YouTube introduces AI-powered tool to automatically generate stream highlights

YouTube is rolling out a suite of new features designed to help creators grow their audiences and increase engagement — with an AI-powered highlight tool at the center of the update. This new feature automatically identifies standout moments from livestreams and turns them into ready-to-share Shorts, eliminating the need for manual editing.

By using AI to pinpoint the most engaging parts of a live broadcast, YouTube aims to help creators extend the reach of their content well beyond the stream itself. These auto-generated vertical clips are part of the platform’s broader strategy to boost Shorts, now a key driver of YouTube’s growth and discovery ecosystem.

The AI highlights tool is just one piece of YouTube’s larger effort to bridge the gap between live and short-form content. In addition, creators will now be able to stream in both horizontal and vertical formats simultaneously, with all viewers unified in a single chat, simplifying engagement during dual-format broadcasts.

YouTube originally introduced vertical livestreaming for Shorts in February 2024, but creators previously had to manage two separate chats — one for each format. This update streamlines the process, making it easier to interact with audiences across both layouts in real time.

Another feature being expanded is a mobile-based reaction tool, which allows creators to go live while reacting to another stream — enabling collaborative or community-driven viewing experiences directly from their phones.

Alongside these feature rollouts, YouTube also shared a major milestone: the platform has paid out over $100 billion to creators globally since 2021, underlining its commitment to supporting the creator economy as it evolves.