Youtube, the video platform that shook the internet, shot to popularity in 2005, when YouTube co-founder Jawed Karim posted the first-ever Video (‘Me at the Zoo’) on the platform. Now, sixteen years later, over two billion logged-in users visit Youtube each month.
In 2021, as the most popular marketing method, video marketing is essential to any new, old or evolving brand. Over the past sixteen years, marketers have had to adapt their strategies to move simultaneously with the ever-growing digital world, battling through countless social media platforms, SEO methods and video advancements.
So, where did it all begin? Let’s look at where video marketing came from, where it is now, and where it’s heading.
In The Beginning
1941 – Bulova ran the first-ever video Ad commercial on a New York TV Channel. They only $4 on their ad and paved the way for other brands.
1981 – Hello MTV! The popular channel debuted just after midnight on August 1, broadcasting “Video Killed the Radio Star” by the Buggles.
1984 – Superbrand Apple destroyed ad marketing records with their world-renowned Macintosh commercial, first aired during the Superbowl.
2005 – Youtube is created. Nike is the first brand to jump in on a well-spotted marketing opportunity, as the first brand to reach over 1 million views of the Brazilian footballer Ronaldo, receiving his golden boots.
2006 – Google buys Youtube for 1.65 billion dollars (wow).
The Rise of YouTube
December 2005 : Youtube was reaching up to 8 million views a day. It was mainly used for personal videos and sharing.
Early 2007 : a baby named Charlie bit his brother’s finger, you remember it, right? “Charlie bit my finger” was the first YouTube video to go viral.
Fun fact : The family revealed in 2017 that the clip has raked in more than £1 million in royalties.
August 2007 : Google introduces its first ads on YouTube videos.
December 2007 : YouTube rolls out its “Partner Program” to select creators, allowing them to earn money from their content based on ad revenue.
November 2008 : YouTube expands its ad offerrings to include sponsored videos and pre-rolls ads.
April 2009 : YouTube creates Vevo in response to music companies’ complaints about piracy and unfair licensing terms.
October 2009 : YouTube surpasses the milestone of 1 billion views a day. Over 20 hours of video are being uploaded to YouTube every minute.
December 2010 : YouTube introduces skippable ads with a format called “TrueView,” allowing consumers to skip over ads after five seconds and launch straight into the videos they want to watch.
April 2011 : The launch of YouTube Live. YouTube Live has allowed the site to stream all content types.
March 2013 : YouTube reaches 1 billion monthly users.
February 2015 : Google launches a “family-friendly” version of the video platform called YouTube Kids.
Today : 74% of adults in the U.S. now use YouTube and the world’s second-most visited website – right after its parent company, Google.
It’s been quite a ride for YouTube and its users. If you’re still not taking advantage of Video Marketing and the potential reach Youtube offers, here is why you should.
1 – Builds Credibility
Build your brands credibility and authority by informing and interacting with your audience. Video is a direct and straightforward way to communicate with your target audience whilst sharing your products, mission and brand values.
2 – Makes Your Brand Personable
Video gives your brand a real voice. It lets people get to know your values and become part of your community.
3 – So Many Possibilities
You can incorporate so many types of marketing videos into your strategy, letting your YouTube channel flourish. Check out our blog 16 Types Of Marketing Video Explained for some pointers.
4 – Huge Potential Reach
According to the latest YouTube statistics, the video-sharing platform has 2.3 billion users worldwide as of 2021 (Statista, 2021).
