When you’re first getting started with video marketing, it can already be a little daunting just getting your videos made.
Then there’s the whole extra strategy of marketing your videos.
There are so many sites that you can actually upload your videos to but the biggest are definitely Facebook and YouTube.
Facebook and YouTube both have their own unique features for video sharing.
Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
While you can use both platforms for your video goals, there are certain things you want to keep in mind.
Let’s go over some of the pros of Facebook first.
Video sharing
Facebook videos can be instantly shared.
You see a video in your news video and you can easily click on the Share link and all your connections can see the video in their newsfeed.
Now, this doesn’t mean all their connections will see it but there is potential for a lot of eyeballs on your video.
Another interesting feature is that when multiple people share the same video, you see that as well.
This gives even more social status to your video.
On YouTube, you can share videos but you do have to choose where you want to share them.
Once you click on the Share link, you will have a myriad of choices and your brain needs to think a little more than with sharing on Facebook.
Video Comments
More people comment on Facebook videos.
This is because you are already logged in to your Facebook account when you see a video.
The comment box is directly under the video and it’s easy to see how many other comments there are on the video.
On YouTube, you can watch as many videos as you want, but to comment on a video you have to be logged in to your YouTube account.
Now let’s look at the pros of YouTube
YouTube videos can be shared on Facebook, Twitter, and any other site that lets you post a link.
This means you have more opportunities to have your video shared from YouTube across the Internet.
Facebook videos cannot be shared off of Facebook.
Video Embeds
YouTube videos can also be embedded on other websites.
Many videos are uploaded with what’s called Creative Commons license which means anyone can embed that video on their site.
The benefit of this is that you can have your branding anywhere in the video for others to see.
Website owners and bloggers are always looking for other content they can leverage that provides value to their audience.
It’s a win-win in that they don’t have to produce content and you get exposure to their audience.
If their followers enjoy your video they may come to your channel to see what else you have.
They also have the choice to watch that embedded video on YouTube.
Video search
YouTube is not only a video sharing site, it is also the second-largest search engine.
It’s not surprising to know that “How-to” searches are up on YouTube 70% year after year.
Many people go to YouTube when to learn how to do something, product review, how to make something, and more.
They use YouTube to search for the answers especially when they feel a visual answer will be more beneficial than reading a bunch of text.
Videos ranked in the search engines
While many people search directly in YouTube, even if they are searching on Google, videos can be ranked in the search results.
You’ve likely seen that.
This won’t be for every search term but there are many, many times when you will see videos in the results along with other web pages.
Video Shelf Life
Another benefit is that YouTube videos have a longer shelf life.
Your videos will be viewed over a longer period of time since people are either searching for them or subscribing to your channel or seeing your videos in related suggestions.
There are more opportunities for viewers to find your videos.
On Facebook, once the video is no longer in the newsfeed there is less opportunity for someone to find your video.
If they are on your page and look at your video tab, then they would be able to find your videos again.
There are actually many more advantages to each site as well.
I recommend using both platforms for your videos.
All you need to do is tweak your video a bit so it works on each platform.
YouTube has specific end screens you can use that will help direct viewers elsewhere and you want to take advantage of that.
Facebook, while they are auto-playing video now, many people still watch without sound so you want to be sure to add in onscreen text or use the captions.
But you will want to upload your own caption file as the auto-generated captions are not one-hundred percent accurate.
This goes for YouTube closed captions as well.
You’ll get more life and leverage out of your videos if you create them for both YouTube and Facebook.
By uploading your videos natively to Facebook, you will get more love from Facebook as they prefer to keep users on their site and not send them over to YouTube.
Now go get started with making awesome videos.
If you need some help, we’re just a phone call away. Schedule a strategy session with us today to see how we can help.
