There are already over a billion users on Youtube to this date, and everyday, people watch over a million hours of video. This is all thanks to various video creators who have made careers posting videos online. Even Google has started investing in video creators so that would continuously churn out great content. And why not? Youtube is thriving because of these creators.
As a marketer, we see marketing strategies being practiced in all sorts of way. Yes, product advertisements now have a much deeper narrative than before, but they are also using a different tactic. Rather than just blatantly talking about the product or the company, some marketers have tapped into the creator pool of Youtube and let them market their product or company in a very unique way. There are also users who have started making videos for fun until finally finding a way to profit from it.
Here we list down Youtube brand pages which are some of the best in video marketing, Youtube users who have been channels for products to market their brand in a very different way, at the same time, Youtube users who have made use of marketing for themselves.
Dove is smart about how they create and deliver their campaigns effectively to a large target market in which they also aspire to raise awareness for their audience. The Dove Campaign for Real Beauty is a worldwide marketing campaign that has become a game changing innovation for advertisements.
BuzzfeedVideo is widely popular for many online users. There’s not one person who is not familiar with Buzzfeed’s witty and informational videos. It’s considered to be one of the dominant media companies to be on the lookout for since most of their videos on Youtube garner at least a hundred thousand views after it’s been uploaded.
CollegeHumor is a comedy-channel filled with original comedic videos to fill your schedule with laughs and humour on a daily basis. Aside from that, they also host a showcase of viral videos such as comic sketches, funny home videos and bizarre sports highlight.
Coca-Cola is also a brand who has majorly stepped up their game when it comes to video marketing since their advertising campaigns are one veering into the inspirational and heartfelt aspect of marketing and focuses on making the entire content significantly relatable to every person in the world.
TheFineBros is a Youtube channel notable for their reaction videos, wherein a group of people watch clips online and respond to them. Their “React videos are mainly categorized into a variety of series: the Kids React, Teens React, Adults React, Youtubers React and so on.
Nerdist is every geek’s and nerd’s haven of video entertainment. What started as a blog created by Chris Hardwick has now become one of the biggest sites for your dose of geek merchandise, reviews, and recommendations.
VSauce is a Youtube channel brand consisting of 5 other sub-channels. It is created by Michael Stevens and features topics that range from science, technology, philosophy, gaming, culture, and other topics people might be interested in. It has become one of the most subscribed brand channel on Youtube because of the variety of topics they touch on and the constant flow of videos.
Machinima is a gaming and media streaming website that originally features real-time video game environments. It is a portmanteau of the words “machine” and “cinema” and has since shown gaming fans what can be done with video-game technology to create animations. Their site also features content about film and technology.
GoPro is a manufacturer of cameras most commonly used for extreme-sports and the like, which is why it is most often referred to as an action-camera. On their Youtube channels, they release videos that show how their camera works on different scenarios and settings. They release new content every week, and has since created a GoPro Tutorials channel.
Lindsey Stirling is a violinist, dancer, singer, composer, and performer known for her unique choreographed violin performances and music videos featured on Youtube. Ever since gaining attention through her videos, she has now released albums and has gone on tour around the world. She still continues to create videos, sometimes featuring other artists such as Pentatonix, Tyler Ward, and John Legend.
Rooster Teeth is a production company that also caters to games, but also hosts the famous machinima Red vs. Blue. They also feature comedy game play through Achievement Hunter. Other things they focus on are video game development, podcasts, entertainment news programs, and reality shows. They have recently released a sci-fi action comedy film called Lazer Team.
Good Mythical Morning is a Youtube series created by Rhett and Link which features discussions about various general interests. The show has what they called a Wheel of Mythicality which contains fan suggestions of how they would end the show. One clip had them submerged in a tub filled with ranch sauce. The series has won Best Variety Series at the International Academy of Web Television Awards.
Rainbow Loom is a tool used to weave colourful bands into bracelets and charms. Their Youtube channel features different ways you can make use of the Rainbow Loom to create patterns, new color designs, and loom contests. It has since garnered the attention of not just kids, but adults who find the activity stress relieving. The Youtube channel has definitely helped boost its brand since people are always out looking for new patterns to try out.
The Slow Mo Guys is a Webby-nominated science and technology web series which was produced by Rooster Teeth Productions. It features videos filmed in extreme slow motion using Vision Research Phantom high-speed cameras and has since been considered the biggest channel for slow motion videos.
