YouTube Channels for Universities #3

Based on previous analysis of university YouTube Channels, the following are my Top 10 YouTube suggestions for the organizations considering using the YouTube channels:

1. To theme the graphic design of the channels and make the whole tone and manner integrated with the organization’s main webpage, e.g., same layout, background color and patterns, font type and font sizes.

2. Create and get full use of YouTube video playlists featuring high-ranking videos compatible with the organization’s brand image, values and goals. For example, create playlists containing five videos (including one made by the organization) that are related to the organization’s industry or brand value. This will help drive traffic to the channel.

3. Associate the organization’s YouTube Channel with established YouTube channels related to business or industry.

4. Tag the videos with keywords and proper names, and add descriptions to each video. The most important word to be included in the tags is the word “video.” So, the tag can follow the format “(fill-in-the-blank) video.” For example, if you have produced a video about public relations, tag your video “public relations video.” Moreover, tag the video with the name of the organization all the time.

5. To favorite a few, related, high-quality videos to put video content on the organization’s channel. The videos being “favorited” are often well-produced and present the messages, values and goals in line with the organizations. So, at a glance, they look like video content of the organization.

6. Comment on videos and channels. Comment something nice on others’ channels and leave a link to the organization’s own channel. When getting the comment from others, respond to them in different ways, for example, use the video response to attract more attention from audiences.

7. Use closed-captioning for videos and activate the instant-on function to drive the traffic. In addition, make full use the annotations embedded in video playing, adding some comments during the video here and there to remind the viewers to click the organization’s link.

8. Use more interactive blocks for content. The enhanced channels provide more “Side Boxes” and “Branding Boxes” to subscribe viewers with comments.

9. Use interactive banners linking viewers directly to the organization’s website and creating seamless integration of brand. Banners can also be mapped enable direct links to different pages.

10. Put other social media icons in the YouTube channel and interlink the channel to those social networks in order to increase popularity and integrate the social media resources.