Harness the power of internet media for nonprofits
Originally shared via Nonprofit Tech for Good mailing list in 2014. Social & Mobile Media Service for Nonprofits
(fyi – cut & pasted – not my original work but so worth sharing)
Why YouTube and Video?
- Donors and supporters are increasingly over-whelmed online. Videos and photos often communicate your nonprofit’s story better than text.
- Your chances of creating a “viral” video are about 1 in 5,000,000. Have realistic expectations.
Introduction to YouTube:
- Over one billion unique users visit YouTube each month.
- 100 million people take a social action on YouTube (likes, shares, comments, etc.) every week.
- Forty percent of YouTube traffic occurs on mobile devices.
HOW TO: Set-up and Design a YouTube Channel:
- Create a Google Account. If your nonprofit already has one, then use it to create your new YouTube Channel.
- By default, you will then have a personal Google+ profile from which you can create a Google+ Page.
- If you already have both a YouTube Channel and Google+ Page, you can now easily link the two accounts under Settings > Advanced. Note the YouTube integration into Google+.
- Also, note the integration of YouTube into Google+ Posts.
- The current YouTube Channel design is called One Channel and is designed to accommodate mobile browsing and viewing on smart TVs.
- [Upload an avatar, banner, add links, and about information] [banner dimensions: 2560 x 1440 pixels]
- Add a Channel trailer. (View Save the Children)
- Utilize InVideo Programming under Video Manager > Channel. Also monitor your analytics and take note of the video editing tools.
- If your nonprofit does not have video content, you can still have a YouTube Channel by curating videos using the Playlist function. Add a section(s) to your channel to feature your Playlist(s).
Get Inspired:
- Subscribe to the Nonprofit Video Awards.
- Subscribe to large nonprofits similar to yours in mission and programs. Note that the channels you subscribe to are featured in the YouTube homepage.
- Sign up for the WITNESS Toolkit.
HOW TO: Create Videos for Your Nonprofit:
OPTION 1: Create Your Own Videos
- Purchase a camcorder and a video lighting… or a smartphone or tablet. You could also use stock video.
- You will also need a simple video editing software (Windows Movie Maker is a good free option) and royalty free audio files.
- Video production webinars from Videomaker Magazine.
- Ideally, most videos should be limited to 30-90 seconds and be sure to create an introduction and closing slides.
- View: Nature Conservancy, Ocean Conservancy – ViewBix
- Interview Experts: New Photography: Alex Prager
- Interview Communities Served: Real Story: Judy
- Showcase Events: WildAid’s 2012 Gala: A Wild Night
- Capture Moments: Beagles Rescued from Bankrupt Lab
- Tell a Story: Little Heroes Need Our Help
- Say Thank You: 8 “Thank You” Videos Created by Nonprofits
- Feature Your History, Programs, Location: Save the Children
- Ask for Donations: Big Cat Rescue
- Share Stats and Powerful Quotes: A Billion for a Billion [Infogram Video Infographics]
- Slow Motion: Ballet: A Beautiful Strength
- Fast Motion: Inside Looking Out
OPTION 2: Use Animoto
Animoto automatically produces video slideshows from your photos, video clips and music. It’s free and easy. Premium fees waved for nonprofits via Animoto for a Cause.
OPTION 3: Get a Volunteer
Tap into local universities and colleges! Contact their Career Centers and let them know that you want to hire student interns to produce videos for your nonprofit. Ask for film, art and marketing majors that are looking to build their portfolios.
YouTube’s Nonprofit Program:
- After designing your YouTube Channel, apply to the Google for Nonprofits Program and then enroll to the YouTube for Nonprofits Program.
- The YouTube Nonprofit Program is available to non-political, non-religious, non-health related nonprofits in multiple countries.
YouTube Best Practices:
- Maximize your YouTube SEO using video tags and video titles.
- You may want to include the name of your organization in video titles, such as WildAid.
- Add YouTube icons to your website and blog. (View Nonprofit Tech for Good)
- Insert screenshots of videos into your e-newsletter and link to your website or blog.
- Then, of course, share your videos on social media and embed them into your website and blog.
- Nonprofit Videos that went viral: Follow the Frog, It’s time
Instagram and Vine
- Instagram (15-second videos): Report live from events, create promotional videos, or interview staff, volunteers, and communities served.
- Vine (6-second videos): Thank You Video.
Thank You
- This webinar was sponsored by the Public Interest Registry – the not-for-profit that operates the .ORG domain.
- In the fall they will launch .NGO and .ONG as well as a fundraising-enabled portal to NGOs and .ONGs worldwide.
- Sunrise Period begins January 2015 for registered trademark holders. General availability begins February 2015.
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The Public Interest Registry – the nonprofit that manages the .ORG domain – will be launching the .NGO and .ONG domains in the fall of 2014. Unlike the .ORG domain, .NGO and .ONG will only be made available to validated NGOs, nonprofits, and charities worldwide. To learn more and express your interest in your first choice of the .NGO and .ONG domains, please visit globalngo.org. |
About Frank Strona
As a nationally known writer, educator, advisor, technology, coach, strategic engagement and content specialist, I have been active in the pursuit to improve, educate and promote opportunities that support the engaged learner and business while also preparing the workforce with the tools and skills necessary to stay competitive in a rapidly expanding technology-based world.