Youtube: The World’s Second Largest Search Engine
Cheryl Lawson
YouTube: A Deep Dive
A Brief History of YouTube
YouTube was founded in February 2005 by three former PayPal employees: Chad Hurley, Steve Chen, and Jawed Karim. What began as a dating site (Yes, a dating site) quickly pivoted to a user-generated video platform. In a little over a year, it grew so rapidly that Google acquired the platform in November 2006 for $1.65 billion in stock.
The platform underwent rapid evolution, introducing monetization for creators with the Partner Program, expanding into mobile streaming, and eventually becoming the go-to destination for video content of all kinds: from DIY tutorials to news, music videos, and even full-length movies.
Today, YouTube boasts over 2 billion logged-in monthly users, with videos in more than 80 languages, making it a truly global platform.
YouTube for Business: Unlocking Potential
1. Second Largest Search Engine:
It’s not just a video platform. YouTube is the world’s second-largest search engine after Google. This means businesses have a prime opportunity to ensure their content is discoverable to billions, just by optimizing their video descriptions, titles, and tags.
2. Telling Your Brand’s Story:
There’s no medium quite as compelling as video to convey a story. It’s visceral, it’s emotive, and it’s immersive. Businesses can utilize YouTube to craft and share their brand narratives, be it their company history, customer testimonials, product showcases, or behind-the-scenes looks.
3. Challenges – Camera Shyness:
One common hurdle many face is the discomfort or apprehension of appearing on camera. It’s a genuine concern, especially if you’re representing your brand. Here are some strategies to consider:
Animated Videos: Use animated videos or explainer videos to convey information without needing to appear on camera.
Slideshows: Combine images and voiceovers to produce content. This can be particularly useful for informational or tutorial-style content.
Hire Presenters or Influencers: There are many YouTubers or presenters who can represent your brand on your behalf.
Practice Makes Perfect: The more you do it, the more comfortable you’ll become. Start by making unlisted videos or practicing live streams to gain confidence.
4. Optimization Tips:
Keyword Research: Just like SEO for websites, YouTube videos thrive on good keyword research. Use tools like TubeBuddy or vidIQ to identify keywords that are relevant to your business and have a good search volume.
Engaging Thumbnails: A captivating thumbnail can be the difference between a click and a miss.
Consistent Posting: Like any platform, consistency is key. Regular uploads can boost your channel’s visibility and subscriber base.
Engage with Your Community: Respond to comments, engage with other creators, and be an active participant in your niche. This fosters a sense of community and can amplify your reach.
Examples
If you ever need a heartwarming testament to the unpredictable