# Control a live stream

> Switch a pay-per-view stream to an ad or break video and back, or change the stream, while viewers keep watching without reloading.
>
> Source: https://docs.bcl.my/ppv-live-control/

During a pay-per-view stream you can switch every viewer to a second video, such as an ad, a half-time show or a "we'll be right back" screen, and back again. Viewers do not need to refresh, and anyone in fullscreen stays in fullscreen.

## Add the break video

Set this up before the stream:

1. Go to **Protected Content** and click **Edit** on your stream.
2. Under **Ad/Break Video**, set **Video Type** to **YouTube (Stream Player)**, the same as the main stream, and paste the break video's link in **YouTube URL**.

   *(Screenshot: The Ad/Break Video box with Video Type set to YouTube (Stream Player) and a YouTube URL filled in)*

3. Click **Save Changes**.

A **Show Ad/Break** button now appears at the top of the edit page.

When both videos use **YouTube (Stream Player)**, viewers switch in place. With another **Video Type** for the break, their page reloads to change player, or shows a tap-to-reload bar if they are in fullscreen.

## Switch during the stream

When the break starts:

1. On the content's edit page, click **Show Ad/Break**.

   *(Screenshot: The Show Ad/Break button at the top of the Edit Protected Content page)*

2. Click **Confirm**.

   *(Screenshot: The Switch Video window with the Confirm button highlighted)*

   Viewers switch to the break video within a second, or within 30 seconds on a slow connection.

   *(Screenshot: The stream page playing the break video)*

3. When the break ends, click **Show Main**, then **Confirm**.

   *(Screenshot: The Show Main button at the top of the Edit Protected Content page)*

## Change the stream itself

If your YouTube live ends and you start a new one, paste the new link into **YouTube URL** and click **Save Changes**. Open pages follow the change the same way. When a change cannot be made in place, for example a new theme, the page reloads by itself. Viewers in fullscreen are not pulled out: they see **The stream has changed. Tap to reload** and choose the moment.

## Help viewers with Watch on TV

Every stream page has **Watch on TV**. If a viewer cannot find their TV code, point them to the help link under **Connect**.

*(Screenshot: The Watch on TV card with the Show me where to find it link highlighted)*

It opens a picture guide: open the YouTube app on the smart TV, go to **Settings**, choose **Link with TV code**, and type the 12-digit code on the stream page.

*(Screenshot: The How to get your TV code guide with four steps and a picture of the TV screen)*

## Tips

Prepare before the event starts:

- **Keep the edit page open during the stream.** The **Show Ad/Break** and **Show Main** buttons are then one click away.
- **Make the break video long enough.** Use a clip at least as long as your longest break, so viewers never reach its end.
- **Check the switch in Preview.** Open **Preview** in another tab before the event and switch once to see it change.

## Common issues

### Can I show an ad or a 'we'll be right back' video during half time?

Yes. Add it as the Ad/Break Video on the stream content. During the stream, click Show Ad/Break at the top of the content's edit page; click Show Main to go back.

### Do viewers need to refresh when I switch videos?

No. Viewers switch within about a second, or within 30 seconds on a slow connection, and stay in fullscreen. Only when a change needs a new page do they see a bar asking them to tap to reload.

### My YouTube live link changed. Do buyers need a new link?

No. Paste the new link in YouTube URL and click Save Changes. Buyers keep their own access links, and open pages move to the new stream.