YouTube linked to US$1b deal for video site Twitch

YouTube is reportedly buying Twitch, a video platform and community for videogame enthusiasts, for more than US$1 billion.

According to a Variety report, which cites sources familiar with the matter, the all-cash deal is due to be announced “imminently” and will be YouTube’s most significant deal to date.

US-based Twitch claims a community of more than 45 million gamers, which use the site to broadcast, watch and chat about videogames. Users can stream their gameplay direct from their connected Xbox or PlayStation consoles.

The Twitch site launched in 2011 and has reportedly raised some US$35 million of funding to date.

Neither YouTube nor Twitch have commented on reports of the acquisition.