ad setting enabled to qualify.
Source: Social Media Today – Latest News by Andrew Hutchinson. Read original.
