YouTube Setup
YouTube channels can be tracked using either handles or channel IDs.
Finding Channel Identifiers
Handle Format (Preferred)
The handle is the @username in the YouTube URL:
| URL | Handle |
|---|---|
https://www.youtube.com/@MrBeast | @MrBeast |
https://www.youtube.com/@LinusTechTips | @LinusTechTips |
Use the @handle format whenever possible. It's easier to remember and more user-friendly than channel IDs.
Format:
- ✅ Include the
@symbol:@MrBeast - ✅ Use exact handle from URL
- ❌ Don't omit the
@:MrBeast - ❌ Don't include the URL:
youtube.com/@MrBeast
Channel ID Format (Legacy)
For older channels without handles:
| URL | Channel ID |
|---|---|
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX6OQ3DkcsbYNE6H8uQQuVA | UCX6OQ3DkcsbYNE6H8uQQuVA |
YouTube-Specific Limitations
YouTube has several limitations compared to Twitch and Kick.
Notification Delay (2-5 minutes)
YouTube notifications take 2-5 minutes after a stream starts. This is a YouTube platform limitation, not something Streamlinx can change.
No VOD Links
Offline notifications don't include VOD links. YouTube doesn't provide reliable links to completed live stream recordings.
No Game Artwork
YouTube doesn't have a game category system like Twitch, so notifications won't include game artwork.
Premieres Not Supported
YouTube Premieres are not treated as live streams:
- Premieres don't trigger notifications (by design)
- Only actual live streams trigger notifications
- This prevents false alerts from scheduled content
Embed Color: Red (#FF0000)
Tier Limits
Free Tier
- Maximum 5 Youtube channels
- Part of the 15 total streamer limit (5 per platform)
- Example: 5 Youtube + 10 Twitch + Kick = 15 total ✓
- Example: 5 Youtube + 0 other platforms = 5 total ✓
Premium Tier
- Maximum 10 Youtube channels
- Part of the 360 total streamer limit
- Example: 10 Youtube + 350 Twitch + Kick = 360 total ✓