Google plans to add live video streaming to its YouTube mobile apps. Google says live streaming will be incorporated into the application’s core and won’t require a separate app or download.
A “capture” button in the corner will initiate live recording. Users will be able to select a thumbnail image and even chat while streaming. Google says videos that are streamed live will have all the features available to videos that are uploaded regularly, such as search, recommendations, and playlists.
Videos captured live will be automatically saved to YouTube for safekeeping. Google is bringing live video streaming to a handful of video content creators first with plans to expand availability to more people over time.
The feature is a response to competing live-streaming apps from Periscope and Facebook.
