Partner Newsletter

2014 - Happy New Years!

Quick Fix - Give your channel a boost.

Six quick steps. 

Here is a simple way to boost your channel through search results and even higher CPM's.  This quick fix can be simply done by making sure your channel category is set for Autos & Vehicles. 

Here is how.

1. Login into your YouTube Channel

2. Right Click on your profile (top right) - select Video Manager

3. Click Channel Settings

4. Select Defaults

5. You'll see Category, License, Title, Description. tags - All good to fill out for your channel

6.  But make sure your Category selection is set for AUTO & VEHICLES

That's it!

$25 Dollar Per Referred Partner  

 * Partner Referral Program

GTChannel spends a lot of time finding and reviewing content channels to see if they would be a good fit for our community. Now you can help. 

What we realized is many new great partners are coming from partners - we love that and now we are putting money behind your efforts. Got a channel you think should be in GTChannel Community?

All you have to do is identify a potential partner. Have that partner contact us for review AND MENTION you as the referring partner. We'll take a look at them and the channel. If we bring them in - you get the finder's fee.

Just email > Partner@gtchannel.com

List of the Month -  Six Keys to Build Contagious Videos

I have been reading a fantastic book called "Contagious: Why things catch on" by Jonah Berger. This is a fantastic read about the recipe to get videos to catch on and spread quickly.

 The six keys to sharing as outlined in Berger’s book – Contagious

• Social currency:, It’s all about people talking about things to make themselves look good, rather than bad
• Triggers, which is all about the idea of “top of mind, tip of tongue.” We talk about things that are on the top of our heads.
• Ease for emotion: When we care, we share. The more we care about a piece of information or the more we’re feeling physiologically aroused, the more likely we pass something on.
• Public: When we can see other people doing something, we’re more likely to imitate it.
• Practical value: Basically, it’s the idea of news you can use. We share information to help others, to make them better off.
• Stories, or how we share things that are often wrapped up in stories or narratives.

Contagious Videos

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIUTE6t1Qcc

YouTube's Recent Changes, Updates, and Managed vs. Affiliated

Fellow drivers,

 

 

  We're rapidly approaching the end of 2013 and we can't thank you enough for letting us be a part of your journey this year.  All of us at GTChannel feel privileged to work with you in making more quality automotive content on YouTube.  We've seen all of us grow our audiences, improve our content, and get more attention from advertisers and sponsors.

 

  As we head into the end of the year, this is a good time to reflect on some recent updates to YouTube.

 

By now some of you may have heard about managed and affiliated status for channels within an MCN.  This is a very simple classification and it follows the logical naming.

 

Managed channels are those channels an MCN manages directly.  In the case of GTChannel that would be channels like GTChannel and HotVersionGT.  These are channels we control directly on a daily basis and are responsible for in terms of content, audience, rights, and all the other aspects of running a channel.

 

Affiliated are channels that are part of the GTChannel family but not directly run by us.  In short, you, our wonderful partners.  Affiliation changes nothing.  You're still a part of GTChannel and we're still as committed to helping you succeed.  Simply changing the title does not change our dedication to you and your channel.

 

  Another update to YouTube is the process of manually approving monetization on videos. This is not as bad as it sounds.

 

If you're already following the best practices set forth by YouTube and GTChannel, you should be fine.  This new process, in theory, only have an effect on those content producers who regularly use content they don't have legal permission to use.  This shouldn't be any of our partners.  Using music, video, or stills you fully own, are royalty free (different than creative commons), or licensed, then you're in the clear.

 

  One murky area to this new policy is gaming footage.  One thing to understand is that YouTube isn't against gamers.  YouTube, who is caught in the middle between gamers and the game publishers, has a legal obligation to comply with American copyright law.

 

These laws are set by the American Congress and it's actually not YouTube enforcing those laws.  YouTube has to provide tools and mechanisms for the actual copyright owners to enforce their legal rights.  Some of these tools are Content ID and the ability to manually claim, block, or take down videos.  The new monetization review process is just YouTube having to comply with the laws passed by Congress.

