( Wired ) -- YouTube Friday began hosting live streams . But do n't go looking for how to get your basement version of Wayne 's World on the internet just yet : For now , this power is reserved for pre-approved `` trusted partners , '' not for the kitten-on-the-keyboard masses . YouTube is n't saying just how many live casters it will enable from day one but that it intends `` to provide thousands of partners with the capability to live stream from their channels in the months ahead . '' It 's clear from the new YouTube Live page that there is more than enough to get the ball rolling with quantity and variety . An especially nice touch ? You can add an upcoming live stream to your calendar . YouTube has hosted a small number of `` event '' live streams , but this is the first time it is getting into territory pioneered by such players as uStream , Qik and Justin.tv . Unlike these services , however , there is no mobile functionality for YouTube streamers yet , so nothing will come from smartphones or tablets . Limiting participants , requiring a certain kind of encoder and keeping it out of the mobile space are all part of what Google says in an attempt to ensure a level of quality . But it will also help minimize the chances of `` Chatroulette moments '' for a service which , despite the vast volume of material it accepts and hosts , still studiously tries to keep NSFW material off its site . Subscribe to WIRED magazine for less than $ 1 an issue and get a FREE GIFT ! Click here ! Copyright 2011 Wired.com .
YouTube is ramping up its live video offerings . The early selection is limited and lacks participation from major studios . In the past , YouTube has streamed big events , including a recent U2 concert .