On Sunday, YouTube began a two-day trial of its new live streaming platform, which continues today. The company has partnered with Howcast, Next New Networks, Rocketboom and Young Hollywood on the project. 

The platform integrates live streaming with YouTUb channels. It also includes a "live comments" module. "All broadcasters need is a webcam or external USB/FireWire camera," the company says.

"Bear with us as we test this new platform as there may be some bumps along the way," says YouTube.

YouTube says that based on the results of this trial, it will evaluate rolling out the platform more broadly to YouTube partners.