Editorial Team 
YouTubeReported
Side-by-side ads for live mid-rolls
YouTube launches side-by-side ads for live mid-rolls on TV and desktop.
YouTube Introduces Side-by-Side Ads for Live Mid-Rolls
YouTube is set to roll out a significant update to its live streaming advertising experience. As of October 30, 2026, the platform will introduce side-by-side ads for live mid-rolls, a new ad format designed to enhance how advertisements are displayed during live content on both TV and desktop interfaces.
What changed
The core change involves the introduction of a side-by-side advertising format for live mid-rolls. This means that instead of a traditional full-screen ad interruption, viewers watching live streams on YouTube via TV screens or desktop computers will now see advertisements displayed alongside the live content itself. This new format aims to integrate ads more seamlessly into the viewing experience during live broadcasts.
Who it affects
This change primarily affects advertisers utilizing YouTube’s platform for live stream advertising. With the new side-by-side format, advertisers will need to consider how their creative assets perform in this different display environment. The shift could influence ad performance metrics and engagement rates, prompting advertisers to adapt their strategies to best leverage this new presentation style.
Why it matters
The introduction of side-by-side ads for live mid-rolls on YouTube signifies an evolution in how the platform balances monetization with viewer experience during live content. By presenting ads alongside the live stream, YouTube is potentially aiming to reduce viewer friction often associated with full-screen ad breaks, which could lead to improved ad completion rates and a more positive overall experience for viewers. For advertisers, it presents a new opportunity to reach audiences during live events with a less intrusive, yet still prominent, ad placement.