 

  The way copyright applies to video games is pretty unique and while we're not lawyers (and this is not legal advice), here is how we understand the legal claims to video game footage: Rights to use gameplay in a non-fair use way are set by the individual publishers.  Typically, publishers do not allow the use of footage for any reason on any platform.  Some may state that policy but don't enforce it- which is not the same as having legal rights.  While other publishers (we don't know of any) are okay with you using anything from their games for any reason.  Whether you enable monetization or not, it doesn't matter.  If you don't have permission from the publisher authorizing you to use video game footage, you are breaking copyright law when you upload your video- with a few exceptions, mainly fair use.  You can read about the definition of fair use here http://www.copyright.gov/fls/fl102.html

 

  It remains to be seen how much this possible manual monetization review affects us all.  We'll have to wait and see.  As a community of auto content creators, it's in our best interest to share with each other on our experiences with this new process.  If you experience delays, let us know.  Which is why we encourage you to write us if you run into this first hand so we can all better understand how to make the best of these new updates.

 

Thank you and happy holidays to you all!

Thanksgiving Day Partner Newsletter

Happy Thanksgiving!

GTChannel sends our best wishes to you and your family.

Building Your Channel Community 

 

We can take lessons from the biggest brands in the world on how to build an active and engaging community of viewers.  The key is the innate human desire to belong. Everyone wants to belong to a like-minded group of individuals. It's the primal code. 

People don't subscribe to your channel - they subscribe to a personality, a lifestyle, a cause.

Content is important, but it is the message and branding that keeps viewers coming back.

Here are some tips to help take advantage of the primal code and build your own community.

1.  Give viewers a reason to return. Programmed uploads of videos - every Tuesday a new release. 

2.  Encourage audience to share the videos.  The best way is to ask. They are your advocates.

3.  Your channel should have a story, a personality.  This background is your identity.  Ask yourself 

      who your channel and brand is - and reinforce that message all the time.  The truth is usually

      the best story.  Ex.  I grew up wrenching with my Dad and it build a passion that followed my

      entire life.  

4.  Creed - Design your creed. You can do this with your channel name, a slogan, a logo, and

     channel description.  This is who you are, what your brand is about, and what you believe in.

     One of the best ways is your short and concise home page trailer.

5.  Rituals - This goes back to programming and your message.  Repeat an experience associated

     with your brand.  Common named and formated shows do this.  If your video is car reviews - repeat 

     that format and style.  Think TV.  They do this very well.  If you are dueling two high performance

     cars - do that over and over again.

6.  Language and tone - You have a way of saying things and doing things.  That is all yours.

     Keep that and continue that voice.  The way you refer to different cars, or parts is your language.

     If you want to be "in the group" as a viewer - you have to learn the language.  Once the viewer does

     it is very appealing.  Think of Seinfeld - it had a voice.  Odd at first, but by year two you could speak

     Jerry and Kramer's language.

7.  Leader - You must have a leader.  Who is the face of the channel.  Get on camera.  If you aren't 

     seen it is impersonal and just video flickering across the computer.  We suggest introducing every

     video with you on camera.  Tell them what is coming up.  Then bookend it with your wrap up.  We 

    have seen 90% increases in data points when opens/wraps our utilized.  And it shows the man

    or woman that despite the odds has come to the viewer to put this all together.  It is there person to

    root for and befriend.

 

Social Media - Tips 

If you are not using social media to promote your channel - you are leaving money on the table.  Here are tips and to do's to boost your social network presence.

1. You MUST be on Facebook, it is a great tool with a billion users. It is a must.

    In fact - you MUST have Instagram, Twitter and G+ (which you need for YT comments anyways).

2. Utilize Youtube’s About section to Link all your social media (FB, Instagram, Twitter , G+)

3.  Make sure to have a link to your Youtube Page somewhere on your Facebook Page.

4. Follow GTCHANNEL on Instagram/Twitter, and LIKE us on Facebook,  so we know you have set them up, and we can give you shout outs when relevant posts concerning your videos are promoted. 

Twitter:  @gtchannel

Instagram:  @gtchannel

5. Once every few weeks try to unite all the followers across social media platforms (on Twitter/Instagram promote your facebook, on Twitter/Facebook promote your Instagram...etc.)

6. Engage with users through comments and contests. Build a following of active users.

* This is very powerful.  This is a two way communication.  You should check comments on YouTube and Facebook/Twitter/Instagram DAILY.

** Also VERY important -  GET ON YOUR FEED. These following actions are posted to your feed.  This is PRIME real estate on the viewers page, and a great way to get them to visit you.

    *  Like your videos,  Also Like fellow GTChannel partner videos (as they will do the same to you)

    *  Share your playlists.  Also adding videos to playlists (even other people) show on the feed.

