YouTube is expanding access to its Watch With feature, allowing more creators to broadcast live reactions alongside livestreams and major events. The feature creates a more interactive viewing experience by letting audiences watch both the original broadcast and a creator’s live commentary at the same time.
As YouTube continues investing in live content, Watch With offers creators another way to engage their communities while opening up new monetisation opportunities.
What Is Watch With?
Watch With enables creators to livestream their real-time reactions to eligible YouTube broadcasts.
Instead of simply discussing an event after it ends, creators can provide live commentary while viewers watch the original stream and the creator’s reaction simultaneously.
This creates a more engaging and social viewing experience, similar to watching an event with friends or favourite content creators.
How the Feature Works
Creators who are part of the current test group will see a “React Live” option when watching eligible livestreams on the YouTube mobile app.
Once activated:
- The creator’s camera appears alongside the original livestream.
- Both videos are displayed together in a single viewing experience.
- Viewers can watch from smartphones, tablets, computers or smart TVs.
- The creator provides live commentary throughout the event.
The feature is designed to make live reactions simple while keeping viewers focused on the original content.
New Monetisation Opportunities
One of the biggest advantages of Watch With is that creators can continue earning revenue from their reaction broadcasts.
At the same time, viewing data is shared with the original broadcaster, helping both creators benefit from increased audience engagement.
This collaborative approach encourages creators to participate without competing directly against the original livestream.
Supporting YouTube’s Live Streaming Growth
Watch With forms part of YouTube’s broader strategy to expand live streaming across the platform.
Recent live-focused updates include:
- Livestream gifts
- Live leaderboards
- Always-on livestream stations
- Improved Connected TV experiences
- Enhanced creator engagement tools
These features are designed to strengthen creator communities while encouraging viewers to spend more time watching live content.
Benefits for Creators
The expanded Watch With programme gives creators several advantages:
- Build stronger audience engagement.
- Offer live opinions and commentary.
- Increase viewer interaction.
- Create additional revenue opportunities.
- Grow communities around live events.
Sports, gaming, entertainment, news and technology creators may find the feature particularly valuable when covering live broadcasts.
A Better Experience for Viewers
For audiences, Watch With delivers a more interactive viewing experience.
Instead of watching major events alone, viewers can enjoy expert analysis, humour, reactions and discussions from creators they already follow.
This creates a stronger sense of community and makes live broadcasts more engaging.
Looking Ahead
As live content continues to grow in popularity, YouTube is introducing new features that encourage creators and audiences to participate together in real time.
The expansion of Watch With demonstrates YouTube’s commitment to making live streaming more interactive, collaborative and rewarding for everyone involved.
If the feature continues to receive positive feedback, it is likely to become available to a much wider group of creators in the future.
