Nicole Angela

Before I begin this incredibly insightful article written by a girl who is simply passionate about PR and YouTube as separate entities, and as one, and definitely is not a leader in the field, or a secret Google employee (one day…). I want to formally apologize for the two months of silence on this blog. I’d love to say that it’s because I’m so sort after in my field that I’ve had very little time to get to this blog, but let’s be honest. We all know I’m just a little bit flaky (authenticity, amiright..?).

ANYWAY, steering the conversation back to the topic at hand, I want to discuss PR (and business communications) and its cross-over with YouTube as a social media platform. Now, I want to be totally honest here and say that I have a bias opinion on this matter in that I think that combining these communication tools provides and incredible opportunity for both parties, and I will tell you why.

YouTube, to me, is a place that is both open to the public as well as being accessible by businesses, brands and celebrities. Think of PR campaigns that have been run through YouTube like Save The Children and Dumb Ways To Die, which both have awesome coverage. These were fantastic PR campaigns however this platform is also open to the likes of Zoella, Pewdiepie and Jenna Marbles, vloggers and all names I imagine you’ve at least heard of. The diversity of this platform is what first drew me to it.

There are many ways to utilise YouTube. Having just passed its 10^th Birthday, people have had plenty of time to work out new ways to thrive on YouTube and yet I still feel it is being underutilised. The average person, with the right equipment and motivation, can earn their living through becoming a YouTuber (#TeamInternet). Monetization, Ad revenue, sponsorships. Dedicate enough time and love into a channel (not to mention following those trends) and you could potentially establish yourself in the community.

On the flip side, businesses also have access to this opportunity, however in a slightly different way. I personally feel that businesses could do so much more with YouTube than they are already doing, some companies are doing it right, as you can see from the videos I mentioned before, however not all are. YouTube allows for the opportunity to make the company feel more personable and authentic and give it a face, and not just the face of the guy yelling ‘SALE!!!’ at you through the TV. Think behind the scenes, talks with important industry professionals, live-streams, a channel in which you can talk to your audience and have them be able to connect to a face. Use YouTube like you use SnapChat, just a little more refined.

I feel that, especially within fashion brands, YouTube is a must have and as mentioned, I’m 100% bias as I am definitely a supporter of the platform. This however, is just a little insight into what I’ve learnt through my university degree and what I’ve observed through studying PR and business communication in my free time.

Let me know what you think, is YouTube INCREDIBLE or do you have a number of reasons why you think it’s the weakest of the social media platforms? I’d love to hear.

So, like, comment and subscribe (share, comment and follow) and I’ll see you next week (don’t hold me to that) for another video (blog post).

P.S. Check out my ‘Projects’ tab for a mini-documentary I uploaded to YouTube as well.

--

Words and Some Pictures by Nicole Dickson

Photo Links:

YouTube Logo: http://www.jocelynpook.com/news/official-jocelyn-pook-youtube-soundcloud/

Computer and Coffee: http://blog.springnest.com/blog/tag/youtube/

Team Internet: https://wanelo.com/p/31523522/team-internet-youtube-logo-by-youtuber-club

I watched a video recently that motivated me to share my opinion about technology and whether it’s the downfall or upsurge within our generation. Personally, I think it’s a little of both.

On one hand look at all the grief it’s caused us. Selfie obsessions involving finding the perfect filter and angle for your aesthetic and fabricated Insta-celebs showing off a perfect life that they are merely playing a part for, these are some of many complications. But that’s not even getting into how certain devices are built and the pollution due to unwanted mobile phones and laptops. There are a lot of problems that have developed due to our obsession with technology, there’s no doubt about that.

But if we are talking purely about what it can and has done for us, then I’m going pro-technology (however keep in mind I live in a first world country, so my opinions are my own from my experiences).

In terms of how it has benefited me in my life, I can safely say I wouldn’t be doing what I am today without technology. Hell, my entire university degree was practically built on our use of technology.

Every generation has new developments that send people into a moral panic and are thus overwhelmed with the desire to ‘protect the children!’ Think of how video killed the radio star and how DVD’s slowly ate away at the shelf life of our beloved VHS tapes. But right now I’m writing this blog, reviewing events/ venues online and am doing what I enjoy while being given the opportunity to show that to my friends and family around Queensland thanks to the internet. This blog literally would not be possible without technology. Goodbye internet, goodbye laptop.

Not only this, but think about it medically, these developments in technology are not just inclusive of our Instagram feeds and music playlists. I for one, constantly have my phone on me in case my blood sugar levels drop and I need help, it not only provides a sense of protection but also the ability to call for any required help. Additionally, as spoken about in my last post, I have an insulin pump. This in itself is an advancement in technology and one that is actually keeping me alive and I’m not alone in my dependence on this type of technology.

So yes, there are problems regarding our obsession with technology and who knows, one day The Matrix might come true, but being able to make friends and connect with people whether they be right beside you or half way across the world really doesn’t seem so bad. Places like Youtube, Tumblr and similar sites have communities of people who thrive on the ability to connect with people similar to them and express themselves in a way they feel comfortable.

Before you start hating on technology remember that it’s okay to be scared of change, and new technological developments are an unknown that could thrive or fall and have various repercussions. But when push comes to shove this has happened for centuries and will continue to happen for centuries more and so the best we can do for now is find a balance between our dependence on technology and our desire for what we consider the simpler days.