Google is reportedly working on a livestreaming app called YouTube Connect, leveling the playing field with the likes of Facebook Live and Twitter's Periscope.
It should be noted that YouTube already has a livestreaming option via the Creator Studio, but it isn't exactly easily accessible. Having a standalone tool such as this could get more people in on the Google-branded alternative.
According to VentureBeat, YouTube Connect will pretty much offer a similar experience as its competitors. First off, users will simply have to log in with their Google or YouTube accounts to start streaming live on their devices. They can also chat or comment, tag people and view highlights from friends or subscribed channels on YouTube through a feed on the app.
Live videos will be available on both the YouTube app and website. Users can also save broadcasts on the app, allowing friends and other viewers who are given access to watch replays.
In terms of sharing it online, the app still doesn't support social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. That means that users will have to manually copy and paste the URL of their streams to share it with other people.
Back in August last year, Wired got in touch with Manuel Bronstein, the chief of product for consumers at YouTube. He talked about the company's interest in stepping into the livestreaming game, but since then, YouTube still hasn't given out any update about the matter.
"Broadly speaking, we think about YouTube being synonymous with video ... Live has always been a part of video. And it's actually always a very exciting part," said Bronstein.
Google has yet to respond to inquiries for comment.
On a related note, YouTube Gaming is one of the company's ventures in the livestreaming scene, and it recently became available in more countries, coming in with a ton of improvements for the Android and iOS mobile apps.
YouTube Connect is expected to be available on both Android and iOS.
