YouTube got into the live streaming business on Friday. YouTube Live will integrate live streaming capabilities and discovery tools directly into the YouTube platform for the first time. According to a YouTube blog post issued on Friday, the plan is to gradually roll out the live beta platform, allowing partners with accounts in “good standing” to start streaming live content to the site.
YouTube has earlier hosted small number of event live streams like the IPL matches, NBA, but this is the first time it is getting into full-fledged live streaming business. Unlike the services like uStream and Qik and Justin.tv, there is no mobile functionality for YouTube streamers yet, so nothing will come from smartphones or tablets.
“The goal is to provide thousands of partners with the capability to live stream from their channels in the months ahead. In order to ensure a great live stream viewing experience, we’ll roll this offering out incrementally over time.”
So head over to www.youtube.com/live where you can tune in to live events, subscribe to live-streaming partners, and add events to your calendar.