by Sangeeta Deogawanka

Created on: July 06, 2010   Last Updated: August 04, 2010

Watching online videos and sharing them is fast becoming an obsession from being a mere fad. So how would you go about harnessing that huge audience for your YouTube videos?

There are essentially two types of audience who watch YouTube. The first are the random, one-time viewers who have come by through searches. The second and the most important are the viewers who love watching videos and perhaps have a YouTube account themselves. The latter is slated to be your loyal audience, for they are the ones who represent the repeat visits to tot up your revenues.

So how would you go about building a loyal audience on YouTube?  The formula is really very simple. It works just like your blogs.

Create meaningful content

With 20 hours of video uploaded every minute at YouTube and 420 million unique visitors per month, you are presented with the challenge of attracting more viewers and keep getting them back as repeat visitors. The key to this is creation of unique meaningful content.

The principle of 'content is king' applies here too. So create engaging content that is relevant to your target audience. Give them the kind of programming that gives your first-time audience reason to come again.  Create compelling top-quality videos that engage a loyal audience.

The audio visual medium is a powerful means of communication. Unique videos, catchy titles and funny or innovative presentations have the power to remain etched on the mind of the viewer. Use interesting effects and stylised captions, good lighting and camera angles to make your videos stand out amongst others.

Create a Brand

Most videos have a short attention span. This is where you can create you own branding in a huge online video community.  Define your brand, establish yourself as the market leader in the field of expertise and develop your own USP (unique selling proposition). The audience who cares about this subject field will also make sure to check out your YouTube channel.

Make the most of the social platform

Use social networking tools to promote your YouTube videos and URL Use tools such as the Facebook 'Like' button and calls to action to encourage commenting and sharing. Integrate YouTube "video annotations" to makes use of the social web.

Spread the word through social sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Create a social networking profile and target specific markets. Connect with your audience, engage them in your videos and keep the interest level going. Very soon you will find a

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