YouTube Live debuts ‘ultra-low’ latency and inline chat moderation

YouTube has announced a few updates to Live that make it “faster, easier and more accessible”.

The biggest change comes in the form of ultra-low latency that sees chat messages and streams working with a shorter delay than ever before. For both creators and viewers, this means enjoying more natural conversations with those participating in the stream.

The feature doesn’t need software or external encoders to work, and can be activated in ‘Stream now‘ options. Mobile will always optimise for ultra-low latency.

Of course, the option does have its drawbacks, and will substitute quality with latency. A lower chat latency means less read-ahead buffer, resulting in a bumpier viewer experience. Ultra-low latency supports neither DVR, 1440p, nor 4k resolutions.

The option is mostly advised for streams that want a high-level of engagement, while those not looking to engage with viewers would be better off sticking to normal latency.

YouTube Live’s ‘ultra-low latency’ sees chat messages and streams working with a shorter delay

YouTube has also announced more tools for live chat moderation.

While streaming live, creators can now hold the “alt” or “option” button to pause the chat feed and moderate with single clicks. The platform is also offering an opt-in service that will allow its system to flag potentially unwanted comments, which creators can then moderate. The system is based on a machine-learning algorithm that it says will get better the more its put to use.

Finally, creators will now be able to stream on the main YouTube app from any app that supports ReplayKit on iPhones and iPads. The feature, previously only available on YouTube Gaming, will work with the likes of Procreate, Asphalt 8 and Vainglory.

Users’ response to the updates has been relatively positive.

Seriously loved tonight’s stream on ultra-low latency. Talking to my viewers was near instant! LOVE IT!

— Grotesque 👻 (@GrotesqueGamer) September 6, 2017

Ultra Low Latency AND auto-mod dropped today? YouTube people are cool.

— José Angel🏳️‍🌈 (@gastlichu) September 5, 2017

WOW. Youtube Ultra Low Latency. Just tested , 1.3-second delay. I unmuted the stream & couldnt finish my sentence cuz it was talking over me

— Wes Nemo (@NemohhTv) September 5, 2017

As satisfying as the features may be, YouTube still has a long way to go to win back the trust of its creators, who have been claiming that their videos have been demonetised unfairly since last year.

so YouTube apparently now has a “ultra-low latency” option for streaming and now will be practically real-time. Cool. But DEMONETIZATION THO

— Zynovia (@ZynoviaYT) September 5, 2017

All updates should be effective immediately.