YouTube's livestream ads may finally become bearable

YouTube appears to be testing a split-screen ad format for livestreams, keeping the stream visible in the top half while an ad plays below.

This could let viewers keep watching the live content during ad breaks, reducing how disruptive those breaks feel.

Reports suggest the ad audio may still continue and may not be muteable.

If rolled out, the format could make livestream ads less intrusive for free users.