YouTube is quietly testing a new live streaming feature - the Engagement Leaderboard. It uses the "points + medals" method to "gamify" audience interaction, encouraging everyone to speak more, give more rewards, and send more gifts during the live broadcast!
So, how does this leaderboard work? How can viewers get on the list and get exclusive badges? How can creators use this new feature to increase their income and activity? This article will provide you with in-depth analysis + practical tutorials to help you seize this new wave of live streaming dividends!
This is a new feature that YouTube recently started testing and will be displayed on some live channels.
YouTube is quietly testing a new live streaming feature - the Engagement Leaderboard. It uses the "points + medals" method to "gamify" audience interaction, encouraging everyone to speak more, give more rewards, and send more gifts during the live broadcast!
So, how does this leaderboard work? How can viewers get on the list and get exclusive badges? How can creators use this new feature to increase their income and activity? This article will provide you with in-depth analysis + practical tutorials to help you seize this new wave of live streaming dividends!

What is the "Engagement Leaderboard for Livestreams" on YouTube?
This is a new feature that YouTube recently started testing and will be displayed on some live channels.
1. Ranking display content: Displays the top 50 most active viewers of the channel's live broadcast , sorted by "XP value".
2. How to calculate XP value?
Post a comment
Using Super Chat
Using Super Stickers
Membership gifting
The above actions will increase your XP, which is the interaction value.
3. Special rewards for the top three:
In the live chat room, a unique badge will appear next to your name , indicating that you are one of the most active fans.
It is easier to be followed, replied and named by the anchor!
Why is this feature worth paying attention to?
This design is clearly moving towards "gamified social interaction", especially suitable for live gaming channels.
YouTube officials said:
"We hope to encourage viewers to participate more in live broadcasts, interact and support anchors through the ranking mechanism."
For YouTube, this is a good way to promote value-added features such as Super Chat;
for anchors, it means higher income and more lively live broadcast rooms;
for viewers, it is a new way to "be seen" and also brings more sense of participation and accomplishment.
How to turn on or off the "Interactive Leaderboard"?
Currently, this feature is still in a small-scale testing phase, and not all channels have been enabled. But once you see the "crown icon", it means you have entered the testing range.
View/participate in the leaderboard:
1. In the live chat interface, click the "Crown Icon" at the top????
2. View your XP points and current ranking
3. Increase interaction points by speaking, rewarding, etc., and strive to be on the list!
Turn off the leaderboard display (exit testing):
1. Go to [YouTube Settings] > [Privacy]
2. Select "Exit interactive leaderboard test"
3. Your username will no longer appear in the leaderboard
How to get on the leaderboard as a viewer? [Practical Guide]
If you are a frequent live broadcaster, you must do the following if you want to stand out and attract the host's attention:
1. More comments
Frequent posting of comments and active participation in chats are the most basic ways to add points.
2. Use Super Chat
Even low-value Super Chats can earn you XP points.
3. Send Super Stickers
These paid stickers will also be calculated into the XP value, the key is that it is simple and easy to operate.
4. Gift membership
If you wish, you can gift channel members, which will give you more XP.
5. Persist in participating in multiple live broadcasts
XP is the accumulation of channel dimensions and is useful for more than one live broadcast!
How to use this function as a creator? [Operational suggestions]
If you are a YouTube creator, we recommend that you pay attention and prepare for this new feature immediately:
1. Set up live broadcast scripts to guide audience interaction
"You can be on the list by posting barrages and giving rewards!" This simple sentence can liven up the atmosphere.
2. Regularly name the users on the list
By calling out the names of the top three viewers on the list during the live broadcast and giving them "virtual honor", they will feel more involved.
3. Customized list rewards
You can set up your own benefits: for example, the top three people will receive monthly membership cards, peripheral gifts, etc.
4. Cumulative effect of multiple live broadcasts
XP is the channel-level points. Maintaining the live broadcast frequency gives viewers a constant motivation to follow the charts.
Is this feature useful?
From the currently exposed mechanism:
For the audience:
Audiences who like interaction can "rush to the top" to experience the game feel
It is a new "sense of presence" display window
Especially suitable for "promoting people" live broadcast (such as VTuber, anchor artist channel)
For anchors:
Increased interactive data is beneficial to live broadcast room recommendations and revenue
You can create an "audience honor mechanism": list reading, fan rating system, etc.
But also be careful:
Excessive "listing" may lead to comparison or anxiety
For pure passers-by, the "social pressure" may become too great
Conclusion
YouTube's launch of the interactive rankings is part of the platform's "live streaming gamification" strategy. Similar mechanisms may be added in the future (such as the "monthly rankings" and "contribution rankings").
For creators, this is a great opportunity to increase interaction rates and revenue; for viewers, they can also experience a more participatory live broadcast atmosphere.
Have you used this ranking list function?