For those of you who still may be in denial when it comes to online marketing, you probably didn’t notice this week’s announcement by YouTube. For those of you who did, all we can say is “hold onto your hats folks – it’s about to get really funky!”
Now you may be asking why this is… Okay, so to clarify, this post is really directed at those of you who missed the news because after all you absolutely need to know about these important changes. For those of you who understand how impactful this will be, we expect that
your gears are already turning.
The Details:
This week YouTube expanded its “LIVE” streaming capabilities to included channels with just 100 subscribers when the previous limits were set at 1000. This really changes everything. The lower limits increase the capability to broadcast live streaming video to thousands of new YouTubers.
Just think of the what this could do for your business:
- Produce targeted live product reviews and demos
- Therefore promoting your products and services to a live audience
- Increase intimacy with your customers
- Build trust
- Improved website SEO
- And on and on…
The great things about all this is that Live streaming can be used across any industry looking to connect with a target audience or community. Think of it as having your own broadcast station at your disposal, how cool is that? There is no denying that the power of online video has never been stronger. Quite simply, in today’s marketplace each and every business needs to make video a top priority when discussing any marketing budget.
Another new component of this weeks announcement includes the ability to upload “custom thumbnails” for your videos. Previously YT asked that you plan your videos accordingly because it limited your selection. Now that has changed as well. Of course there will be guidelines set in place for each channel to follow, and you can expect Google to make those available as the roll out begins.
Last but certainly not least, each user will have the ability to use annotations that will link to online stores as well as to users’ websites. So now you can say you have an eCommerce site… booya!
As you can see the continued focus by Google to develop YouTube clearly proves that it is strongly committed to video. So with that said it is imperative that your online strategy include video. Stop making excuses and get in the game – your long term success could depend on it!