Friday, May 30, 2014

Featured Video of the Month: Lamborghini Tokyo Midnight


This video most definitely wins the hard charger award for the month of May.  The video was released in February this year but just went crazy at the end of this month and gained 800,000 views bringing the total to 1.2 Million views.  Congratulations to Steve's POV Channel on his first 1 million view video!

This all goes to all the hard work Steve puts into his channel.  He is super engaging with his viewers that he responds to every comment on his videos! Text book awesomeness.

He also writes his titles in Japanese and English so the Japanese language keyword search catches his videos. Brilliant!

His descriptions include everything in his videos with links to his social media channels.  This channel is going places! Sub today!

Cheat A Little With Trends

Having problems coming up with video ideas, titles or show concepts?

The best place to look is what people are already looking at.



Use social media trends to find out what's trending out there and get on the band wagon.  It's a little cheating but hey who's cares!  You gotta go where the people are at.  If people are searching for "Le Mans" that weekend, why not come out with your own "Le Mans" theme video.  Or if Microsoft's former CEO Steve Ballmer just announced to buy the Clippers, get creative and make a video about how much it would suck to have to buy Clipper tickets using a Microsoft app.  You know what I mean.

Where do you find the trends? That is the easy part.



Google: http://www.google.com/trends/

For Twitter and Facebook they are right on your home screen.

You can custom curate most of these lists to your likings so irrelevant keywords are filtered.

If people are looking for it, and if you have a video on it, the chances of your video being discovered increases.

Go do it!
(TK)

It's 4K By Me

Last week we uploaded a 4096 × 2160 1.5GB 4K video, Super GT - A New Perspective.  But we noticed that the YouTube player only provides the option of up to 1080p in the settings.  

So we hit up our peeps at YouTube and by the way, It's great to be YouTube's biggest automotive MCN because they answered our question right away.

Basically they told us that they do accept 4K videos now but the engineers  are scaling back to save bandwidth resource.

The good news is that eventually they will get it back up to the original 4K resolution.  As for ETA, we're not sure yet, but at least we have confirmation that they do accept 4K files. 


What the Heck is Content ID?

The Do's and Don'ts of Content ID

First of all what the heck is Content ID?
It's that little button you click or don't click when you are uploading your videos or see in the info and settings of particular videos.


Sometimes you click it, sometimes you don't, or maybe you never click it because it might blow up your page or you always click it because you want to make sure you got everything covered.
But listen to us really carefully here.

Don't click the Enable Content ID matches unless you EXCLUSIVELY own that piece of content you are uploading.  I repeat, don't click it unless you solely own that video.

In other words, the following DEFINITELY do not apply.

  • Mashups, "best of" compilations and remixes of other works.  Even though you may have edited it, if the clips were not shot by you, the footage is not yours.  
  • Video game play
  • Software visuals
  • Movie trailers
  • Music videos
  • Music you do not own
  • Recording of performances including concerts, speeches and shows
What Content ID does is make a reference file, a master of that video and scans YouTube videos for copies.  

For example, the above video is a video licensed to GTChannel through the Toyota PR & Communications division.  Toyota gave us permission to upload this video and even gave us the freedom to monetize on the video (see above "Usage Policy" is set to Monetize) but they did not give us the copyright of the video. 

If we enable Content ID on this video what would happen? 

YouTube would create a reference file of this video and make us the sole owner of this video.  Then the system would go out and claim other media outlets or even the Toyota YouTube channel for uploading the same video.  Basically it would get REALLY ugly and we don't want that.  

So, if you have a movie trailer, game play video or music which you do not own, or even a video of an event or a show which you attended, don't enable Content ID.  

This feature is only for original content producers, studios, music labels/publishers and organizations like the NFL, NHL etc. 

If you have more questions on this issue, see the video below. 


(TK)

Adding Branded Intros To My YouTube Videos

YouTube recently announced that users can insert 3 second branded intros to new and OLD videos.  This is an awesome feature you should take advantage of if you have videos without any of your channel branding.
It can be done very easily in the InVideo Programming section but here's a little video tutorial that shows how to do it step by step.


Monday, May 12, 2014







GTChannel Welcome -  New Partners - April/May 2014

New Partners -

Included are all the new partners joining the GTChannel community over the last month.  (I've also added a couple more partners that haven't accomplished all the starting line tasks to begin optimizing your channels.)

