Putting the YOU in YouTube
- Date: 2007-12-24 - Word Count: 692
Share This!
With the advent of broadband Internet access and the proliferation of free video hosting sites like YouTube, Blip.tv, Revver and Veoh.com, today anyone with a camcorder and an Internet connection can produce a video and share it with the world. Producing video for the Web can be a powerful marketing tool for your business. Some obvious benefits include:
1. Free or low-cost publicity and exposure for your company
2. Instant access to a worldwide audience on the Web, 24/7
3. The ability to use your video hosting site's HTML code to add the video to your own Web site
Here's a step-by-step guide for getting started:
1. Produce a short video
"Short" is the key word here, for several reasons: First, online viewers have a much shorter attention span when watching video on the Web. Second, longer videos mean larger file sizes. Most free video hosting sites have a 100MB limit; some even less.
Additional resources: For great, do-it-yourself, online video tools, visit Serious Magic and look at their inexpensive "Vlog It" software. Videomaker magazine also features tips for creating online video.
2. Output your video for online viewing
Once you've got your video, it still needs to be encoded and compressed to make it "Internet-friendly." Video files can be enormous, but compression software shrinks the video file size so it plays more smoothly on the Web. Remember to save or export your file to an online-compatible size, which is 320 X 240 resolution; and compress it so it's under 20MB, if possible. Be sure to save your video file in a format that most video sites accept, such as a Quicktime movie (.mov), a Windows movie (.wmv) or Flash (.flv) file.
Additional resources: QuickTime Pro (for Windows or Mac) is ideal for compressing your video and transferring it to whatever file format you prefer (Windows, Flash, MPEG). The software is about $30 (US) and is worth its weight in gold when it comes to converting files for online video. Another option is Blaze Media Pro. ($50)
3. Upload to several free video hosting sites
Now comes the fun part - You get to upload your video and share it with the world! Most of the popular video sites have relatively easy upload instructions: First, you'll have to create an account for each site. The video hosting sites usually have a two or three step process that allows you to browse for your video file on your computer; add a title and description; and then click "upload" to post your video file. Most sites will also give you options for adding a thumbnail photo, selecting your genre or category or, in some cases, signing up for revenue sharing. (Don't expect the money to start pouring in unless you've got a wildly popular "viral" video!)
Additional resources: Go beyond the obvious sites like YouTube and Yahoo, and upload your video to some of the more feature-rich sites such as Veoh, Revver, iFilm and VideoEgg Visit the individual sites for easy upload instructions.
4. Promote and share your new "online TV channel"
After you've uploaded your video, these free video hosting sites provide the option of "sharing" your video by giving you a link/URL that you can e-mail to your contacts. Most sites also include a great feature that allows you to copy the HTML code and "embed" the video into your own website or blog. Simply cut and paste the code provided into your own site. Finally, use RSS (Really Simple Syndication) to offer "subscriptions" to your online videos.
Additional resources: I find the most "user-friendly" sites to be Blip.tv and VideoEgg. Sites like these and Brightcove.com tend to be geared toward businesses and a bit more professional. Popular (and free) RSS feed providers include Feedburner and Mefeedia.
Finally, keep in mind these special considerations for web video:
* Since your screen is typically much smaller on the web, avoid wide shots with a lot of people in them. It just doesn't translate well on the Internet.
* Avoid pans and zooms. Rapid movement is harder to watch on a smaller screen.
* Keep it simple. Don't go crazy with a lot of titles and graphics. They may be too small to be effective.
* Keep it short - Less is more on the "short-attention-span" Internet!
1. Free or low-cost publicity and exposure for your company
2. Instant access to a worldwide audience on the Web, 24/7
3. The ability to use your video hosting site's HTML code to add the video to your own Web site
Here's a step-by-step guide for getting started:
1. Produce a short video
"Short" is the key word here, for several reasons: First, online viewers have a much shorter attention span when watching video on the Web. Second, longer videos mean larger file sizes. Most free video hosting sites have a 100MB limit; some even less.
Additional resources: For great, do-it-yourself, online video tools, visit Serious Magic and look at their inexpensive "Vlog It" software. Videomaker magazine also features tips for creating online video.
2. Output your video for online viewing
Once you've got your video, it still needs to be encoded and compressed to make it "Internet-friendly." Video files can be enormous, but compression software shrinks the video file size so it plays more smoothly on the Web. Remember to save or export your file to an online-compatible size, which is 320 X 240 resolution; and compress it so it's under 20MB, if possible. Be sure to save your video file in a format that most video sites accept, such as a Quicktime movie (.mov), a Windows movie (.wmv) or Flash (.flv) file.