PlayStation is a video game console developed by Sony Interactive Entertainment. On their Youtube channel, they feature new Sony Playstation products and news about games features exclusively on the Sony consoles.
PewDiePie is considered to be the most subscribed user on Youtube, who is commonly known for his vlogs where he makes commentaries and reactions while also doing a whole playthrough of video games. Game companies now ask him to play their video games on his channel so that people would get interested in it.
Smosh is a comedic duo who is also considered to be one of the most subscribed channels on Youtube, much like Pewdiepie. They rose to fame due to their lip syncing videos of iconic theme songs namely the Power Rangers, Mortal Kombat and, the most commonly known, Pokemon theme.
Mashable is a multi-platform media and entertainment company which features tech reviews, how-to’s, social media explainers, and more. They post videos on their channel daily and has become the go-to channel for the latest reviews and global trends.
HubSpot is one of the pioneers of inbound marketing. Not only are they churning out articles to help with their marketing concerns in the digital age, they also have videos to better relay their marketing experience to a global market.
TechCrunch specializes on profiling start-ups, reviewing new Internet products, and relaying the latest tech news. This is the channel to go if you want to know more about what the Internet offers and what benefits you can get from it.
Brainshark is a SaaS (Software as a Service) tool that can help companies improve their productivity and sales effectiveness. Their Youtube channels features client testimonials, discussions on sales productivity, and other sales related concerns.
CrashCourse is an educational Youtube channel started by internationally acclaimed author John Green and his brother Hank Green, both from the Youtube channel VlogBrothers. The channel originally featured topics on science and humanities, and has since expanded to other subjects like Psychology, Economics, Astronomy, Government and so on.
Geek & Sundry is a commercial Youtube channel and multimedia production company. Originally, it featured three unscripted programs, namely: Tabletop hosted by Wil Wheaton, The Flog hosted by Day, and Sword & Laser hosted by Veronica Belmont and Tom Meritt. The channel has now since grown and features a lot of programs and series like The Guild and Space Janitors. It has since been described as the future of television.
Hammer is a British film production company that specializes on Gothic content. They have also released thrillers, science fiction, and film noir. The production company ceased production in the mid-19080’s and has since changed hands twice since 2007. But they are making a comeback now and is making use of their Youtube channel to feature some of their new content and to re-introduce the old Hammer horror they were known for.
JasonYangViolin is the Youtube channel of violinist Jason Yang. He was able to catch people’s attention with his violin arrangements of music from games and TV shows like Game of Thrones where he used an electric violin, and more. He has performed alongside Madonna on her MDNA World Tour, has performed his own compositions, and is currently teaching.
Cobus Potgieter is a South African drummer who is known for his drum covers of popular songs. Since gaining popularity, he has performed in concerts and has formed his own band. He also released instructional videos on his channel and as a DVD.
Julian Smith is an American actor, director, and filmmaker which specializes in comedy. His videos are some of the most watched and ranges from the dark and sinister comedy to the overdramatic. He portrays a variety of characters and emotions in his videos which was why it his brand of comedy is likened to British group Monty Python.
Bloody Cuts Films is a UK-based film production company that specializes in horror anthologies. They have released 13 short horror films and has garnered popularity among horror fans. They have recently released part one of their film titled The Outer Darkness. Because their content remains free on their Youtube channel and other platforms, they are constantly being sponsored, sort of like a crowd-funding.
Olan Rogers is a filmmaker, actor, and photographer known for his funny vlogs on Youtube. He produces comedic shorts and experimental films and music videos. His popular work includes The Last Scene and New Prime. He has since gotten into stand-up comedy, having released two spoken word albums titled Bring the Bacon and The Bear.
PBS Idea Channel is a discussion Youtube channel that delves into the connections between technology, art and popular culture. New videos get released every Wednesday, and are known for putting out ideas people have never really thought of examining like Andrew Hussie’s Homestuck being the modern age Ulysses by James Joyce.
TED is a gathering of the world’s leading thinkers and doers to find inspiration in each other and discuss about how their work can influence people globally. They are a multi-channel Youtube that features educational videos for the Youth, snippets of TED talks, and more.
Pemberley Digital is a web production company that specializes in adapting classic literary works into the modern age. They make use of Youtube and other social media platforms to re-tell classic stories and immerse fans in it. Their work includes The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, Emma Approved, and Frankenstein MD.
