Youku Tudou invests big in online streaming shows

Online video site Youku Tudou Inc has announced that it will invest 2 billion yuan ($299.5 million), including cash and other resources, in live video programs in the next three years, betting big on China's already crowded live streaming market.

The online video major, which has been acquired by China's e-commerce giant Alibaba Group, unveiled a dual-brand live streaming strategy - Youku Live and Laifeng Live - on Tuesday to tailor to different audiences.

Youku Live focuses on content, offering more professional live events on news, music, arts and sports. Laifeng Live will upgrade its previous live shows to enable users to have better immersive experiences, highlighting small interactive live shows, said the Beijing-based Youku Tudou.