YouTube unveils live broadcasting service

Video sharing website YouTube has launched a live broadcasting service called YouTube Live in a bid to broadcast increasing number of sports and music events.

"Today we're announcing the initial roll out of YouTube Live, which will integrate live streaming capabilities and discovery tools directly into the YouTube platform for the first time," The Telegraph quoted YouTube Live product manager Joshua Siegel, as saying.

YouTube has been trialling live streaming over the last couple of years. Previously, it had broadcast one-off events live, including cricket from the Indian Premier League, and a State of the Union address from Barack Obama.

CitizenTube, a channel on the YouTube website dedicated to political discussion, has also regularly hosted live streams.

Only select partners will be able to use the live stream platform in its first iteration.

"Today, we'll also start gradually rolling out our live streaming beta platform, which will allow certain YouTube partners with accounts in good standing to stream live content on YouTube," said Siegel.

"The goal is to provide thousands of partners with the capability to live stream from their channels in the months ahead," Seigel added.