YouTube is rolling out a new feature designed to help creators earn more from their live streams while deepening engagement with their audiences. The tool, known as Gift Goals, is currently being tested and gives streamers another direct way to generate income through viewer support.

How gift goals work

With this feature, creators can set specific goals during their live sessions, encouraging viewers to contribute gifts to help them reach the target faster. Streamers can also share how they intend to celebrate once the goal is achieved. Previously, goals could only be linked to Super Chats, but the new update extends this functionality to gifts as well.

Expansion of YouTube’s gifting system

YouTube first introduced its gifting feature in November 2024 through limited beta trials in the United States. In 2025, the company is broadening access to more eligible creators, marking a key step in its monetisation strategy.

Gifts are converted into a virtual currency called Rubies, with 100 Rubies equalling $1. To qualify, creators need to stream in vertical format, either through the YouTube app or supported third-party tools. The option can be activated via the Earn tab in YouTube Studio, but requires acceptance of the Virtual Items Module to complete onboarding.

Once gifts are enabled on vertical streams, Super Stickers will no longer be available. To encourage adoption, YouTube is offering a 50% bonus on gift revenue—up to $1,000—for the first three months to eligible creators.

How viewers can support

For fans, the system works through bundles of Jewels, available for purchase between $0.99 and $49.99. Once bought, Jewels can be used repeatedly to send gifts during live streams. Each bundle comes with a selection of pre-designed animated gifts, though personal customisation is not offered.

Competing with TikTok’s gifting model

YouTube’s move comes as part of its response to TikTok’s highly successful live-stream gifting ecosystem. By enhancing interactive tools and rewarding creators more directly, the platform aims to strengthen both fan participation and creator income.

YouTube has confirmed that Gift Goals will be extended to additional regions in the coming months, reinforcing its efforts to make live streams more engaging for both creators and audiences.