YouTube Tests Live Streaming Platform

In Tech Digest by Hannah Johnson

By Hannah Johnson

Yesterday, Google-owned YouTube began a two-day trial of its live streaming service with four select partners: Howcast, Next New Networks, Rocketboom and Young Hollywood. According to the announcement from YouTube, “Based on the results of this initial test, we’ll evaluate rolling out the platform more broadly to our partners worldwide.”

The platform also includes a cool feature called “Live Comments” which displays user comments and questions in real time. Broadcasters can then respond and interact with their viewers directly while they are on air.

Click through the “television” below to test out YouTube’s new platform.

YouTube’s first live-stream was back in 2008 and it has since streamed select events like concerts, sports and political events. This test could be the first step toward bring live stream video capability to mainstream users. It also looks like YouTube is trying to get a piece of the cable industry’s business. Next year, you might be watching live football games and sitcoms on YouTube.

For publishers, this could mean broadcasting author readings and interviews live, allowing readers to send in their questions during author events, and expanding the reach of live events.

About the Author

Hannah Johnson

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Hannah Johnson is the publisher of international book industry magazine Publishing Perspectives, which provides daily information and news about book markets around the world. In addition to building partnerships with international cultural and trade organizations, she works with the Frankfurt Book Fair to organize and support a number of its overseas initiatives. Hannah has also worked as the managing editor for an online media company, The Hooch Life, focused on craft distillers and cocktail experts. Prior to that, she worked as a project manager for the Frankfurt Book Fair’s New York office, managing various business and marketing activities.