YouTube live video views up 80% as it attempts to challenge competitors

YouTube's attempts to compete in the live video market appear to be showing signs of success as views of their livestreaming material has increased 80% in the last year.

Head of product for the Google-owned company Neal Mohan told the Financial Times that the amount of live videos uploaded had also increased by 30% in the same period.

Traditionally a leader in the video arena, YouTube faces challenges from the likes of Facebook and Snapchat, who are investing heavily in mobile broadcasting.

"When consumers think about video, whether that’s on-demand or live, they think of YouTube. Live is one part of the picture," Mohan said.

Broadcasting sporting events through live video streams available via mobile has become a popular outlet for many companies, and 2.2m people in the UK viewed the UEFA Champions League Final through YouTube's live offering.

Snapchat also snapped up deals to broadcast live smidgens of action from the Rio Olympics, as well as an agreeement for NFL games over the coming season.

Mohan also said that YouTube has a clear edge on its competitors in the market, owing to its "ability to monetise content by the weight of its advertising deals."