Is YouTube the New Primetime?

There is no doubt that we spend a good portion of our days on the internet. Whether it is the first thing we look at in the morning, or the last thing before bed. Whether it is through our laptop, desktop or mobile device, we are connected like never before. Have we become so obsessed with the internet that we are now spending more time on it rather than watching TV? According to Google, yes. Recent data suggests more people are on YouTube during primetime then watching TV. It is starting to look like Networks have more to compete with than just each other!

Here are some more important statistics from Google and Tubular Insights:

• By 2025 half of viewers under the age of 32 will not subscribe for a TV Service.
• 6 out of 10 people would rather watch online video platforms than live TV.
• Time people have watched YouTube on TV has doubled every year.
• YouTube reaches more 18 to 49-year-olds on their mobile devices than broadcast or network TV.
• 68% of those on YouTube have used the video platform to make a buying decision.
• From 2015 to 2016 time spent on YouTube doubled among adults 18 and older, tripled among adults 55 and up, and grew 40% among adults 35 and older than adults overall.

Know Your Audience

For companies looking to use YouTube as a part of their ongoing marketing strategy, here are some useful tips. Looking at the facts/statistics for YouTube viewers, you will find that there is no age discrimination for its users. Young and old are on YouTube for education and entertainment. Step number one in utilizing YouTube is the importance of knowing your client demographics in the creation of your video content. Understanding their likes and dislikes, as well as their viewing habits, can help you build a content strategy on a solid foundation. As with any marketing initiative – it is important to know your audience.

Define Success

Secondly it is important companies define what success will look like in their new video marketing initiative. This is useful in creating an appropriate call to action. Questions to ask yourself may be: Is success driving more Facebook likes? Is it more subscribers on YouTube? How about driving SEO traffic to your main site? Other goals may be fundraising, brand recognition or education. There is no right or wrong answer for producing video content. But being clear on the “why” will help you paint a clear picture on the “what”.

Choosing the Right Video Production Company

Video marketing has surely become a trend, and with more marketing companies pushing clients to get in the game, there is quite a demand for production companies. Our third and final piece of advice to is choose a production company that you feel both understands your company, its culture, mission and product as well as one that understands the importance of storytelling and the role video plays on the web (and your overall marketing goals).

It might sound repetitive, but video marketing is a trend that is here to stay, especially with video usage growing at the pace it is. YouTube video marketing is free, and is currently reaching more people than a TV ad. Knowing that in the next 8 years more people will be using YouTube rather than purchasing a TV service, is an incentive to start using the social platform sooner than later. By growing a channel and a following with YouTube video marketing early, you will be ahead of the game. The statistics speak for themselves. With more people spending time on YouTube, you can’t miss your targeted audience. Not to mention, uploading video content onto YouTube is free, so it is a win-win.

You can’t lose with online YouTube video marketing. To learn about YouTube best practices click here: YouTube Tips

Skillman Videography Group LLC specializes in Boston video marketing. Call us anytime at 1-800-784-0140.