YouTube wants more creators to go live. That’s why the platform has been pushing hard to make live streaming a big deal by rolling out features like Super Chat, channel memberships, and special events so fans can connect with creators in real time.

A new addition in this list is YouTube’s recent announcement of introducing side-by-side ads for livestreams. This new format, now available on connected TVs and desktop platforms, is designed to be less disruptive than traditional mid-roll ads. When a side-by-side ad appears, the main livestream video shrinks and continues playing silently, while the ad’s audio takes over. Once the ad break ends or is skipped, the stream returns to its original size and the audio resumes. (Something like the GIF below!)

YouTube says the side-by-side ad format is only available for livestreams that meet certain conditions: the stream must be set to normal latency, captions must be turned off, and creators need to enable the “Let YouTube Decide” option for automated mid-roll ads. This ensures the feature is rolled out smoothly and only on streams that can best support the new experience.

For creators, side-by-side ads offer a way to earn more revenue without forcing viewers to completely pause their experience. For advertisers, it’s a chance to reach highly engaged audiences on YouTube’s fastest-growing surfaces, especially the living room screen. And for viewers, the format maintains visual continuity—even if the stream’s audio is briefly replaced by an ad.

As livestreaming continues to grow, YouTube’s side-by-side ads represent a balancing act: maximizing monetization for creators and advertisers, while keeping the live experience as seamless as possible for viewers. The platform’s latest update signals its commitment to making live content a central part of its future.