3-ways-to-use-video-marketing-in-2016Are you currently leveraging video marketing? Do you wonder if you’re maximizing your efforts with the right strategies and techniques? Don’t worry – you aren’t alone. Video marketing is constantly evolving and it’s sometimes difficult to stay on top of current trends.

3 Ways to Leverage Video This Year

In 2016, video is poised to undergo a lot of growth and dispersion as more and more businesses begin to adopt video-based content strategies alongside existing marketing approaches. Here are some of the ways many will be using video this year.

1. Product Description Videos

Video is excellent when it comes to explaining products and services to customers. This is especially true when it comes to explaining new concepts that don’t currently exist in the marketplace.

Take Military Flight Travel as an example. They offer military members and their families convenient flight planning services that reduce the upfront financial burden and streamline the process. Their service is fairly unique, and one that some customers may not know about. In order to clearly explain the idea and how it works, Military Flight Travel incorporates a video into the homepage that can be viewed as desired.

But it’s not just new concepts and services that are using product description videos. Many retail stores are using video to give customers a better look at products in use. Hardware stores – including big box players like Home Depot and Lowes – are known for this. Here’s an example of a product listing with videos in the description.

2. Video-Based Social Networks

In 2016, massive growth is expected on the social networking side of video. Not only will platforms like Vine and Snapchat continue to be successful, but live streaming social networks like Periscope and Meerkat will see large scale adoption as they move out of their infancy and into a more mature and stable position.

Thousands of marketers are already using Periscope to try progressive marketing strategies, including brands like Red Bull, Spotify, and Adidas. But the biggest potential is for smaller niche brands. We’re seeing a lot of bloggers and internet personalities leveraging Periscope in powerful ways. One such example is sports writer Clay Travis, who actually chose to forgo a radio contract for the opportunity to host daily Periscope shows.

In the coming months, it’ll be interesting to see how big brands – who typically play things safe and go with very calculated marketing strategies – will use live streaming social platforms, which are designed to have a grassroots feel.

3. YouTube Channels

Finally, you can’t forget about the power of YouTube. If you want to be relevant in the video marketing scene in 2016, you absolutely must have a YouTube channel. YouTube has a massive audience, streamlined publishing platform, and allows for direct monetization.

The challenging part about launching a YouTube channel is figuring out which strategy you want to pursue. Some brands use their channels to host webinars and weekly shows, while others prefer to use their channels as a place to disseminate advertising content, commercials, and product promos.

There are a lot of different strategies – and you’ll have to hone in on one or two that you believe will work for your brand – but the important thing is that you launch a YouTube channel and begin using it. We’re at a point where most savvy consumers will raise their eyebrows if you don’t have a YouTube channel. It’s almost like they ask themselves, “What are they hiding?”

Use Video the Right Way

Video is a powerful content medium. While it can be extremely effective when properly leveraged, it can also be quite damaging when used ineffectively. As you develop a plan and strategy for 2016, keep the aforementioned tips in mind and find unique ways to get creative.