YouTube Premieres combine a pre-recorded upload with a live event experience. Viewers watch the video together when it launches, while the creator can interact through live chat and comments.
What makes a Premiere different from a normal upload?
A Premiere creates a public watch page before the video starts. Viewers can visit that page early, set a reminder, comment and join live chat when the event begins.
After the Premiere ends, the video remains on the channel as a normal upload and keeps the views accumulated during the event.
How to schedule a Premiere
- Upload a long-form video in YouTube Studio.
- Complete the title, thumbnail, audience and monetization settings.
- Choose Schedule.
- Select a date and time.
- Enable Set as Premiere.
- Share the public watch-page URL before launch.
Shorts are not supported
YouTube currently does not support Shorts as Premieres. The feature is designed for standard uploaded videos.
Resolution limitations
YouTube’s current help documentation says 360/VR180 videos and output above 1080p are not supported for Premieres. Creators publishing higher-resolution masters should check current feature compatibility before building an event around the format.
Reminders
Viewers can select Notify me on the Premiere watch page. YouTube says viewers who set a reminder receive a notification roughly 30 minutes before the Premiere and another when it starts.
Countdown and live chat
A countdown plays before the video begins. During the Premiere, viewers watch the same point in the video together. They can rewind, but they cannot skip ahead beyond the point that has already premiered.
Live chat and comments let creators answer questions and interact with the audience during the launch.
Trailers and Live Redirect
YouTube can support a trailer on the Premiere watch page for eligible creators, and Live Redirect can be used to send viewers from a live stream into a Premiere or from one live event to another.
Can Premieres be monetized?
Eligible monetized channels can monetize Premieres. Depending on channel eligibility and settings, creators can combine normal video monetization with live-chat fan-funding features where supported.
For live monetization mechanics, see our YouTube Live Monetization guide.
When Premieres work best
- Major channel releases
- Documentaries and long-form projects
- Music or entertainment launches
- Series finales
- Product announcements
- Videos where real-time creator interaction adds value
Do not Premiere every upload
A Premiere creates an event expectation. If every routine upload becomes a Premiere, viewers may stop treating the format as special. Use it when there is enough audience interest to justify a scheduled launch moment.
Measure Premiere performance
After the event, use YouTube Analytics to review views, watch time, retention, traffic sources and subscriber impact. The Premiere’s view count carries over to the normal video after the event.
Official source
See YouTube’s current Premieres documentation.
Start the conversation
Corrections, useful experiences and focused questions are welcome. Keep discussion respectful and on topic.