Vessel cruises into global waters seeking 'first window' for YouTube stars

US online video startup says more than half of its viewing comes from outside its home country, as it sets sights on signing more creators

More than half of online video service Vessel's usage is coming from outside the US, 11 weeks after the San Francisco-based company launched its iOS app and website.

The company has been pitching itself to YouTube creators and musicians as a "first window" for web video, promising to pay them more money than they get from their cut on free video services if they grant it at least three days' exclusivity on their new videos.