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Embedding an YouTube Live Stream

This tutorial walks you through embedding a live stream feed from your YouTube channel quickly, easily, and predictably.

For many organizations, using their YouTube channel to stream live has become increasingly important. But most of them want the option of allowing their website visitors to watch the live stream from their website instead of having to send them to YouTube or an app. This tutorial walks you through how to add your live stream embed to your website on our platform.

Getting Your YouTube Embed URL

All YouTube channels have a live stream embed URL. That URL looks like this:

https://www.youtube.com/embed/live_stream?channel=<channel_id>

To find your YouTube's Channel ID:

  1. Click on your Profile Icon in the top right
  2. Click SETTINGS from the dropdown
  3. Click YOUR ADVANCED SETTINGS

Copy your Channel ID and paste into the reference above to create your Embed URL. 

Create a Code Snippet

Now, in your Client Dashboard:

  1. Click CONTENT SERVICES on the left
  2. Click CODE SNIPPETS
  3. Click the green CREATE A NEW SNIPPET button at the top
  4. Name your snippet something like "YouTube Live Stream Embed"
  5. Paste your Embed URL into the CODE area.
  6. Select "Responsive Media" from the SNIPPET TYPE dropdown field
  7. Click the blue SAVE NEW SNIPPET button.

Once your code snippet is saved, you will be given a macro that looks like this:

{#macro function placeElement(####)}

Click it and copy it. Any part of your website that you paste that macro within will display your live stream.

Install the Live Stream

The last step is to decide where you want the live stream to appear.

  1. Click CONTENT SERVICES on the left
  2. Click WEB PAGES
  3. Create a new page called something like "Live Stream" or click the green EDIT button next to the page you want to add the live stream to.
  4. Paste your macro anywhere on the new or existing page you want it to appear.
  5. Click the blue SAVE CONTENT UPDATES button.

You should now see your YouTube live stream embedded on the page. Now, keep in mind that if you are not live and do not have a scheduled broadcast, the screen will be black and display what looks like an error message. Fix that by going to YouTube Studio, clicking the LIVE button, and scheduling your next broadcast. The embedded stream will now tell people when you next live stream is scheduled for. 

Version 1.3 • Last Updated 10/1/2024 3:54:17 PM

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