    *  Subscribe to GTChannel and GTChannel Partners (we'll be sending a list) 

    *  Post on Google +

7. Have fun; light heartedness is rewarded on social media and can give your followers and viewers a positive image.  Haters are not rewarded.

8. Chain Social media accounts (Instagram has share to button, Facebook has option to post to twitter)  Link your network together.

9. At Tent Pole events take lots of videos/pictures for off season - to keep content regular.  Stockpile

10. Be active on all Social Media fronts, don't be afraid to share content you enjoy from other channels/accounts/pages. The more impressions you have, the better the brand awareness.

FREE Music - Courtesy YouTube

We've sent a few of these free music libraries out.  Now YouTube itself has put a library together.  Something we can all take advantage of.  Check out the info on the program here.

YouTube Library

$25 Dollar Per Referred Partner  

 * Partner Referral Program

 

GTChannel spends a lot of time finding and reviewing content channels to see if they would be a good fit for our community. Now you can help. 

 

What we realized is many new great partners are coming from partners - we love that and now we are putting money behind your efforts. Got a channel you think should be in GTChannel Community?

If you'd like to introduce a fellow creator and automotive enthusiast just let us know.

Partner@gtchannel.com

SUPERCHARGE YOUR CREATOR SKILLS

 

Building you skill set as a content creator never ends. We are learning new things daily, and now there is a unique opportunity to your channel to the next level. The Creator Academy.

The Academy is a short and easy way to refine your skills. Get inside scoop from the pros at YouTube and other successful channels. You'll learn the latest info to create better content, build your fan base, and speed to success.

Code Academy > Click Here

Get LOGO help!

 

If you are looking to enhance the look and professionalism of your logo - take a look here. We have had a couple partners utilize the service with high accolades.

LOGO Help

 

Rent your GEAR for Extra Dollars.

 

GTChannel is a community and we are expanding this by setting up a platform to rent gear, and share, barter, license your content to other partners. UNTIL the platform is up - We wanted to share a 3rd party site - Sharegrid.com - that is helping rent your gear for extra bucks.

Rent your Gear

 

 ENJOY THE HOLIDAY !!!

YouTube: MAXIMIZE Your Channel!!! FREE CLASS!

Hey GTCN!  How's it going?

A lot of you have been asking me about how to grow your channel and what steps to take to do so.  More subscribers, viewers, shares, and comments (engagement) are always fantastic!  One important resource to have is the YouTube Creator Playbook bookmarked.  It has so much good information in it!

What if you wanted more along the lines of instruction??
Well, this past June YouTube hosted it's first Massive Open Online Course (or MOOC) called, "Maximize Your Channel".  For a majority of you, you probably didn't know about it or missed it.  I know you're thinking, "Rex, that doesn't help because it has already passed."  So why am I mentioning it?  Well, it was so successful that YouTube is BRINGING IT BACK!  Initially only in English, it's now being offered in English, French, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish.

In a nutshell, it's six (6) lessons that cover the One Channel setup, branding, and basics in optimization and audience development.  Instruction utilizes 3-6 minute videos, activities, and also has a Google+ community.

For more information, you can visit here: http://youtubecreator.blogspot.com/2013/09/join-creator-academy-to-maximize-your.html

If you'd like to sign up for the class, go here: http://creatoracademy.withgoogle.com/

To summarize:
- Who?  Any YouTube creator/channel owner
- What?  YouTube Online Course - Subject: Maximizing your channel (setup, branding, optimization, and audience development)
- Where?  Online
- When?  September 30, 2013 - October 18, 2013
- Why?  Because it can HELP YOU!
- How Much?  Cost = FREE!!!

Again, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you take this class.  Whether you're a beginner or a long-time creator in need of a refresher course, it helps.  So SIGN UP HERE!

Contact me if you have any questions but this is self-explanatory!  Thanks team!

Keep rollin'!

Rex

WTH is up with YouTube and ads!?! (or lack thereof)

Hey, what's up GTCN!  It's Rex chiming in...

Most of you should know me by now and if you don't, I'm the Network Crew Chief here at GT Channel.  I'm the one to talk to about programming, promotions, collaborations, etc.  Now that we have the preliminaries out of the way, let's get this car moving.