SciShow is a program hosted by Hank Green, Michael Aranda, and Lindsey Doe. It features educational content which covers scientific topics. They churn out videos seven days a week, with each day following certain themes. It now has two other sub-channels which includes SciSpace and SciKids. It used to be an original channel, which means it was Youtube funded, and has now signed up with viewer-funding site Subabble.
VICE is an American-Canadian digital media and broadcasting company that specializes in current events. They churn out videos daily that cover news and general interests.
ReelSEO specializes in digital marketing. Their Youtube channel shows tips and tricks on how to maximize Youtube and reap the benefits of video marketing. Through their videos, you will be able to grow your Youtube audience and convert them into loyal customers.
MoviePilot specializes on content obviously related to the movie & film universe. As they proudly define themselves as a channel that consists of “Videos made by fans for fans.”
Screen Junkies, the creators of Honest Trailers videos, where movie trailers are dissected, summarized and then wittingly narrated how the rest of the film’s story plays out.
Screen Rant is albeit similar with MoviePilot, but they are also one on their own. Not only do they have content tackling movie & films, it is also a go-to source for TV news & reviews.
Tastemade is popular in other social media platforms such as Facebook, but their Youtube channel allows for their audience to really get a preview of how to make your favorite foods.
Tasty is quite similar to Tastemade, and its also a channel held by the Buzzfeed peeps. Even though it’s still a particularly new channel, having joined just this January of 2016, it already has over 40 million views.
Vat19 is mostly known for their eccentric videos on Youtube. On first viewing, you would think that they are producing parody commercials, when in fact, they are actually selling the products they feature on the videos. These products include World’s Largest Gummy Worm, The Human Slingshot, and Das Beer Boot.
MrSuicideSheep is a music channel on Youtube where you can easily find the latest and hottest beats ranging from the electronic category and at times, non-electronic music. The channel has since been active in 2010 and has garnered a total of 4.6 million subscribers.
It’sGrace is helmed by Youtube personality, Grace Helbig, who also has a podcast called Not Too Deep with Grace Helbig. Since then, she has authored two comedic handbooks for Millenials titled Grace’s Guide: The Art of Pretending to Be a Grown-up & Style: The Art of Pretending You Have It, and also making an appearance in TheFineBrother’s web videos and on Buzzfeed’s.
Danisnotonfire Since joining Youtube in 2006, Dan Powell has gained 5.8 million subscribers and a total of 534 million views on his channel. He’s videos are mostly about himself in relatable awkwardly funny situations. Together with AmazingPhil, they’ve co-hosted on BBC Radio 1 in their show, Dan and Phil.
AmazingPhil is Dan Powell’s partner in crime and when it comes to making people laugh, he does it best with his videos normally focusing on what’s currently happening in his life. With over 3.5 million subscribers, his Youtube channel has acquired a total of 348 million views. Together with Dan, they’ve co-hosted on BBC Radio 1 in their show, Dan and Phil.
Zoella more personally known as Zoe Elizabeth Sugg, is an English beauty and fashion vlogger and Youtuber who rose to popularity for her videos showcasing her clothing, homeware & beauty “hauls”, and top favourite products of the month. She also has her own book titled Girl Online.
MyHarto is a Youtube channel created by Hannah Maud Hart who has established herself as an internet personality. Her channel mostly features videos about cooking, traveling, puns, and more puns.
VideoCreators is a channel hosted by Tim Schmoyer, who’s Youtube Certified, dedicated in helping and training newcomers in mastering Youtube and spread their message and content to their designated target audience.
SevenSuperGirls is described to be the “largest all-girl(under 17’s) Partner collaboration on Youtube. Basically their content is filled with a-minute-to-win-it challenges done by 7 different girls either with their family or on their own. This channel is moderated by their parents so it’s managed responsibly well.
WongFu Productions embodies the art of storytelling. They make short films, vlogs and sketches either it’s a sad one or bordering on the hilarious side, or most times they create videos that just tugs at your heartstrings.
Final thoughts
If you noticed, there are known personalities listed here that started their Youtube channel as a hobby. They were able to build themselves, create a brand personality for their channel, and so they were able to attract businesses to invest in them and use them as a means for marketing their products. This shows that with a little elbow grease and a solid brand, you will be able to get the attention your videos deserve and earn an audience that will stay with you for a long time.