When a 2-year old can manipulate an iPad, Phone, or any multimedia device, a audience's expectations are typically the same, they expect user engagement. The days of simple reading are over. Our audience expects buttons to press, activity to happen in order for them to read on.
According to a 2018 research poll by Statista.com, they noted the average YouTube video is 11.7 minutes long. Ironically, research states that an ideal video should be around 2 minutes. Also to note, a video audience only has an attention span for 30 seconds to be engaged or 1/3 of your audience disappears and goes elsewhere. Videos under 5 minutes will generally garner the most user engagement.
If you pay attention to trends with social apps, Instagram allows 60 second videos, TikTok allows 6-15 second video uploads and Twitter currently (2020) allows 2mins, 20secs. (140 seconds). In other words, our attention spans are continuing to diminish. Be purposeful and concise with what your message is and involving your audience is key.
How can I involve my audience? That is a tricky question because it depends on what you are presenting. If you are doing a video or vlog, you can engage a user by using some of the following thoughts and ideas.
1. Have a website that partners with your vlog/video that is a live or linked poll that allows a user to provide input (and also be an opportunity for research polls for you). For free sites, you can use Weebly or WordPress to compliment your content and videos.
2. Tell your story as a "Story" with a "B roll" of media. Don't let it just be your face/mouth telling the story.
3. Plan your video from the audience's perspective. For example, ask yourself,
5. Provide 1-3 questions, or thought provoking concepts of what you covered at a appropriate break in your video. For example, every 1-2 minutes.
6. Use appropriate background music. A great way to download and use free audio loops or songs is YouTube's Audio Library (link), and PlayOnLoop Audio Library (link).
7. Open the comments area on your YouTube Channel - allow people to post their remarks or questions there.
8. If possible, embed links into your video or at least into your information/bio section of your video.
9. End on a meaningful note and include a teaser for your next idea or video.
According to a 2018 research poll by Statista.com, they noted the average YouTube video is 11.7 minutes long. Ironically, research states that an ideal video should be around 2 minutes. Also to note, a video audience only has an attention span for 30 seconds to be engaged or 1/3 of your audience disappears and goes elsewhere. Videos under 5 minutes will generally garner the most user engagement.
If you pay attention to trends with social apps, Instagram allows 60 second videos, TikTok allows 6-15 second video uploads and Twitter currently (2020) allows 2mins, 20secs. (140 seconds). In other words, our attention spans are continuing to diminish. Be purposeful and concise with what your message is and involving your audience is key.
How can I involve my audience? That is a tricky question because it depends on what you are presenting. If you are doing a video or vlog, you can engage a user by using some of the following thoughts and ideas.
1. Have a website that partners with your vlog/video that is a live or linked poll that allows a user to provide input (and also be an opportunity for research polls for you). For free sites, you can use Weebly or WordPress to compliment your content and videos.
2. Tell your story as a "Story" with a "B roll" of media. Don't let it just be your face/mouth telling the story.
3. Plan your video from the audience's perspective. For example, ask yourself,
- What are the most interesting parts in my topic?
- How much will the audience know about my topic? What level do I target it at?
- Which members of the audience will most likely be disinterested?
- How can I help them learn and understand my topic?
5. Provide 1-3 questions, or thought provoking concepts of what you covered at a appropriate break in your video. For example, every 1-2 minutes.
6. Use appropriate background music. A great way to download and use free audio loops or songs is YouTube's Audio Library (link), and PlayOnLoop Audio Library (link).
7. Open the comments area on your YouTube Channel - allow people to post their remarks or questions there.
8. If possible, embed links into your video or at least into your information/bio section of your video.
9. End on a meaningful note and include a teaser for your next idea or video.