To set up a subscribers-only chat on YouTube, go to your Live Control Room, edit your live broadcast, pick “Live chat” under “Who can send a message,” then “Subscribers,” and optionally specify a minimum subscription period.
Here’s a comprehensive guide and the procedure to bypass the subscribers-only chat restrictions.
FOR VIEWERS: PARTICIPATE WITHOUT LONG-TERM SUBSCRIPTION
Using subscriber-only chat on YouTube is another way to help creators extend their audience while keeping them away from those who join a live chat with limited access. To avoid such constraints for viewers wanting to participate without subscribing, or for creators intending to expand their audience, YouTube Live Chat Settings allow adjustments to enable broader participation.
Temporary Subscription:
If you’re not ready to commit to a long-term subscription:
- Subscribe for the Session: You can stay for a while and have the flexibility to unsubscribe after participating in the chat, as per your preference.
- Set Reminders: If the creator has enabled a minimum subscription duration, subscribing early ensures you meet the requirement to engage when the chat goes live.
CREATE AN ALTERNATE ACCOUNT
If subscribing through your primary account does not fit your needs, consider using a different or secondary account to participate in these conversations while keeping your main account unaffected.
SET SHORT SUBSCRIPTION REQUIREMENTS
To encourage more participation, reduce the minimum subscription time in the chat settings. Options like “Subscribe for 1 minute” allow broader access while still promoting subscriptions.
USE SUBSCRIBER-ONLY MODE STRATEGICALLY
Instead of implementing it across all live chats:
- Enable it during high-profile events to reward loyal followers.
- Consider turning it off during broader discussions to attract new viewers.
BUILD CONNECTIONS WITHOUT CHAT PARTICIPATION
If you’re unable to join the subscribers-only chat, you can still interact with the creator or community in other ways:
- Enable it during high-profile events to reward dedicated followers.
- Consider turning it off during larger debates to attract more viewers.
ALTERNATIVES FOR CREATORS TO FOSTER ENGAGEMENT
If you’re a creator concerned about limiting participation:
- Host Q&A Sessions for All Viewers: Designate some live streams as open-for-all events to encourage broader engagement.
- Leverage Polls and Community Posts: Use polls and community posts to interact with your audience, ensuring even those not in the live chat can participate.
- Encourage Super Chats: Enable viewers to support your channel through Super Chats without requiring them to subscribe.
BUILD A LOYAL COMMUNITY
Creators can use subscribers-only chat as a tool to strengthen community bonds:
- Offer Perks Beyond Chat Access: Provide exclusive content, shoutouts, or perks for YT subscribers to increase their value.
- Promote the Value of Subscribing: Clearly explain the benefits of subscribing, such as access to exclusive chats, early content releases, or giveaways.
RESPECT THE CREATOR’S DECISION
For viewers, it’s important to respect the creator’s choice to use subscriber-only chat:
- Understand the Purpose: This feature helps creators build a more engaged audience and rewards loyal followers.
- Support the Channel: Consider subscribing if you genuinely enjoy the content and want to contribute to the creator’s growth.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Subscriber-only chat is an effective way to develop a dedicated group and retain engagement. While it offers challenges, both authors and viewers can manage them with these strategies. Temporary subscriptions, secondary accounts, and community interactions let viewers participate without making long-term commitments. Creators can strike a balance between exclusivity and inclusivity by promoting open Q&A sessions, surveys, and Super Chats. These tips can help you navigate subscriber-only chat limitations effectively.
