There was a time where only the richest of the rich could create video. It took a lot of expensive equipment and you had to own a television station. When the Internet became prevalent in consumers’ lives and web video became possible, everyone was given the opportunity to share their own videos. Some film for personal use, others for business while most people simply watch and share with their friends.
There is a lot of apprehension with web video for many people due to time consumption, technical difficulty and a learning curve, but let’s take a look at some 2010 stats about web video to see where there is opportunity for business people like you.
Source: Clickr.com.
It’s not just about Chocolate Rain.
Currently, 69% of adult Internet users watch or download online videos which is a really high number. Although the chart doesn’t reveal as much, I know it to be true that a large portion of those web videos are viewed via mobile device. What you should read into these numbers is that it is a rapidly changing world and it’s not all about pop culture references being born, there is a major business opportunity here.
Oh my, what a little number. It’s so… cute.
One of the numbers that jumped out to me is that 14% of people posted videos online which is a paltry number… and good news for you. If you have the propensity for video, it may feel as if the medium is already overly saturated given that over 35 hours of video are uploaded to YouTube every minute (almost double that of 2009), it is still a wildly open arena to explore. If volume has risen so much yet only 14% of people are posting video, the case can be made that a low number of people are making a lot of noise.
The fastest growing segment of uploaders is…
When looking at the demographics of web video uploaders, the fastest growing segment is users age 30-49 with the 50+ growth rate not far behind. Some are intimidated by the young faces once dominating the medium, but users of all ages are breaking down those walls to include content creators of all ages.
Who’s watching? Fraternities or CEOs?
Taking a closer look at income and education levels of web video viewers reveals a hopeful indicator- it’s not drunk college kids watching video, the biggest demographic of viewers is well educated, affluent adults. Imagine putting together a professional business video and having no one to watch it. That’s so 2003.
Good news! There’s room for growth!
The diversity of content posted is equally astounding with the only clear cut dominant genre being home videos, leaving a lot of room for growth of real estate or business web videos. With the rise of Twitter and Facebook, sharing others’ content is among the most popular activities which is golden for web video creators.
Putting web video into your business plan for 2011
Web video is no different than any other web medium- the playing field is level. Someone with a shaky flip cam and great sense of humor can do as well as a professional studio these days. Google can transcribe video now and is very web video friendly, giving agents who use video an advantage in the search engines. We know that it is a scary proposition for anyone who hates their face on film, but there are endless ways to incorporate video into your real estate business and we encourage you to put web video into your 2011 marketing plan whether you invest the time in learning how to do it yourself or hiring it out. How will you ramp up your video content production in 2011?
Benjamin Ficker
December 8, 2010 at 2:22 pm
“I know it to be true that a large portion of those web videos are viewed via mobile device.”
How do you know this? I’m asking because I RARELY watch videos on my phone (Droid). I would like to, but the lag time means it makes more sense to watch them on my lap top. I guess “large portion” is subjective?
I’m working on videos for my blog now, and hopefully should have a bunch up and running for the new year.
Can you give examples of people using video REALLY well for their sites? The big ones I know of are Group 46:10 in Phoenix (shortsalepowerhour.com and myfirstshortsale.com) and Ian Watt (IanWatt.ca).
Kelsey Teel
December 9, 2010 at 1:18 pm
Hey Benjamin, I watch videos on my iPhone everyday at least once. The lag time doesn’t really bother me because there usually isn’t any at all. It is interesting to note that “Mobile Subscribers Watching Video on a Mobile Phone” has increased 43.87% in the past year alone. Here is the link to more specific data: blog.nielsen.com/nielsenwire/online_mobile/americans-watch-more-mobile-video-now-than-ever/
Our writer, Herman Chan is a great example of someone who uses video well. Check out his article posted today for a few pointers. Sam Ferreri is another example. He may not be everyone’s cup of tea but he has been really successful using video blogging also.
Benjamin Ficker
December 9, 2010 at 3:06 pm
I just haven’t gotten into it and many of my friends haven’t either. I guess because we usually have our laptops out we opt for that.
I tried looking for Sam Ferreri videos (on his website, Google, etc.) and couldn’t find anything. In Pearland, right?
Not sure Herman’s style is for me, but I can see why his personality would get a lot of attention through his videos!
My focus is on Short Sales, and I think there is a lot of misinformation out there regarding the process/what’s possible. My idea is to have a series on what homeowners need to know about short sales/foreclosures and why short sales are the best option. Then I would post updated videos that would be more specific about changes with different banks, the short sale market, and foreclosures. So one part FAQ and one part what its like in the trenches. A good example of the structure I would be emulating is myfirstshortsale.com.
One quick note, HD video is not for everyone. I never realized the bags under my puffy eyes before. UGH.
Kelsey Teel
December 9, 2010 at 3:39 pm
If I am already on my laptop, of course I prefer to watch videos there but I find myself increasingly using my iPhone for ANYTHING I can. It’s just so convenient. Try typing Sam Ferreri into YouTube. There are a ton of videos there.
Good luck with your short sale videos, sounds like you have your niche down…run with it! and OMG I don’t even want to know what I look like on HD video….GROSS!
hermanchan.com
December 9, 2010 at 12:13 am
thanks for breakin it down lani! great post.
video is defintiely under utilized out there. i asked my audience at NARdigras how many ppl fb’d tweeted blogged , everyone and their grandma raised their hands. when i asked who videoblogged, only 1 gal raised her hand. by default she has already set herself from the crowd!
it’s cheap and fast, so everyone should give it a try at least once. 🙂