Additional resources: QuickTime Pro (for Windows or Mac) is ideal for compressing your video and transferring it to whatever file format you prefer (Windows, Flash, MPEG). The software is about $30 (US) and is worth its weight in gold when it comes to converting files for online video. Another option is Blaze Media Pro. ($50)
3. Upload to several free video hosting sites
Now comes the fun part - You get to upload your video and share it with the world! Most of the popular video sites have relatively easy upload instructions: First, you'll have to create an account for each site. The video hosting sites usually have a two or three step process that allows you to browse for your video file on your computer; add a title and description; and then click "upload" to post your video file. Most sites will also give you options for adding a thumbnail photo, selecting your genre or category or, in some cases, signing up for revenue sharing. (Don't expect the money to start pouring in unless you've got a wildly popular "viral" video!)
Additional resources: Go beyond the obvious sites like YouTube and Yahoo, and upload your video to some of the more feature-rich sites such as Veoh, Revver, iFilm and VideoEgg Visit the individual sites for easy upload instructions.
4. Promote and share your new "online TV channel"
After you've uploaded your video, these free video hosting sites provide the option of "sharing" your video by giving you a link/URL that you can e-mail to your contacts. Most sites also include a great feature that allows you to copy the HTML code and "embed" the video into your own website or blog. Simply cut and paste the code provided into your own site. Finally, use RSS (Really Simple Syndication) to offer "subscriptions" to your online videos.
Additional resources: I find the most "user-friendly" sites to be Blip.tv and VideoEgg. Sites like these and Brightcove.com tend to be geared toward businesses and a bit more professional. Popular (and free) RSS feed providers include Feedburner and Mefeedia.
Finally, keep in mind these special considerations for web video:
* Since your screen is typically much smaller on the web, avoid wide shots with a lot of people in them. It just doesn't translate well on the Internet.
* Avoid pans and zooms. Rapid movement is harder to watch on a smaller screen.
* Keep it simple. Don't go crazy with a lot of titles and graphics. They may be too small to be effective.
* Keep it short - Less is more on the "short-attention-span" Internet!
Related Tags: internet, online, web, youtube, video production, online video, tv web video
Lou Bortone is an award-winning writer and video producer with over 20 years experience in marketing, branding and promotion. As an online video expert, Lou helps entrepreneurs create video for the web at http://www.TheOnlineVideoGuy.com . In addition, Lou works as a freelance writer and professional ghostwriter, with a ghostwriting site at http://www.GhostwriteForYou.com . Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Many Different Content Management Systems Are Available ( Cms)
At this time the rule is that going to the content management system open source and a commercial. H - Establish Your Credibility Online
Shoppers are now careful these days. They are more conscious that there are fraud sellers lurking on - Make Money Online Fast - Is It Possible?!
When you see the phrase "make money online fast" you may wonder to yourself, is this for real?! And - What Is Auto Traffic Avalanche?
Many people is talking about this great tool, and that became an excellent software, that can genera - Beginners Guide To Blogging
A blog is basically an online journal wherein you can digitally pen down your thoughts, ideas, opini - Say No To Just Having Enough To Get By...look For Wealth After A Fixed Paycheck
For the last year, I am proud to say that my regular weekly salary was earned through direct deposit - How Outsourcing Works - Hiring An Outsourced Virtual Assistant
Outsourcing is a proven means of helping businesses cut resource costs while getting the same level - How, Where Should You Start And Get Paid In Affiliate Marketing?
Before internet, freelance jobs like insurance, network marketing and real estate used to be the onl - Saratoga Builders Help You Make Informed Decisions
Numerous American central heating designs implement a furnace which blows forced hot air by means of - Basic Features Of A Good Web Hosting Plan
There are a few features that you should look for when you are picking a good web hosting plan, ther
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Tools for Adsense
If you're just boarding on the AdSense train, and looking to find a quick way to make the profits yo - Information Products - Your Action Plan
If you've been thinking of writing your own information product, here are a few tips to help you get - Are You Missing Out On This Method Of Generating Instant Cash?
If you have not yet heard of Bum Marketing, you're missing out. It's a great online marketing metho - How to Find a Home Based Business Internet Opportunity Thats Right for you
Copyright © Jagraj Gill http://www.payitforward4profits.com/jaggiegill Finding the right hom - Can It Be True? Can You Really Use The Internet to Create Money?
Is it hype? Or is it real? Is dramatized and exaggerated? Or can I really use the internet to cre - How to Create a Virtual Grand Opening
Copyright © 2007 Donna Gunter Grand openings and ribbon cuttings don't have to be limited to bu - What Is The Hottest Product To Sell Online
After going through a survey from all the internet Guru Alex Mandossian, Armand Morin, Derek Gehl an - Web Based Employee Time Clock
The power of the internet is in its connectivity. Many people think that the internet is great becau - Driving Hordes of Traffic to your Site
Getting enough traffic to your site is the overwhelming problem for anyone new to Internet or Affili - So You Want to Start an Online Business Part Two - Analyzing Keywords
Analyzing Keywords Continuing on from Part One of 'So You Want to Start an Online Business'; we wil