YouTube has unveiled new stats on its gaming content, as well as a plan for how it aims to grow that market on its platform in the near future. This year has seen some tremendous growth, with over 800 billion gaming-related views, over 90 million hours live-streamed, and over 250 million uploads being logged in just the first half of 2021.
According to YouTube’s global head of gaming, Ryan Wyatt, the streaming platform’s plan to expand will involve investing in more content creators such as Dr Lupo and TimTheTatMan, continued support for esports through events such as the Minecraft Championships Pride 2021, and continuing to promote short-form videos with the $100 million Shorts Fund.
YouTube also plans to work on creating new tools that will help viewers discover live content, add more monetization options, expand the available options for chat, and continue developing the Live Redirect for Gaming feature which will send viewers into other streams.