This email could be 100 pages long, but I'll attempt to keep it short and to the point.  I've had the pleasure of working with several of you to get you into the network.  I've enjoyed it.  You come from all areas and you all have your individual goals for the channel.  Some started their channels as a hobby, while others are ready to create the next BBC.  Some are individuals and some are large businesses already.  But in all regards you are all committed to growing your channels and the community as a whole.  We are thrilled to have you and look forward to watching you grow and succeed.

Let's get to it.

GTChannel is here to help.  If you have any problems - youtube, creating content, equipment, music, ideas, social marketing, whatever - if you have questions don't hesitate to ask.  

PARTNER INFO/PROFILE

Many of you have signed up off-line.  Our online signup and partner profiles is back online.  We want everyone to go online and set up a GTChannel Platform user/password.  There is also info for partner's details that we want to have in the system.
This will be redundant for some of you, but it will help us and you to have you on the platform.  If you already signed up this way - you are all set.


Click Start to run through the process.

You will also find info to do a couple important things.

1.  Add a logo, so we can use it for promotions
2.  Creating Channel Trailer - if you haven't started this it is very important to help get new subscribers.  Read up.
3.  Tax forms  (domestic US and international)

Important emails to keep

Scott@gtchannel.com - I'm always here to help.

Newvideo@gtchannel.com - when you upload, please shoot us the URL.  We will look at all partner uploads and look for the best ways to promote them.   Remember the goal is to build YOUR channel not our channel, so we look for the best avenue to promote the video.  YOU will be promoting this yourself as well, which is critically important.

Support@gtchannel.com -  We have set up a response system to make sure any request for help gets pushed to the right person.  While I'd love to help on social marketing, but I'm not the best guy for that - support@ will let us get that to the right person.  You should get a response in 24 hours or less.  If you don't - email me and I'll make sure you are taken car of.

When you join >> for new partners
We alway add new channel name on GTChannel.com
Promotion: Our social media team will promote in a variety of ways depending on what we think will help best.
1. Google+
2. Add to featured partner playlist on YouTube
3. Twitter
5. Instagram
6. Facebook
7. Press -  in these cases, we'll present some videos to press outlets that may pick up the video link.  It helps to have something special to get picked up. 
8.  Cross-promotion - part of our effort is to utilize the power of the network and community.  You may be asked to help another partner to cross-promote.  This will help you both, so we encourage you to participate in these opportunities.  One of the big secrets to success is to introduce your channel and content to an audience that hasn't found you yet.  Cross-promotion is a great way to do this.  You may be asked to include a partner's video on your channel, or to like a video, or other - in turn they will do the same for you.


Let's talk Social

There is likely no better way to grow your channel than using social.
If you don't have your social component set up - you need to get this going today!

*  Facebook page for Channel/Brand - this should be the same name as your YouTube channel with same logo.
* Instagram - same Channel/Brand as your YouTube channel
* Twitter - same Channel/Brand as your youtube channel
* Google + - VERY important, it ties into Youtube in a very powerful way.
*  If you are a video gamer - set up a TWITCH Page as well.

1.  Let GTChannel know all your social info.  We need to have this on file to help promote them as well.

2.  Subscribe to GTChannel's FB, Instagram, Twitter -  we communicate through social, and  it is important to be in the on going conversation

GTChannel Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GTChannel
GTChannel Twitter - https://twitter.com/GTChannel   (@GTChannel)
GTChannel Instagram - http://instagram.com/gtchannel/
       (Here is a good video on how to set up google + from your YT channel > 

Subscribe to GTChannel Blog.  This is one of the key ways we communicate with partners.


3.  Take a look at your channel's about page -  This should include all your social links.  Here is GTChannel's about page.



4.  EVERY video that you upload should include your social (and web links)

Example ...




Much more on social to come ...

1.  how often to post
2.  how to buy more reach
3.  new technique to hit 10 time the reach as normal
  more ...


 UPLOADING Videos - 

1.  Make sure you have the category set for each video you upload - many will  be auto & vehicles.  Make sure you include this.  Going through new channel's videos I've seen many with this unlisted.  Remember, when youtube sells ads to brands, they do this by category in many cases, so it is important to be included in a category.

2.  Content ID 
     This is very important.  You should ONLY be clicking or checking this if your content is 100% your content.  If you don't own all of the material and assets you should not select this.  It will cause a variety of issues.  We'll have more follow up on this and the copyright, music discussion.

What's in a name.

Looking at many of the new partners (and some older ones) you have not set up your youtube channel URL yet.

