Times Internet renews IPL partnership with YouTube till 2014

Users will also be able to watch the IPL matches on YouTube channel using Google+ Hangout.

Times Internet has renewed its partnership with YouTube for 2013 and 2014 to stream Indian Premier League (IPL) matches. The live streaming of all 76 matches of IPL 6 will be available on YouTube across the world except the US and Canada, the company says in a statement. Times Internet first partnered with YouTube for live streaming of IPL in 2010 and the deal was till 2012.

Times Internet is the global internet, mobile and audio rights partner for the IPL. Users will also be able to watch the IPL matches on the YouTube channel using Google+ Hangout, which will have cricket stars participating on match dates and providing analysis between innings.

Viewers across the globe except in the US and Canada will be able to watch the live matches and highlights on YouTube.com and BoxTV, Times Internet's video streaming website.

"We have renewed our association on the basis of the strengths and success of the last two years of partnership. YouTube will continue to be our distribution partner globally, and will also participate in our monetisation efforts around IPL, with them taking the lead in India," says Satyan Gajwani, CEO, Times Internet.

Users will also be able to watch the IPL matches on the YouTube channel using Google+ Hangout, which will have cricket stars participating on match dates and providing analysis between innings.

"Last year, there was a 55 per cent increase in the online viewership for IPL and a 43 per cent increase in user base. The year, before that, we saw a 79 per cent increase in viewership," Gajwani says, adding, "We typically set out with a 20 per cent growth target. Just like last season, we expect to grow better than TV."

According to YouTube data, the entities reported a combined 113 million page views last year, an increase of 55 per cent from 72 million page views in IPL 4. Indiatimes claims that the page views from India stood at 80 million, an 87 per cent increase over 43 million page views in IPL 4.

As part of the deal, YouTube will also have exclusive live-streaming rights for desktop web viewing (with a five minute delay in India) and non-exclusive rights for mobile viewing through the 2013 and 2014 tournaments.

"We have seen over 50 per cent growth in viewership year on year. We will also host a series of hangouts with top cricket stars and cricket experts through the tournament to add to the experience," says John Vamvakitis, director of sports content partnership, YouTube APAC.