YouTube has more than 1 billion users. Everyone from your mom to your doctor to your twelve-year-old nephew watches YouTube videos. What\u2019s more, the platform reaches more people between the ages 18 and 49 han any cable network in America. But unlike a commercial on cable, nonprofits can share their content on YouTube for free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yet for many nonprofit organizations, posting and engaging with audiences on YouTube is a daunting task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Part content platform, part social network, this massive site where people post, view, and share videos is an untapped resource for many nonprofits, but it doesn\u2019t have to stay that way. In this post we offer some of the ways nonprofits can use YouTube, with examples from real organizations. If you\u2019re ready to start taking advantage of this powerful tool, you can download our YouTube Cheat Sheet for Nonprofits<\/a>, with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although YouTube specializes in video and streaming, it helps to think of it like your other social channels. You post content that interests and delights your audience. And by linking to your website and donation pages, you turn engagement into action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first step is to create content that speaks to your audience and is relevant to your mission. There are a few broad categories that much of nonprofit YouTube content falls under.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the biggest reasons nonprofits use YouTube is to increase awareness of both their cause and organization. It\u2019s a perfect way to reach new audiences and <\/em>old audiences. Nonprofits post content to educate people about the problems they are solving and the programs they execute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, Heart Support<\/a>, which connects people in the music community with mental health support, features interviews with musicians about their own struggles in order to encourage others to seek help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lots of organizations also create videos with practical tips and lessons<\/a> for their audience. The American Heart Association offers healthy recipes and school lunches<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n YouTube is also a great way to spread the news of your latest fundraising campaign or upcoming event. Heifer International created a series of short videos to promote their holiday campaign, in which supporters could donate cows, chickens, or other livestock in honor of a loved one.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow Nonprofits Use YouTube<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Awareness and Education<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. Campaign and Event Promotion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n