Why do some Web shows, videoblogs, webisodes, or just plain ol’ Internet videos work and others don’t? Why do some only get a few hits and others get a few hundred thousand hits?

Certain elements can make your video stand out from the crowd and leave the viewer wanting more, and I am not talking about lighting, sound, and camera work.  Many times successful Internet video has to do with the presenter, the content, or the style, and if these things are “good,” then sometimes nothing else matters.  Here are a few elements I have noticed that “give good video” on the Internet.  By “good,” I mean videos that not only accumulate tons of hits and create a fan base but that are entertaining and stand out from the crowd – oh, and aren’t porn.

1. An over-the-top and fun personality or reality host who exudes passion about their subject matter from every pore is fun to watch!

I could list hundreds of Internet videos that are successful because of this element. A good host, presenter, or personality – is KEY especially for a Web series.  Recently, a friend turned me on to Gary Vaynerchuk’s Wine Library TV and Gary’s video personality is a perfect example of what I am talking about. He has created a web show about his passion – wine, and it shows!  He opens his videos almost yelling with enthusiasm and it is funny how he pronounces his long and not easily pronounceable name so that all of us can learn to pronounce it and in turn, even remember it, “ Vayn —- NER — CHUCK!”  His stamina and excitement for whatever wine he is tasting or reviewing never wanes and even if you aren’t a wine enthusiast, you are still drawn in to watching Gary because his over-the-top approach to wine tasting keeps your attention in that way that only fun, dynamic camera personalities can.

Watch Gary Review Wine

2. Funny, well written content is appreciated by a web audience.

Of course, we have all watched the bloopers on YouTube and yes, a lot of them are funny and it is good video but that’s not what I am talking about here. When you have a good script and good people acting in it, you can create great Internet video. A perfect example is Wainy Days, which is a web series by David Wain, a feature film comedy writer/director.  Each video is shot like a documentary (i.e. mockumentary) but it is all scripted and quite funny. Of course, it helps that he is friends with great comedic actors like Elizabeth Banks and Jonah Hill and they appear in his videos. However, even when he shoots the videos with unknown actors, the shows are compelling and funny because, well, he is a good writer.

Watch Wainy Days

3. Visually demonstrating useful instructions or explanations to others is a great way to show your expertise and get an audience.

Yes, it’s true. People love to learn visually and many people turn to the Internet to watch videos on How-To Do things – more everyday. Just visit the Internet video site Howcast.com if you don’t believe me. You can learn anything from How to Kiss Like Angelina Jolie to How to Use Twitter.  Making a video on how to use Twitter, which as we all know, is growing in popularity like wildfire – is a smart way to also have your video potentially go viral as well.  If everyone is using Twitter, think how many people need to learn how to Tweet!

Good luck with vlogging and please visit www.spinandstir.com for more information on Internet video production and marketing!

Kendall Morgan Rhodes is the founder and a producer of the new media production and marketing company, Spin and Stir and teaching SMARTY’s Peer to Peer Workshop, Put the You in YouTube: What Video Can Do For Your Business.

Peer to Peer programs are intimate micro-workshops facilitated by SMARTY Members and experts in their field. The small-group setting allows attendees to meet in a cozy atmosphere, while finding education and connections on specific topics related to their business development.

Browse Timeline

• « New Love Incorporated: RE-Falling For Your Business
• » Aren’t You Just a Little Curious?

Comments ( 5 )

Add a Comment