YouTube announced its first-ever live programming aimed at user-generated content, which will take place on Saturday, November, 22. YouTube may not be the first to offer live video online, but the brand power behind it (not to mention the force of Google) might be enough to push the concept into the mainstream.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwOF1EOMHJAThe YouTube Team describes the event:
Brilliant beatboxing, perfectly formed philology, Will.i.am and Soulja Boy Tellem… all these elements are going to come together at YouTube Live, and the best part is you don’t need a ticket to attend – or even to be in the country. Starting at 5PM PST/8PM EST, YouTube will bring you the entire show, streaming live as it sparks into life and builds to a thunderous climax at Fort Mason Center’s Herbst Pavilion in San Francisco. Part concert, part variety show and part party, YouTube Live is like… well… it’s like YouTube. Only Live.
The interesting part about this event is that it shows that YouTube is interested in streaming live video. We all know that online video is transitioning more into the norm on pretty much a daily basis, and live video is one aspect of traditional television, that might keep viewers in their living rooms.
With YouTube being one of the biggest brands in online video, the prospect of more live programming being offered makes it all the more attractive, and perhaps offers a glimpse into the future of broadcasting. Most traditional television channels are offering video online now, and if the live thing catches on at YouTube, I don’t see why this won’t become a trend in the industry altogether.
