YouTube has launched its Gifts feature in India, introducing a new way for creators to connect with their audiences while unlocking an additional revenue stream through live streaming.

The rollout comes as India's creator economy continues to grow.

According to the platform, the number of YouTube channels earning seven figures or more in revenue (INR) has increased by over 20% year on year. The company also said that 92% of surveyed Indian creators believe YouTube helps them build deep communities with their audiences.

The new feature expands YouTube's existing fan support ecosystem, which already includes Channel Memberships, Super Chat, Super Stickers and Super Thanks.

With the launch, viewers can purchase Jewels in bundles and use them to send Gifts, animated overlays that appear during live streams, allowing fans to express appreciation and react in real time. When Gifts are sent, creators receive Rubies, which represent their earnings from the feature.

To mark the India launch, YouTube has introduced a range of locally inspired virtual Gifts, including a Vada Pav, Chai Toast, and Pani Puri, alongside celebratory expressions such as Badhai Ho, Kem Cho, Macha, and All Izz Well. The company said it plans to roll out additional seasonal Gifts over time.

Eligible creators can enable the feature through the Earn hub in YouTube Studio by accepting the new Virtual Items Module. Once activated, Gifts will automatically be available during their live streams, replacing Super Stickers for those broadcasts.

With the launch, YouTube aims to give creators more opportunities to diversify their earnings while making fan engagement during live streams more interactive and engaging.