Skip to main content

YouTube launches 60fps live streaming in quest to take on Twitch

YouTube launches 60fps live streaming in quest to take on Twitch

Share this story

YouTube has made several moves to take on Twitch, the biggest name in video game live streaming, and today the company is rolling out another key feature to improve its service: live streams that run at 60 frames per second.

"Silky smooth playback for gaming."

While the 60fps streaming isn't just for gaming content, YouTube notes that it will mean "silky smooth playback for gaming and other fast-action videos." The feature is available now as an "early preview," and will work in any browser that supports HTML5. "We'll also make your stream available in 30fps on devices where high frame rate viewing is not yet available," the company explains, "while we work to expand support in the coming weeks."

In addition to better-looking live streams, YouTube is also rolling out HTML5 playback, so that you'll be able to jump back in the middle of a live event in case you missed something. You can then speed up the stream to catch up. "These are the latest in a series of improvements we've been making to live streaming on YouTube and there are plenty left to come," the company says.

YouTube had previously attempted to acquire Twitch in order to gain a foothold in the lucrative world of video game streaming, but ultimately lost out to Amazon, which purchased the company for $970 million last August. The live streaming phenomenon has grown so prominent that even console makers like Microsoft are building in support for streamers. According to reports, YouTube will unveil its own in-house game streaming service at E3 in June, with a big focus on e-sports.