You'll need to have your GOOGLE + account set up first very easy, and part of the task listed above, so let's add that again here.


Once you've set up Google +  let's fix the name.  Go to your channel >  select "About"  -  look at the URL


If your channel is listed as some UC + random set up numbers, we need to fix this so it shows your user name.
This is important since it is quite unwieldy to use the random UC code (This is technically called your Channel ID and will always be associated to your channel - you just don't want it visible).  Trust me no one is remembering this, better to have your channel URL look like this ...


Here is how to do it - watch the video.  


GTChannel Logos -

We have provided a GTChannel Network Partner logo for partners to use.   This can be used on videos, in your YT header, on social pages, and in your channel description.  This hi-res logo is attached here.  We will be putting out detailed info on how the logo should be used, and some ways we don't want it to be used.  We want this uniform to everyone so we are all building the brand in the same way.

For now, feel free to use on your vids - but keep it short.  Remember - the first 15 seconds is the MOST important to retain the audience.  If you have 20 seconds of logos and openings - you'll lose the viewer.  You can also use the logo in your channel ABOUT in the description.






MUSIC 

Always an on-going discussion.  My co-founder Taro, wrote up a great piece on this last week.  In case you missed it.


  

We often get questions on what kind of music to use and how to get good music for your videos.  
First thing we need to recognize is that the music you use in your video must be created by yourself or you have the rights to use someone else's music.  

You can create simple beats with some bass using software like Garageband but finding royalty free music is an easy way to incorporate music for your videos.  We all know, lousy music can make or break a video. 

Here are some of our suggestions on where to find royalty free music on the internet.  

  1. YouTube: Go to Video Manager>Creation Tools>Audio Library.  You will be surprised by the amount and quality of free music they offer here.  We strongly suggest you start here.https://www.youtube.com/audiolibrary
  2. Activity Music: There are several YouTube channels that offers free copyright free music in exchange for crediting the artist and placing a download link in the video description.  Activity Music is one of them.  They have tons of electronic music if that is what you're looking for.https://www.youtube.com/user/ActivityMusic
  3. Incomptech.com: From African music to Rock, these guys have something for everyone.http://incompetech.com/music/
  4. Dig.ccmixter.orgA site that has 1000s of songs with permission to use for your videos.http://dig.ccmixter.org/
  5. Josh Woodward: This guy knows what he's talking about.  He has hundreds of videos for you to use free of charge. Only thing he asks in return is to credit and include a link in your video description.  He even has a note on his website for YouTube partners.    http://www.joshwoodward.com/#/ 
Here are some sites we go to buy or license music. 
  1. Jamendo.com: We have often turned to Jamendo to find high quality licensed music.  You usually pay what you get for and when free stuff just isn't doing it, you have to go to the pros.http://www.jamendo.com/en/welcome
  2. YouLicense.com: Another site that offers decent music for a reasonable price.http://www.youlicense.com 
 I would recommend you go visit these sites to see which one matches your needs as a video creator.  Many of them lets you create an account and save playlists for future projects.  

RANDOM items 

In trying to put together some new partner suggestions MILLIONs of suggestions come to mind.  We can't include them all, but I thought I'd bullet point some suggestions, comments, and tips here.

*  Don't include dates in your video headlines.  They are great in 2014 ... but when 2016 comes along - no one will watch.
You want people watching these videos for the next 10 years.

*  Video constructions - Our goal is to increase TIME WATCHED.  This is the #1 factor youtube looks for and it is the one metric no one can game or manipulate.  The perfect use case is for a user to search or see your video listed on the platform.  They are interested, so they click it and watch all the way to the end.  That tells youtube that the viewer got what the viewer was looking for.  The video and your channel is rewarded for this through youtube recommendations, increased ad plays, and even higher CPMs (ad rates).  How do you do this?
-   Headlines that attract, but realistic to the video you will show.  If you say - BRAD PITT THROWS UP and you show a video
that has nothing to do with Brad Pitt - viewers will click out - BAD TIME WATCHED %.  Not what you want.

-  Good Tags - that help the viewer that is searching to find your video

- Thumbnails - engaging and interesting, and again NOT Brad puking.

-  First 15 - Remember the first 15 seconds is super important.  Just think of television - or film - they use this all the time.
You watch a James Bond movie and the movie opens with a crazy car chase or action scene ... then the movie open.  You are hooked.    If you watch a TV sitcom or drama - same thing - a tease scene up front.  Watch the news, they list the five stories that you might want to see - I always hate this because the one story I want to see is always last.
But this can be done on your vids as well - show a teaser or tell the audience what the video is about to get them excited - then open the video or move on to the good stuff.
Tell em' what your going to tell them > tell them > then tell em' what you told them.


