To add a video to your hub or not? Is it beneficial?

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   celeste inscribedposted 6 years ago

   I was wondering what everyone thought about videos to their hubs. Is it useful and do you think it boosts traffic to have a video included? I am thinking of doing a few instructional short videos to add to my craft tutorials but I don't want to go through all the effect if it won't benefit the hub.

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      Sherry Hewinsposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      It depends on the subject, but if you are doing how-to hubs a well done instructional video probably would be beneficial. Think about what you'd want to see if you were the reader.

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         Patty Inglish, MSposted 6 years agoin reply to this

         I agree! And, videos can clarify subjects that might be difficult to describe in writing. A good travel video is usually welcomed and videos of solving math problems are good. Engineering schematics on film are helpful and footage of historic events/re-enactments can grasp attention. So, if it's well made and relevant, it's probably well-fitting to the article and likely to draw traffic.

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      TIMETRAVELER2posted 6 years agoin reply to this

      I definitely think well done videos add a great deal of depth to articles as long as they are appropriate to the topic.  I use at least one in every post, and doing so takes very little time.  As they say "a picture is worth 1000 words".

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   alexadryposted 6 years ago

   I routinely add videos for the execution of some of the "how to train" exercises I discuss in the articles. I can't afford to do it as often as I would like because it takes quite some time to put them together, add the music and other touches and then upload. I am sure videos can turn helpful especially for things like recipes or "how to" topics. I think videos work well for all those visual learners out there, so if it helps make things clearer, why not?

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   Kenna McHughposted 6 years ago

   I use videos because the reader can visualize about what I am writing. The more visuals the better the reader can understand the article. However, the visuals need to be helpful and not add confusion. Technology is so easy that anyone can produce a video, but the quality needs to be a clear communication to the reader.

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   Glimmer Twin Fanposted 6 years ago

   I like to add videos when needed.  For my craft projects, particular steps can be hard to show in still photos, so a video can help.  Also, people like to watch videos these days and if you make your own, there is the potential to earn.

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      celeste inscribedposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Claudia, when you say 'potential to earn' do you mean with adds on the video?

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   celeste inscribedposted 6 years ago

   Thank you to everyone for your response. I am going to try and make my first video. I do a good few How to Hubs.

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   Natalie Frankposted 6 years ago

   As I don't make videos, I was wondering if people find Youtube videos to be beneficial in addition to self-made videos if they are extremely relevant.  I haven't tried an ABAB experiment with any of my hubs and videos as I don't want to risk the loss in traffic such a study could result in before the reversal.  Yet if public videos aren't beneficial it wouldn't be worth the time it takes to review videos to select an appropriate one.

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      DrMark1961posted 6 years agoin reply to this

      I am not photogenic and have an accent so prefer to use Youtube videos. I think they can be very beneficial: for instance some of my hubs on choosing an appropriate dog breed have up to five videos, one on each breed. I am not sure how easy it would be to find appropriate videos on the subjects you write about, but if it does it will help the reader, and improve the page retention time.

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         SmartAndFunposted 6 years agoin reply to this

         It is my understanding that it is a god idea to add videos, whether your own or relevant ones from YouTube, because if a reader takes the time to watch your videos, they will be recorded as having stayed on your page longer rather than quickly clicking away. Search engines interpret long stays as indicative of a quality page and boost your page in the SERPS.
         
         At least that is how it used to be, I believe, but I can't keep up. Is this still accurate?

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            DrMark1961posted 6 years agoin reply to this

            As far as I know, that is true.
            I have also been told that if a page is visited, and the reader pops out of there before the ads load, it will not count as an impression and the author will not gain any money for that page view. If you add a video, and the reader tooks a brief look at what he is looking for but then decides to stay for a video, the ads will have longer to load. The author will definitely have an impression.
            I think it is a win for the reader and a win for the hub author.

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               SmartAndFunposted 6 years agoin reply to this

               Thanks for the info!
               
               (I just saw that I typed "god" idea instead of "good" idea. Oops!)

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                  DrMark1961posted 6 years agoin reply to this

                  Oh My Good I didnt even notice! I always have so many typos on the forums. I am so glad they do not grade us here for spelling errors!!!!!

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                     SmartAndFunposted 6 years agoin reply to this

                     
                     Just didn't want anyone to think my post was meant for the topical forums.
                     

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   Wesman Todd Shawposted 6 years ago

   I don't recall the last time I published a page without a video on it. Of course the videos I use are meant entirely for the purpose of adding value to the content. If the video fits the content, go for it.

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   theraggededgeposted 6 years ago

   There is one slight issue. And that is that visitors from Europe are always presented with the option to accept *some* cookies (default) or *all cookies*. The former prevents YouTube videos being displayed. We get the message, "You have opted out of YouTube".

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