• YouTube reduces ad load during livestream peak engagement moments
• New updates include expanded gifting features and multi-direction streaming tools for creators and viewers

YouTube has announced it will begin reducing or delaying ad delivery during livestreams when engagement spikes, especially at moments when audience activity reaches its peak.

The move comes as part of a broader effort aimed at minimizing ad interruptions during the most dynamic moments of live broadcasts.

The company said its system will automatically pause ads when it detects a surge in live chat activity, particularly when users are actively supporting creators through Super Chat, Super Stickers, or digital gifts.

YouTube described these moments as a “collective surge of energy” that should be preserved without disruption.

According to the Google-owned platform, the update is designed to help creators maintain livestream momentum and audience engagement without interruptions, enhancing the live viewing experience.

On the other hand, YouTube said users who support creators through Super Chat, paid stickers, or gifts will receive an immediate ad-free experience after purchase as a reward for their contribution.

Super Chat allows viewers to pay to highlight their messages in chat, while Super Stickers enable the purchase of premium stickers to stand out in the conversation.

In a related update, YouTube revealed an expansion of its gifting system to include a larger number of creators across several newly added countries.

The platform has also enabled GIF sharing during horizontal livestreams, a feature previously limited to vertical broadcasts.

It also introduced simultaneous vertical and horizontal livestreaming, with all viewers merged into a single unified chat, in a move aimed at improving the experience across different screen types.