In 2026 this is going to finally become clear to everyone: always-on, 24/7 live streaming of pre-recorded content is a unique format that most creators, brands and channels are still sleeping on, a format that can bring huge gains in terms of watch-hours, community building and ultimately monetization.
2026 – The Year of 24/7 Live Streaming
The perception of always-on streaming has changed a lot in the last 3 years, and we think its about to shine. While some content creators adopted the format early (like LoFi Girl), many were unsure of its benefits and even scared of getting penalized by the algorithm for 24/7 streaming. Ha! How wrong were they? Because this could not be further from the truth – 24/7 is an incredibly useful content format that is not only allowed, but also encouraged by YouTube, as we could witness on this year’s LiveCon 2025 (LiveCon is YouTube’s conference focused primarily on live streaming).
YouTube’s Always-on Initiative
YouTube’s Always-on Initiative is a testament to the fact that YouTube is taking 24/7 streaming seriously, as should you!
After a few years of YouTube “testing the waters” and not really actively talking about 24/7 streaming (even though we knew YouTube ♥️ 24/7, as we developed Upstream in communication with YouTube), we were thrilled to see 24/7 streaming as one of the core topics (if not THE topic) of this years LiveCon by YouTube. This is a huge gain for the entire live streaming ecosystem – a clear signal that this format is encouraged and will become and stay super-relevant. For brands, creators, musicians, labels, film distributors – a new distribution channel awaits. For us, this just confirms what we’ve been talking about for a while – 24/7 is a unique format that brings so many benefits to channels and creators, especially if they already have a big back-catalogue.
In fact, YouTube is inviting you to join the Always-on initiative. The initiative is designed to test new broadcasting methods, so we encourage you to apply! YouTube is being a bit secretive about what this program is really about, but that makes it only more exciting! If you have a big back catalogue, join the initiative! Write to us if you need more info or you are unsure, we can help you out!
The Cloud Advantage: Reliable 24/7 Streams
Traditional, local PC-based streaming setups are simply unsustainable for true 24/7 operation. They lead to technical failures, internet drops, power outages, and creator burnout. LiveCon made it clear: reliability is paramount.
The critical role of cloud-based 24/7 streaming benefits was a key takeaway. Cloud platforms ensure reliability, scalability, and “set-it-and-forget-it” automation. A platform like Upstream empowers creators to run continuous streams without keeping their computer on, managing complex servers, or dealing with OBS complexities. This provides immense peace of mind. Cloud hosting eliminates concerns about internet drops or power outages, ensuring a consistent, high-quality broadcast around the clock.
AV1 vs. H264
AV1 looks so much better than h264, and that just means it’s about to take over. Those awful square video compression artifacts we are all used to seeing on large surfaces of a single color in slow moving scenes – like sky or walls – simply don’t exist with AV1. And by some magic, the resulting files are smaller. I know. How is that possible? See for yourself:
Just look at the difference! all the smooth surfaces finally appear smooth. And the sky? So much better. This comparison by itself is enough to predict that AV1 will soon take over as the dominant format. And it’s already in your Netflix, YouTube and probably everywhere else too.
The deal with AV1 is that while its actually easier on the bandwith, and it looks great, its not supported on all devices though. But with the speed this develops – soon AV1 will probably be supported on your fridge or bathroom mirror, too.
In any case keep an eye out for this format.
Vertical and Horizontal Streaming Unified
YouTube really removed a pain point with this one – you can now stream vertically and horizontally at the same time, with a unified chat. For some streamers this could be a huge gain, as they get to millions more devices they previously weren’t optimized for.
Public to Members Only Live Stream
It is now possible to start your stream public, and at some point take it to members only. This will be great for discoverability of members only streams, allowing the viewers to get hooked! Its logical to predict this will make the members-only model grow and become more robust and everpresent.
Algorithm and 24/7 Live Discoverability
Authentic Content
As YouTube’s policy was recently reworded to include “inauthentic” content, it is clear the the opposite – authentic, quality content will always have a place on YouTube. With the dawn of AI, we are seeing legal but also very practical problems in keeping the Internet… alive. YouTube is also doing their part, and while you can watch the whole talk here, the important take-away for me is to create authentic, good content. You can use AI, hell you can even automate your processes to a certain point, but what you are producing needs to be great content, that is unique and relevant at all times.
Watch With
Another feature YouTube is experimenting with is WatchWith. To quote YouTube “Watch With is our newest feature on YouTube Live that allows viewers to watch live events, such as sports matches, concerts, and other pop culture events, alongside their favorite YouTube creators who in turn provides commentary and reactions in parallel with the content.”. So expect some collaborations and watching together of some of the biggest live streamed events! I mean, the format is not new – just that now you can do it within YouTube. It’s easy to imagine how this can be fun and can bring audiences of different creators together, but also bringing their audiences together in the same chatroom and watch-moment.
AI Powered Higlights
This nifty feature really makes it easy to pull highlights from longer pieces of content. For streamers with long streaming sessions this could be extra useful. Trimming it all up for shorts, powered by AI, not leaving YouTube’s interface. Perhaps this function isn’t for everyone, but we can imagine tons of ways this can be a timesaver for many creators.
2026 Live Streaming
YouTube LiveCon 2025 firmly set 24/7 live streaming as a strategic priority for creators who are going for discoverability, engagement, and revenue. The future of content is always-on, dynamic, and strategically monetized.
Don’t just watch the future unfold. Build it. Explore how Upstream’s cloud-based 24/7 live streaming platform makes implementing LiveCon’s vision simple, reliable, and highly profitable. Start your path to consistent growth and maximize YouTube watch time 24/7 today with a free trial.