Youtube adds support for 24/7 live streaming

As if people weren’t spending enough time on Youtube as it is…

The leading video streaming portal has just rolled out Youtube Live, a new feature that allows select content partners to stream live video around the clock.

This isn’t the first time Youtube has toyed with live video. Several music concerts, sporting events, and news interviews have been streamed live through the site, but those were special, dedicated events.

Youtube Live is a permanent fixture that allows live video 24 hours a day. Right now, though, it’s only available for select users. It’s unclear if Youtube has plans to eventually let anyone and everyone have their own live channel, like Ustream and Justin.tv, but the company did note in an official blog post, “The goal is to provide thousands of partners with the capability to live stream from their channels in the months ahead. In order to ensure a great live stream viewing experience, we’ll roll this offering out incrementally over time.”

Live streaming videos also allow users to comment on the video in real time with one another. Live channel owners can also schedule specific events, which users can select to receive notifications on their Youtube home page.

The new live streaming page is available at youtube.com/live.