YouTube Marketing: New Updates, How the Top Brands Are Using It
Google, Social Media
For the last couple of years, content marketing has been the answer to get customers interested in your brands and services. However, not many brands are really digging a little deeper into their content marketing strategy to include video marketing, which is a highly effective way to create something that’s high quality, and quickly interests and engages your audience at the same time. According to this infographic, YouTube is the second largest search engine and videos are 53 times more likely to show up on the first page of search results, and videos drive engagement up to 300%.
New YouTube Features
To keep up with the times and audiences, YouTube has rolled out some new features to help marketers really tap into enhancing their video marketing.
Playlists
A new playlist tab has been added for each YouTube user, something that will be incredibly important for your YouTube strategy. Playlists will help increase watch time and created another asset that can appear in search results and Suggested Videos.
For YouTube users, the Playlists section can be accessed on the left side of the home page. This is where users can look at favorite videos they’ve added or any videos they’ve liked.
Similarly, users can visit any other YouTube account and view or subscribe to that user’s playlist by clicking on the new tab like the one shown in the picture below:
Center- Aligned Layout
YouTube also has a new look that creates a consistent experience across all devices (desktop, mobile, tablet). Mobile users, for example, can now easily access popular or recommended videos as well as any recent video uploads from users they follow.
3-Second Intros
YouTube introduced a new feature three weeks ago that allows creators to upload a 3-second clip that play before al of their channels’ videos. This allows channel managers to create a consistent look to help build their branding. This intros, however, are restricted to serve as ads, sponsorships or product placements.
The Top Brands on YouTube
Now is the perfect opportunity to really get involved in video marketing (if you haven’t already). And as you grow your marketing strategy, take a look at these great YouTube channels below to spark up some inspiration.
Outrigger Media’s 2014 Top 500 Brands on YouTube:
Top 5 Brands on YouTube:
Noteworthy Brands to Watch:
Audi of America: The driving force behind this brand’s channel is the original, highly creative content, including recent work with Ricky Gervais.
Target: This channel has something for everyone and is flawlessly organized. They even have a separate channel for targeting Spanish-speaking audiences.
Dell: Dell has a great way of balancing product videos and storytelling. They’ve even customized their channel homepage to make it easy to navigate.
The North Face: This brand does a really great job capturing the outdoor spirit of their target audience. It offers great content, no matter if you’re an endurance athlete or an outdoor warrior.
CoverGirl: This brand melts cosmetics with celebrity endorsers with how-to videos and makeup advice, all focused on one single message: female empowerment.