*  Think Shareable
With the rise of social media platforms, sharing has become one of the most important ways to find and develop an audience. While you can't guarantee any video will go viral, you can make it more shareable by using some proven tactics.
Identify trending subject matter
Keep your finger on YouTube's pulse, and stay on top of popular search terms. 
What words will viewers use to describe your video when they share it? Would you click on this yourself? 

Connect through emotion
Viewers are more likely to share a video that elicits a strong emotional response. Make videos that induce laughter or feelings of sweetness, excitement or nostalgia.

Appeal to your audience's values
People often share content because they feel the content conveys something about their own beliefs. Sharing funny content makes them feel funny, sharing informative content makes them feel knowledgeable, and sharing topical content makes them feel on top of the latest news. Keep this in mind: What will your video say about the people who share it?
Create ongoing series with break-out potential
Viral videos and recurring series are NOT mutually exclusive.
Many of YouTube's top creators release series in which each episode enjoys high sharing and viral activity. Often one video will break out and then introduce massive audiences to the entire series. 

>>>>>>  The next steps ...

I've thrown quite a lot on you to start, but getting the channel up to speed with best practices is key to start building.

Please let me know any questions or thoughts you may have.  Work on the above and we'll see everybody grow.


Sincerely,

Scott Schlichter
CEO/Founder
GTChannel

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Royalty Free Music Libraries

 

We often get questions on what kind of music to use and how to get good music for your videos.  
First thing we need to recognize is that the music you use in your video must be created by yourself or you have the rights to use someone else's music.  

You can create simple beats with some bass using software like Garageband but finding royalty free music is an easy way to incorporate music for your videos.  We all know, lousy music can make or break a video.

Here are some of our suggestions on where to find royalty free music on the internet.  

  1. YouTube: Go to Video Manager>Creation Tools>Audio Library.  You will be surprised by the amount and quality of free music they offer here.  We strongly suggest you start here.
  2. Activity Music: There are several YouTube channels that offers free copyright free music in exchange for crediting the artist and placing a download link in the video description.  Activity Music is one of them.  They have tons of electronic music if that is what you're looking for.
  3. Incomptech.com: From African music to Rock, these guys have something for everyone.
  4. Dig.ccmixter.org: A site that has 1000s of songs with permission to use for your videos.
  5. Josh Woodward: This guy knows what he's talking about.  He has hundreds of videos for you to use free of charge. Only thing he asks in return is to credit and include a link in your video description.  He even has a note on his website for YouTube partners.  
Here are some sites we go to buy or license music. 
  1. Jamendo.com: We have often turned to Jamendo to find high quality licensed music.  You usually pay what you get for and when free stuff just isn't doing it, you have to go to the pros.
  2. YouLicense.com: Another site that offers decent music for a reasonable price.
 I would recommend you go visit these sites to see which one matches your needs as a video creator.  Many of them lets you create an account and save playlists for future projects.  
Now go do it!

Use Facebook To Drive Traffic To YouTube


Facebook is a tricky one. But no matter what people may say about it, it's not going anywhere.  So we better get used to it and get on it if you're not.

We admit, they do shady stuff like hiding your reach to only a certain percentage of your fans but they make the rules.  Here are a couple things you need to do to use Facebook to your advantage.

    1.    Create a PAGE: Use your personal account for friends and family.  Create a Facebook Page that is linked to your YouTube channel.  Your YouTube channel is a brand and it needs a Facebook Page that can accept unlimited numbers of fans.  A personal account is limited to 5000 friends.  


    2.    Create a community on Facebook:  YouTube is great for videos but Facebook is great for posting pictures and most of all sharing.  Share your own videos and videos you like.  You may notice that on the GTChannel Facebook Page,we share a lot of our partner videos but other random videos, photos and stories we like as well.  Make it a destination spot for your fans!




    3.    Upload videos and images to your Facebook Page:  We have found out that you get more REACH when uploading videos and images directly to Facebookand NOT posting links.  It's just a way for Facebook to keep people on Facebook.  How to get around this is to upload 15 second teasers of YouTube videos on to Facebook with a "Click here for full version" link in the description.  See how we did it on this Travis Pastrana rally video!