YouTube announced two rather major improvements to their network this week and it's captured the attention of creators.
The Alphabet (Google) owned video network is launching mobile live streaming (bringing the functionality to its mobile app to be more specific) and introducing a way to monetize those live stream (limited now to those with at least 10,000 subscribers).
Streamed videos will be searchable, available through recommendations and playlists and protected from unauthorized use (leveraging Content ID technology).
YouTube is also introducing a new, and rather innovative, way for live stream creators to earn money. The new "Super Chat" offering lets anyone watching a live stream buy a chat message.
The message will then be highlighted with a color (with purchase price visible to everyone watching) and it will remain pinned atop the chat window depending on the amount paid. The features is available now to creators in more than 20 countries and viewers in more than 40 countries.
"It's a launch that'll put the power of live streaming in the hands of hundreds of thousands of talented creators, giving them a more intimate and spontaneous way to share their thoughts, lives, and creativity," YouTube wrote in the official announcement.