5 fabulous video tips - and videos - from YouTubers
- Fri, December 16 2011
- Filed under: Video
In 2007, YouTube stars, the Vlogbrothers aka Hank and John Green, started an initiative called Project for Awesome, calling for YouTube users across the world to “take over YouTube” by creating videos that promote their favorite charities and causes. Last year Project for Awesome generated 10 million video views, raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, and was the #1 trending topic on twitter for 36 hours.
I asked the YouTubers for some tips in honor of their 5th year anniversary of P4A . They shared these tips, with examples from years past, about how to make a great video for your favorite cause or organization:
1. Be funny and catchy. Don’t be totally inappropriate with your humor and use a song! Check out this 2010 example promoting Malaria No More:
2. Engage viewers. Involve your audience by asking for response videos, matching donations, and ‘likes’. For example, you could donate a dollar for every ‘like’ or view up to a certain amount. This YouTuber had viewers vote on how he should help a community in Bangladesh:
3. Illustrate the problem. Use images and statistics to tell a story and show that your cause is tackling an important issue:
4. Get personal. Share your reason why a certain cause or charity is dear to your heart, like in this 2008 Project for Awesome video:
5. Be yourself. Keep it short and simple and just explain why your cause or charity is totally awesome and how people can get involved. Check out this 2009 example: