Assignment 3 1/2: YouTube Videos

Class, viral videos are still in their infancy in the ad biz. Few agencies have successfully achieved a breakthrough with this new medium. I myself have failed. User generated content is becoming a must have for most marketers. Everyone's attempting it. Now it's your turn.

Your mission is to shoot a viral video that you will post to YouTube.

But, it's not really a viral video until it's proven to be viral.

Here's what you need to do:

1. Shoot 3 separate videos.

2. Your videos can be about anything, and not necessarily an ad. But if you want to create an ad, go ahead. Pick a campaign from your portfolio and extend it to YouTube. Is it a street performer? Is it a stunt? Is it a commercial?

3. Bring in three different videos next week (2/24). We will pick the best one and post it to YouTube that night. Please create a YouTube account before next week's class if you don't have one.

The video with the most views by the end of class the following week 3/4/09 will win a special prize.

Some things to think about:

Go on YouTube and study the most popular/most viewed videos. What makes them popular? Inform yourself on what makes a popular viral video before shooting. Is there something you think is so funny that a million other people will enjoy it too? Is it local? Humor is a good place to start.

YOU COULD HAVE A GREAT VIDEO BUT THE NAME/TITLE YOU GIVE IT CAN MAKE IT BOMB.

Think long and hard about how you name your video. Be aware of people's search queries. If your video is about a leprechaun stripper, then it would be a good idea to name it that. Or some combination like "naked leprechaun". Also keep in mind that if the title is boring or uninteresting, nobody will bother clicking to watch it.

Resources:
Top Ten Viral Videos
The Secret Strategies Behind Many “Viral” Videos
Car Dealers Learning Art of Viral Video


DISCLAIMER: JON SHALL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY MAIMING AND/OR ARRESTS DURING THE FILMING OF THE ABOVE VIDEOS FOR ASSIGNMENT THREE. PRESS RECORD AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Action!