Quick overview of video platforms to engage your ideal audience (Youtube, Facebook, Blab, Periscope)
Channel: George Kao
Date: 2015-11-23

A question was asked by Lure Wishes (thanks Lure) -- what video platforms to use, to engage with one's audience, e.g. Facebook, Youtube, Blab, Periscope, etc?

It's easier than ever to create & share video, to draw new kindred spirits to you, and to nurture your relationship with your current audience.

The type of video I usually make is a "selfie video" which is the easiest method for sharing one's ideas and experiences with the world.

HOW TO EASILY RECORD VIDEO:

If you're using a Windows computer the easiest is using Windows Movie Maker.  For step by step instructions, go to the following link and use "Method 1" --
http://m.wikihow.com/Record-from-a-Webcam

If you're using Mac, here's a 1-minute tutorial on how to use Photo Booth (it comes with the Mac) to easily record a selfie video:
http://youtu.be/ksTDRPjyEQ4

If you prefer to record a video outside, and you have a smartphone (iPhone or Android) -- then simply use the Camera app, which is already installed on your phone.  After you record a video, plug your phone into your computer.  Download the video to your computer, and upload it to Facebook and/or Youtube.  

WHICH PLATFORM TO USE FOR SHARING VIDEO?

*YOUTUBE* is the most popular video platform, and will give your video the longest-term reach.  To upload your video, go to http://youtube.com/upload .  If you want your video to be discovered, it's important to give it an interesting title.  Of course, make the title very relevant to the video itself, or you'll get some thumbs-down.

*FACEBOOK* is quickly catching up with Youtube, and I've found that compared to Youtube, the videos I upload directly to Facebook get a *lot* more views and engagement within the first few weeks of upload.  To upload: where you would normally write a status update, click on the Photo/Video button right above the status update area.  Then upload your video file.  

*GOOGLE, LINKEDiN, TWITTER* -- You can't upload a video directly to Google+, LinkedIn, and Twitter, so upload it to Youtube first, then share it on those platforms if you have an audience there that you want to engage with.

*BLAB* is a new video platform that makes it easy to offer live webinars, lectures, workshops, or to do video interviews and panel discussions.  You can have up to 3 other simultaneous guest speakers, although you can have unlimited audience.  Or you can just be by yourself and make it a lecture/workshop.  It's free to use, and easy to record your blab video (just click the Record button once you start broadcasting.)  After you stop the recording, it'll automatically upload to your Youtube channel if you have one.  Check out my previous Blab sessions here: https://blab.im/GeorgeKao

*PERISCOPE* is a fun in-the-moment mobile video platform that was created by Twitter (the company).  People use it to record spontaneous "here's something cool that's happening..." and the replays are only available on Periscope for 24 hours, so it rewards the behavior of followers staying on top of those they're following.  You can however sign up for another free service called Katch.me that can automatically "catch" your Periscope videos and have it replay perpetually.  Here's my Katch profile: http://katch.me/GeorgeKao
A lot of people enjoy using Periscope so try it out!

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Any questions, let me know.

Also, if you have tips to share about the above platforms, I welcome you to comment below.
        
Enjoy making your videos!  Remember that you get to quality by going through quantity first.  Your videos *will* get better over time, so start practicing! :)

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