18 MayNon-profits take advantage of You Tube revolution

In a world where a cat playing a game on an iPad can get a million hits, it can sometimes feel like You Tube is a waste of time. But it’s far from the fact. The arrival of You Tube in the film world is the equivalent of the 1832 Reform Act to politcs (look it up history fans).

You Tube, along with smart phones, have democratised the world of video. Now anyone with video on their phones can record and distribute their own short films. Of course some are pretty bad, but some are also really good.

Non profits should grab the opportunities that online video services like You Tube and Vimeo, throw at them. And not every production needs to be Oscar winning. Give your volunteers a camera for the day and ask them to create a video diary; ask your fundraisers to film themselves on their sponsored mountain trek; or get your services users to record messages of thanks for your funders and pop them into an e-edition of your annual report.

Video files can be transferred to you via services like Drop Box or You Send It. And You Tube have built in editing features on their site. Plus there are plenty of online tutorials with great editing tips.

You Tube are also now offer a special package for non-profits to help them improve their You Tube channels. The programme is called YouTubeServe,and offers 20 hours of support, including one-to-one coaching. Applications are open until 25 May and all your have to do is fill in this form.