Landscape: Social media reach and influence continues to grow within Australia. According to the good people over at we are social active social media user growth continued to increase by +5.9% (2018 - 2019). While Facebook still sits at the top of the social media pile, with Instagram and LinkedIn enjoying growth as well, YouTube sits not-so-quietly beside them with 2019 numbers sitting at 15,000,000 unique active users per month.

So why should you think about Youtube in a new way?

YouTube is unique compared to other platforms as an accessible (no account login required) platform to easily view content. It's not overwhelming for a less savvy social media consumer, with content being sharable via traditional channels and via popular messaging apps such as WhatsApp or even text message. 

Creating content via YouTube can be relatively easy and should be the 'home' of all of your video content (a source of truth if you like), which you share via Facebook, email campaigns, websites and so forth. YouTube has excellent analytical tools which you business can leverage as well. Just remember to not produce content for the sake of it; make sure it has a purpose or business goal behind it.

At first glance creating quality video content for your business channel can seem technically overwhelming or time consuming however more than likely you already have the tools to get started. Own a smartphone? You have a camera. All late models can now shoot in 4k which YouTube searches love. Avoid shaky video with a simple tri-pod or gimbal and be conscious of your environment when shooting videos (avoid windy, noisey backgrounds if you do not have an external microphone).

As we touched on above, the reach of Youtube is incredible. It's the second most used search engine in the world! This is an excellent opportunity to connect with domestic and international markets. While many social media users will sit there all day scrolling past endless content, most people who engage with YouTube are actively looking for something - and this could be your business or product!

You only have to look around your workplace, public transport or even your own home to know that a large number of people prefer to watch content instead of reading it. Videos capture people's attention and can often make things easier to understand with short, sharp and informative content. Your YouTube channel can also be used to answer customer questions via comments or link to other products.