In 2005, when YouTube first launched, TV producers and businesses may not have had a second thought about it. Now, YouTube is where more people go for entertainment. With over 1.5 billion monthly active users, there is something for everyone to watch.
The fact that it is free to anyone to view videos makes YouTube more attractive than cable or TV streaming providers like Netflix. Amongst all the videos of people opening up about their lives or pranks they pull on others are stars, some of whom are now representing major products and services.
Others are finding YouTube and other video social media platforms as a way to make money. Through endorsements with brands, it is possible to make a living with these apps. The highest grossing YouTube star, Daniel Middleton (DanTDM), made $16.5 million by posting daily reviews of the game Minecraft.
Making money is not the only reason to get your ducks in a row and start an account with a social media video-sharing app. Your account or channel’s success can accelerate your career in the entertainment industry.
Denver resident Case Walker is an example of how someone can rise to fame with a video- sharing app. He caught the eye of producers for the new Comedy Central show, The Other Two.
The producers of the show came across Walker on the app Musical.ly. Musical.ly is a place where users can upload videos of themselves lip-syncing or dancing to music available on the app. Clips last as long as 60 seconds, and Walker’s will have you in stitches.
Walker gained over 1.7 million followers in one year alone!
The thing that makes Walker so successful is his message to his fans. He doesn’t push any marketing messages or reasons why anyone should follow his account.
Instead, he talks about pursuing positivity and being yourself. In an interview with a local TV station, Walker opened up about his success. “I simply say multiple times throughout my life. Just be yourselves and don’t think about it too hard. Just do it and enjoy what you’re doing.”
Growing a following on video-sharing social media apps is an investment. Here’s what Walker shared about accelerating your follower growth:
- Fans want to be entertained, not marketed to. Reach people in a way that will make them want to share your content without you asking them to.
- Promote your videos on other social media networks and your website.
- Research other users whom you can collaborate with and promote one another’s content.
- Find topics that are trending on the web and cover them in a unique way. Many find this by doing a video parody or spoof that explains things in a lighthearted way.
Follow the basic rules of social media. Be respectful of others, and as Walker puts it, “Don’t care what the heck other people think.”
