YouTube testing live video streaming
updated 09:50 am EDT, Mon September 13, 2010
YouTube ready for livestreaming trial
YouTube this morning made its live streaming plans official with word that it would start trials. The approach works through a user's existing YouTube channel and follows the same approach as a service like Justin.tv, Qik or Ustream: users need only a FireWire or USB video camera and have access to live comments for any ongoing show. It's not stated but is implied that finished shows will be archived as regular YouTube clips.
The testing starts at 11AM Eastern today with a live broadcast of Rocketboom and will run through only until late Tuesday. YouTube hasn't said when it expects to make live YouTube a regular feature but has already been using it for Google keynotes and other special events, such as the Arcade Fire's recent Madison Square Garden show.
Adding live support may have a significant impact on YouTube's mobile apps, which could eventually be updated to include live streaming and not just uploading for already finished videos. Google has been late to live video and has watched as some podcasts and other services have had to go elsewhere to host their live sessions.
