YouTube has announced that it will begin pausing ads during livestreams when chat engagement is at its highest and viewers are actively supporting creators through Super Chats, Super Stickers, or gift purchases.

Previously, the only way to avoid ads on the platform was by subscribing to YouTube Premium.

In a blog post, the Google-owned company explained that when a livestream chat is buzzing with activity, it aims to “protect that collective vibe.”

Once its system detects a surge in engagement, ads will automatically be withheld for all viewers.

The company said the update is designed to help creators sustain momentum during livestreams without the disruption of ads.

It added that when a viewer supports a stream through a Super Chat, Super Stickers, or gift purchases, they will immediately receive a personalised ad-free window following their transaction.

YouTube unveiled the changes alongside several other updates for live creators. The company said more creators worldwide can now receive viewer gifts, as the feature has expanded to Canada, Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia, and New Zealand.

In addition, viewers can now send GIFs during creators’ horizontal livestreams, not just vertical broadcasts — directly from their mobile devices.

The announcement comes just days after YouTube increased the price of its YouTube Premium subscriptions in the United States.

The individual plan has risen from $13.99 to $15.99 per month, while the family plan has climbed from $22.99 to $26.99 per month.