YouTube pauses ads during peak livestream engagement

YouTube is implementing a new strategy to enhance viewer experience during livestreams by pausing ads when chat engagement reaches its peak. This change aims to preserve the 'collective vibe' and maintain creator momentum without interruptions. Viewers who support creators through Super Chat, Super Stickers, or gifts will receive immediate, personalized ad-free viewing windows. These updates coincide with expanded eligibility for creator gifts globally and the introduction of GIF sending on horizontal livestreams. The platform also allows creators to simultaneously stream in both vertical and horizontal formats, unifying chat across all viewers. These adjustments follow recent price increases for YouTube Premium subscriptions in the U.S.