Even without a draw like Beyoncé’s blockbuster “Homecoming” performance, this year’s Coachella music festival broke YouTube livestream records in its first weekend.
Weekend 1 of the annual flower crown-populated event in Indio earned 82 million live views, representing an increase of over 90 percent compared to livestream views in 2018. Performers at the festival’s first weekend included Ariana Grande, Childish Gambino, Blackpink, Diplo, Janelle Monae, Jaden Smith and Billie Eilish.
For the first time ever, in 2019 YouTube will also be livestreaming the event’s second weekend, running Friday through Sunday, as well. The streaming service will additionally offer a curated selection of livestreaming material on “Coachella Curated,” a channel hosted by KCRW’s Jason Bentley and featuring performances, interviews, commentary, short documentaries and what the service is deeming “animated adventures.”
Artists who are set to appear on “Coachella Curated” include Bad Bunny, Jaden Smith, Tame Impala, Billie Eilish, SOFI TUKKER, Bob Moses, Mac DeMarco, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Dillon Francis, Nina Kraviz, Maggie Rogers, Khruangbin, Tierra Whack, BLACKPINK, Los Tucanes De Tijuana, Calypso Rose, Christine and the Queens, Mr Eazi and Burna Boy.
The streaming company is also touting a dedicated channel this year for “Yuma tent,” a disco venue at the festival whose acts will be livestreamed on the service, and the ability to revisit Weekend 1 performances on Coachella’s YouTube channel and on YouTube Music.
YouTube has been Coachella’s exclusive livestream partner for nine years.
Viewers can watch the Coachella 2019 livestream and “Coachella Curated” on YouTube’s Coachella livestream channel.