The Youtube Project

So I know all of you wait at your computers to hear what pearls of wisdom I've assembled. This week I had the company of the wonderful Jessica Chan. Jessica is an employee of Goggle, and works specifically for Youtube. She is an avid tweeter, and a funny one at that. Brought in by mentor and teacher Betty Ming Liu, Jessica came to teach us the strategies of how to pump up your Youtube channel. While watching Youtube Celebrity Fred, one classmate remarked, "If he can do it anyone can." Without any further who-ha, here are a few of Jessica's tips;

Listen:

Tip #1 Have a Broad, Original Concept.
You may not like Fred, but one can't deny his success. The genius of Fred is the simple concept; an older boy acting like a five year old and it has has gained a wide audience. It appeals to the children that he's imitating, as well as to older kids and parents who can watch him together. He's childish enough for children, but smart enough for adults. With over 2,000,000 subscribers, Fred must be doing something right.  Give it up for Fred!

Another epic video that has had countless viewers for it's originality is the Rebecca Black Friday video. It's another one, that combines themes that both kids and adults can enjoy. I see it as a tame version of Tik-Tok by Kesha.

With the above two videos in mind, we see that originality, as well as a broad concept, can attract viewers. In the case of Fred, it keeps them coming back.

Tip #2 Witness Something crazy!!!
I don't know why, but we love to watch people go insane. Maybe it's reassuring us of our own sanity? Maybe we like to watch others suffer? Maybe it's just funny. It's a system that works though, and one I must pay homage to. Everyone has their favorite meltdown video, and nothing sparks conversation in a group like, "Hey, have you seen that video on Youtube, Crazy Girl on Train?" 

With countless video responses, dance remixes, and videos about it, Crazy Girl On Train is easily one of Youtube's best crazy freakout videos. The genius of the person shooting the video is simply that he was in the right place at the right time, and knew to turn on his video camera. The result is Youtube gold. One other video of mention in this genre is a video that almost everyone on Youtube has seen. I present Greatest Freakout ever. 

The summary of this section is simple. Whether it's exploiting a family member, or being near a loony on the MTA, a video camera, plus a meltdown equals subscribers and hits for your videos.

Tip #3 Create a Personality.
 As class progressed, Jessica continued to shoot off pearls of wisdom. She told us that creating a consistent personality was another way to keep viewers coming back to your video blog. For example, take Sassy Gay Friend.  Started by Second City Entertainment, this sassy figure has been sweeping in to save literature's heroines for over a year. His personality, mixed with his social commentary, has intrigued viewers and subscribers.  

This goes back to Tip #1. The shit you just saw is original! I don't know who dreamed up Sassy Gay Friend, but they were having a good day. He's a figure that promotes equality, but due to his funny, stereotypical ways, he puts straight people who may not be LGBT comfortable at ease. His alarming personality helps him disarm viewers. 
  
Tip #4 Do Something Useful.
Jessica spoke that a useful "how-to" video can really bump viewership. Although not my specialty, I felt like I should investigate this phenomenon and this is what I found.  Michele Phan has over 1,000,000 subscribers.  Her secret is advanced how to videos on how-to do your makeup in different circumstances. These videos stand out because they are fun, informative, and detailed. Offering a service has allowed her to build her brand while at the same time being entertaining. She's someone useful and that, suckers, is marketable.

Tip #5 Be An Active User.
The lovely Jessica had one last tip. If you are a part of the Youtube community, people will begin to notice you. Whether it's leaving comments on videos, friending people, or doing crazy response videos, being a part of the youtube community makes you stand out. This also includes posting videos regularly. If you do have subscribers they're more likely to pass you off to their Youtube friends if you post every so often. You want your subscribers going to work or school saying, "Oh my God, have you seen so and so's new video yet?" This all comes from being an active part of Youtube, not just posting videos. 


Although Jessica had many more wise things to say, I realize you people have lives. For now, ta ta. Next post, I'll begin reviewing World of Warcraft Cataclysm. Till then....


So it goes....