Online Video has become an integral part of online activity and communication either through social networking sites, smart phones, etc. They have provided a more efficient means or receiving and sending information. Online videos are an essential element in content marketing, due to creativity and originality encouraged. The more interactive and engaging a video is, the better the chance consumers will have of remembering set video especially in comparison with traditional forms of expressing information e.g. articles. Cisco (2013) predicts by 2017 video will represent 69% of all consumer traffic (see her for the full study)
Growth of Online Videos
Trimble (2013) highlights online video have seen tremendous growth among consumers as they provide an alternative means to access information and entertainment that can be viewed by consumers in their own time and setting. Videos are a significant focus on social media sites, as the ability to upload a video and share it with friends is an integral part of user-generated content. Especially with the introduction of video sharing services such Youtube and more recently Vine, Instagram.
ICEF Monitor (2014) highlight during 2013 Vine users rose by 400% while Instagram users grew by 130%, showcasing the strength of video sharing services. Online videos growth is reflective of the surge in smartphone ownership that has enabled a variety of functions being performed. Pun (2013) conducted consumer survey revealing 71% of people used a smartphone to access social media.
Advantages of Online Videos
- Expands Brand Exposure– becoming accessible on social networking sites enables for increased reach to consumers due to platforms interlinking. Facebook users can easily share video to Twitter user leading to increased exposure and higher chances of video going viral.
- Higher Position among Search Engines– Davey (2013) highlights Search engines prioritise video more so than text searches. Due to the high number of generic websites that aren’t differentiated from other media therefore consumers are more likely to be drawn by a video in comparison to text.
- Cost Effective Easily Measurable– Due to a video being online they can be viewed for an extended period. Therefore, no extra costs are needed if business seek to upload the video again. Analytics can be developed to determine the effectiveness of video and how competently a role they are playing in increasing sales.
- Helps Branding– Provides a better portrayal of business and products through verbal communication and physical expression showcasing high brand quality. A prime example is T- mobile video of mass sing along in Trafalgar Square, which furthered image as an engaging and connected mobile network.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H47N9lk2xhI
Conclusion
Online videos has seen huge growth over the past five years with this growth predicted to continue therefore implementation of this platform will enable for greater diversity of marketing amongst competitors whilst also improving awareness and engagement of consumers due to the originality and creativity that can be displayed through videos.
References
Cisco (2013) [Online] http://www.cisco.com/en/US/solutions/collateral/ns341/ns525/ns537/ns705/ns827/white_paper_c11-481360_ns827_Networking_Solutions_White_Paper.html [Accessed 1st May 2015]
Distilled (2013) [Online] https://www.distilled.net/training/video-marketing-guide/.[Accessed 2ns May 2015]
Davet, L (2013) Why it’s vital to add video to your marketing mix.[ Online]https://econsultancy.com/blog/63915-why-it-s-vital-to-add-video-to-your-marketing-mix-2/#comments Accessed 20th March 2015]
ICEF Monitor (2013) Explosive growth of social video opens new channel for student recruiters. [Online]http://monitor.icef.com/2014/03/explosive-growth-of-social-video-opens-new-channel-for-student-recruiters/ Accessed 5th May 2015].
Pun, R (2013) Adobe 2013 mobile consumer survey: 71% of people use mobile to access Social Media. [Online] http://blogs.adobe.com/digitalmarketing/mobile/adobe-2013-mobile-consumer-survey-71-of-people-use-mobile-to-access-social-media/ [Accessed 5th May 2015]
Tremble (2013) Why online video is the future of content marketing [Online] http://www.theguardian.com/small-business-network/2014/jan/14/video-content-marketing-media-online [Accessed 1st May 2015]