Twitter reportedly to open up live streaming API to media groups

Twitter is to enable media firms to post live streaming videos direct on its site, according to a report by The Information.

According to the US news site, citing unnamed sources, the company will open up its live-streaming API to allow media groups to have direct access to its platform. Currently, media groups seeking to provide live streams on the service must strike bespoke deals with the social media site or use its Periscope app.

The move is Twitter’s latest foray into premium live streaming. the site claimed to have attracted 31 million viewers to live premium video in the first quarter in which it was operational, with 600 hours of content streamed from its select partners across about 400 events.

Over half the video streamed was sports content, with the US NFL a major partners.

Other partners include Bloomberg, Buzzfeed News and PBS.

When it shut down alternative live video platform Vine last year, Twitter said it wanted to focus on bringing more streaming video into its main service directly rather than in standalone apps.