As the world becomes increasingly digital, churches have an amazing opportunity to reach people with the hope and love of Christ online. While there are a lot of options out there, YouTube presents one of the best options. There are over 2 billion users which presents a huge mission field. With video content expected to make up over 80% of online content this year, establishing a YouTube channel for your Church should be a leading priority this year.
With the importance of investing in YouTube clear, how do you get started? What kind of content should you create and how do you share it with others? Here are some of the answers to those questions.
Getting Started
The first step is to set up an official YouTube account. Use an email associated with your church, one that isn't designated to one specific person. If you need to, make a general email address like "YouTube@(your Church name).com. That way, if that person ever leaves your Church, you don't have to change a bunch of things.
As you fill in the information, make sure to include important details like your church name, location, denomination, etc. in the description section. This helps distinguish your videos from the millions of others and makes them easier to find.
Next, think carefully about the exact purpose of your church’s YouTube channel. What will you use it for? Is it mainly for broadcasting services? Sharing small group content or children’s programming? Promoting upcoming events and announcements? Outreach in the local community and beyond? Having a clear vision will shape the type of content you prioritize posting.
Vary Your Content
With YouTube there are a variety of videos you can create. For instance, there are at least 16 different types of videos you can create. You can check out the list here.
Not only are there different types of videos you can create but you can create long form videos of 15 minutes or longer. You can create shorter form videos that max out at 60 seconds. Or, you can create videos that are somewhere in-between in length. It is good to have a variety of videos you create.
Production Tips
High quality videos don't alway guarantee high return. However, you should invest in decent video equipment so you can produce quality videos. For example, buying a good lighting system and microphone for audio are really important or viewers will quickly lose interest. Set up the camera on a tripod to keep footage steady. And be sure your background is appropriate and uncluttered.
Here are some equipment that is reasonably priced to help:
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Sensyne 62″ Phone Tripod & Selfie Stick comes with an Extendable Cell Phone Tripod Stand with Wireless Remote and Phone Holder, Compatible with iPhone Android Phone, Camera (Black). Get it here.
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Fugetek 12″ Selfie Ring Light with 68″ Aluminum Tripod Stand, Bluetooth Remote, Extendable, for Video, Photos, Make Up, 3 Color Mode Controller, USB Powered, Apple & Android Compatible. Get it here.
- Blue Yeti USB Microphone. This is for PC, Mac, Gaming, Recording, Streaming, Podcasting, Studio and Computer Condenser Mic with Blue VO!CE effects, 4 Pickup Patterns, Plug and Play. Get it here
- MAYBESTA Professional Wireless Lavalier Lapel Microphone. This for iPhone, iPad and is a cordless omnidirectional condenser recording mic. It’s perfect for a podcast, vlog, and YouTube. Get it here.
Share Your Content
Let your Church know that they can now access videos on your new YouTube channel for additional devotionals and spiritual encouragement throughout the week. Also, share links to best videos on your Church's other social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter so that more people can discover your videos.
Consistency Matters
As with everything you do, consistency matters. By consistently posting quality content on a regularly, you build trust and familiarity with people and the YouTube algorithm appreciates it a lot, too. By consistently posting and gradually improving the value and quality of your videos, you’ll begin to see your subscribers, views, shares, and comments grow. Consistency shows commitment and reliability, reassuring people that follow you, they can depend on seeing your videos regularly appear. Sporadic posting tends to cause people to lose interest in subscribing to your channel.
Conclusion
Starting a successful YouTube channel for your church does involve an investment of time and effort. But, the potential to spread the Gospel and the power of Christ is well worth it. Just as missionaries travel to unfamiliar places to share about Christ, establishing an online video presence on YouTube creates the same feel as you cross into a digital divide to share Christ's love. The tips above should help launch an effective channel that glorifies God and draws many people to Christ.
What do you think? What are some other questions you have about YouTube? Share your ideas below or on social media.
Through The Church Digital, we are helping physical and digital churches better understand the discipleship process, and helping churches and church planters understand this and other decentralized mindset shifts. By taking this quick survey we can get you connect with a coach, resources and more. Also, check out our Facebook Group where we are encouraging people daily.
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