YouTube no longer supports permanent embeds for YouTube Live streams on external websites. As of 2023, live stream embeds must be updated manually for each individual stream. However, there are a few options that can help make the process easier.

Why This Changed

In the past, churches and other organizations could embed a single, static URL for their YouTube Live stream that would always point to the current or upcoming broadcast. YouTube has since removed this functionality, meaning that:

• There is no permanent or auto-updating live stream embed.

• Each new live stream has its own unique embed code and URL.

• Embeds only work for public streams — not unlisted or private ones.

Recommended Workarounds

1. Use the Channel /live URL

You can use this format:

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@YourChannelID/live">https://www.youtube.com/@YourChannelID/live</a>

📌 Note: This only works with your channel ID, which is a random string, not your custom username or handle.

• If you have one live stream scheduled or running, it will show that stream.

• If you have no or multiple scheduled streams, it will redirect to your channel’s Live tab.

• Only works with public streams.

• Also works with scheduled streams (shows a preview if not started yet).

To find your Channel ID:

• Go to YouTube Studio > Settings > Channel > Advanced Settings.

2. Use a Playlist Embed

Another helpful approach is embedding a playlist that you keep updated with your live stream videos:

• Create a playlist specifically for live streams.

• Set the sort order to Newest first.

• Add your scheduled or live video to the playlist.

• Embed the playlist on your site (just once), and manage the live stream content within YouTube.

Embed format:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=YOUR_PLAYLIST_ID" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

This way, you don’t need to update your website every time — just add new live videos to the playlist.

Important Notes

• Do not use unlisted or private streams if you want them to display — only public videos will work.

• Make sure you're using the Channel ID, not a custom handle or @username, in /live links.

• If you have multiple upcoming streams, /live links will redirect users to your channel's Live tab.

Final Recommendations Based on Testing

After testing within the Frame environment, we’ve confirmed:

• Channel /live links cannot be reliably embedded. Even with a live stream running, the embed may fail to display. This option is best used as a clickable link, not as an embed.

• The most reliable way to display a live stream is by embedding the unique link for each stream. This requires manually updating your site with each new broadcast.

• The playlist embed method is the best set-it-and-forget-it solution. Once embedded, you only need to update the playlist in YouTube.