Google is making religion digital for the month of Ramadan with its launch of Islamic-geared YouTube channels and Google+ Hangouts.
For the duration of holy month — when practicing Muslims fast from dawn to sunset — a YouTube channel will broadcast live daily prayers from Mecca.
Another YouTube channel will be dedicated to special religious programming about Islam as well as Arabic soap operas. Google’s official blog reports the channel will make more than 50 Ramadan shows available the same day they air on television.
Studies have shown that the rate of viewing Arabic soap operas has historically risen during Ramadan. Google’s launch of the new channel may help capitalize its marketing with the large global audience during the month.
Additionally, Google+ will host a series of 30 Hangouts featuring celebrity chefs with their favorite Iftar (the sunset meal that breaks the fast) recipes, doctors with tips for eating healthy during Ramadan, poets discussing religious literature and even actors discussing their favorite religious shows.
This is the first time Google has implemented Ramadan into its social platforms.
Image courtesy of Flickr, mishox. Source: Mashable