This marks my first official post on the blog and it's regarding an issue that a few of you have been inquiring about: the advertising, or lack thereof, on YouTube.  I'm just letting you know that we've noticed it on multiple channels; with some going for days without any ads.  There's usually an explanation about that whether YouTube/Google are experimenting with metrics, or there could be a shortage of ads for this season (summer can be pretty slow), or any myriad of things.  I was cruising YouTube to investigate other channels when I came upon this video from Video Creators/ReelSEO:

According to the video, and the update contained in the annotation, YouTube was experimenting with removing ads and have since ceased.  Or still experimenting...  Who knows.  Only they do.  It can be very frustrating, especially when you're trying to earn some cash.

I just want to let you guys know that we're always looking out for our community here.  So please, please let me know if you notice something odd happening and I'll do what I can to either research it, get an answer from YouTube specifically, or something.  We'll get to the bottom of it.

Keep rollin'!

Rex

Inside ...

> Discounted Tunes
> Get featured on other partner channels
> $25 bucks in your pocket

Special 15% Discount - Jamendo Music

Music is often the driving force for videos.  It is as big a 

character as the cars and starts themselves. And now

our friends at Jamendo Music are helping our partners

to some of the best licensed music out there.

Jamendo is providing all GTChannel partners with 15% discounted music licensing prices.

To use just click the link:   pro.jamendo.com/gtchannel 

And use the Discount Code: GTCHANNEL10

Featured Partner Playlist Campaign

The key to finding the elusive new audience is all about discovery.  GTChannel has been working hard on features to bring your channel to the forefront of new viewers.  We'll be announcing some great new tools in the next few months, but we couldn't wait to get started, which is why are are announcing the Featured Partner Playlist Campaign.

One the the highlights of the new One Design channel that all partners now have is the ability to create playlists of other channel's videos.  We are encouraging all partners to create a GTChannel Featured Partner Playlist.  This playlist will include videos that you select from your fellow GTChannel partners.  These videos can be related to your niche or just videos worth sharing - but all should be videos you think your audience would love.

Why is this good for my channel?  

One of the most important factors for channels is the time the audience spends on your channel.  This helps search, and even your cpm.  The beauty of this win-win is that you are creating a portal where the audience can hang out because you are providing a variety of content for your audience.  In addition, you are helping the community, as they help you buy sharing your videos on their channel.  

How do I participate?

The next step is to wait for a crew chief to send you a list of partner channels we think share similar interests.  All you have to do is run through these partner channels and find videos you believe your audience would enjoy - then these are put into a GTChannel Featured Partner Playlist on your channel.  If you need help in creating playlists, then we are happy to help > partner@gtchannel.com, 

but you can also take a read here for more info >>Playlists - HOW TO

We will be keeping track of all those participating to make sure everyone is enjoying the fruits of the program.  We don't want 12 partners sharing videos for a partner who doesn't have a partner playlist up.  In that case we will reach out, scold them, and ask them to view there moral compass until they follow suit and join the party.

$25 DOLLARS for Partner Referrals

GTChannel spends a lot of time and effort to track down and find the right partners that have the vision, passion, and spirit to make their automotive channels a success.

What we realized is that many of the great new partners - come from other partners.

And that is exactly what we want to encourage.

Now, until September 1, 2013, we'll be paying $25 dollars to any partner that helps us find a qualified new partner for the GTChannel community. All you have to do is have your friends email us at Partner@GTChannel.com and mention that Partner (user name) suggested I speak to you about joining the largest automotive network on YouTube.

Or you can always email us yourself with contact info for a channel you deem worthy of our team.  We'll reach out to them and if they join the team we'll give you $25.  

I would think you should share the $25 with a beer for the new partner, but we'll let you sort that out.

GREEN FLAG CAMPAIGN >

EBAY MOTORS

Congrats to MrAeroHD for netting the top views in the Green Flag campaign in June.  Well done!  

I just hope I win the GT-R.

Look for more Green Flags coming this summer!

ATTENTION PARTNER:

YouTube is putting on a FREE open online course for content creators, via ...

 Creator Academy

There is limited space to the event, so I encourage anyone interested to signup ASAP.

Lots of good info on the One Channel design conversion.  You'll learn how to turn your channel into daily destination for your viewers and make it look good across all devices.

Help your channel find success with One Channel.  Whether you're just starting out or you want to take your channel to the next level - see how the new YouTube One Channel design can help you build a great experience for your fans and get them to come back for more.

<< Signup Link Here >>  


GTChannel Team