YouTube Launches Side-by-Side Ads for Mobile Livestreams

YouTube has launched a new advertising format for mobile livestreams, allowing ads to appear alongside the video feed rather than fully interrupting it. The feature, which debuted on desktop and television platforms last year, is now rolling out to smartphones and tablets, where a significant portion of live viewing occurs.

In the updated layout, the livestream shrinks to the top half of the screen, while the advertisement occupies the bottom section, often replacing the live chat or description area. This side-by-side approach ensures viewers can continue watching the visual content without missing key moments, such as action in gaming streams or sports events. However, the livestream's audio is automatically muted during the ad to emphasize the commercial's sound, creating a silent viewing experience for those seconds or up to 30 seconds. Once the ad concludes, the full audio resumes, and the layout returns to normal.

The change targets automated midroll ads, which previously obscured the entire screen and led to higher viewer dropoff rates during live sessions. YouTube officials, including program manager Lauren from the Creator Insider team, described the format as a way to...