Communication Value of YouTube
YouTube has come a long way since primarily showcasing music videos, movie trailers and people injuring themselves by attempting those stunts they probably shouldn’t have in the first place. Today, YouTube is widely used as a means of communication by messengers (those looking to share information) and audiences (those in search of). In an industry where our job is helping to foster effective communication, we see the value in utilizing YouTube as tool for both messengers and audiences.
Consider the following… Due to demanding schedules, doctors often have a limited amount of time to spend with each patient, but what if there was a way the patient could “take the doctor home” with them? Enter YouTube. By way of video communication via a simple link, doctors can provide patients with detailed on-screen overviews, explanations and answers that meet their specific needs. Next time the patient sees their doctor time can be focused on addressing specific questions or concerns based on what the patient has learned from the YouTube video.
YouTube is customizable to fit many communication needs, but as a general rule of practice, it’s helpful to remember the following:
- State your message clearly – viewers should walk away with a better understanding of something
- Know your audience – make the video accessible to them
- Make it interesting - dull doesn’t keep attention
