Using social media - Part One: Youtube

Thursday in class, we talked about the importance of social media and networking. I know that I need to jump on board with this concept soon, for the sake of my blog and my grade. For this project to be successful, I have to start some relationships through the blog, and that is seriously my goal for this week.

Several comedians are already smart enough to employ these tactics, and it mostly proves to be an advantage. At this point, having accounts with Youtube, Facebook and everything in between has become so commonplace that is it is basically a requirement in the entertainment industry. While there are several social media platforms, this post will focus on how Youtube is helping the careers of comedians today:

Youtube

Comedians can post videos showcasing their talent to a wide audience, therefore gaining awesome exposure. Best of all, this “publicity” is free. Instead of having to rely on drawing a crowd to a standup show, a new comedian can post the routine online and get thousands, if not millions, of hits. So what if no one came to your last show? If you can get enough views and positive feedback on Youtube, you might end up selling out clubs in the future.

Of course, not all comedy is about standup. Comedians usually post a wide range of videos including:

• Skits – to show acting ability
  
• Outtakes/behind the scenes – to give fans something extra
  
• Responses – usually directed to fans, critics or other comedians, this encourages feedback and communication
  
• Other comedic content – to promote and network with other comedians
  

My plan is to create a series of posts helping aspiring comedians understand how they can use social media to advance their careers. If you have any suggestions, helpful information or just want to add to the conversation, remember to email me or comment below!