Youtube is the world’s biggest video distribution platform, ranking as the second most visited website in the world beaten only by their owner Google. With the popularity of the platform and the exponential growth in content creation over the years it can be hard to see why anyone would use other video solutions when it comes to communication. The biggest platform undoubtedly has the biggest reach with the best SEO capabilities, right? And it’s also free, so why would any business pay for the “same” service? Let’s look at three key differences between using Qbrick and Youtube in your video communication.
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Control over your content
First off, the DNA of Qbrick is built upon the notion of driving traffic to your website and content. It’s a video platform designed to store, create and manage everything video related for businesses. In comparison, Youtube is more akin to a social media platform where everyone (both businesses and individuals) can post and share whatever they want to anyone. On the same note, Youtube is equally created with the viewers continued engagement in mind, meaning the platform is designed to keep people to stay on the platform and watch more content. It comes in the form of endless suggestions on topics related to what one has already watched. While this might have its perks for private users, in a business context it might also become a disadvantage.
As suggestions are based on previous viewings (and the infamous Youtube algorithm) the upcoming videos presented can in fact suggest content from competitors or other topics you don’t want your company to be associated with. It becomes an even bigger issue if you decide to embed the video on your webpage since there is no way to turn these suggestions off, from your end.
With Qbrick you’re always in charge of appearance and distribution of your content. No adds, suggestions or other unwanted features will interrupt the viewing experience. Neither will features come and go arbitrarily as they are prone to do on Youtube.
This one example is a great illustration of the overarching difference between Youtube and a professional video solution like Qbrick – control.
With Qbrick you’re always in charge of appearance and distribution of your content. No adds, suggestions or other unwanted features will interrupt the viewing experience. Neither will features come and go arbitrarily as they are prone to do on Youtube.
Embedding a video on your site also will drive traffic leading to more conversion and ultimately more customer leads, contrary to Youtube that drives traffic to their platform making analytics and conversion more muddy for you.
Live streaming
Live streaming is another area where the differences between the two options are prominent. Qbricks live solution contains elements not featured on Youtube and it can be tailored to fit different needs and circumstances.
Aside from live chat and QnA functionalities, live interactivity is a unique feature incorporated into Qbrick live streams elevating the possibilities for viewer engagement drastically. Qbrick customers have been known to utilize this power in very creative ways including interactive navigation between multiple live streams as well as introducing live shopping, just to name a few examples.
Seeing how the Qbrick Video Platform (QVP) isn’t public in the same way as Youtube also opens up for the possibility of restricted access and pay-per-view solutions. This could be a clutch feature should your company have an invite-only event where viewers sign up beforehand to participate in the live stream.
Reach
This isn’t to say that Youtube doesn’t have its place in video communication. It is in fact a very powerful tool if used correctly (as long as you don’t mind losing a bit of control).
The platform shines when it comes to reach as your content is just a Google search or algorithmic intervention from popping up in any feed around the world. While casting a wide net it isn’t optimal for all communication it can be a great way to “getting your message out there” when launching a new campaign, product etc.
The social media aspect of the platform also allows for channel subscriptions diminishing the risk of people missing out on your videos. Considering how household the platform is today it has come to be synonymous with video sharing for many people, opening their eye to the power of video communication.
Conclusion
Using social media platforms like Youtube, Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter and Instagram is always recommended to reach out – to find your people. But when those people find you, you need your own website to be an engaging and effective hub for conversions. That’s where a standalone video platform like Qbrick comes in to save the day.
The answer to which one is greater doesn’t have a definitive answer since it relies heavily on the prospect of a company’s communication. Qbrick provides an end-2-end solution encompassing all video communication needs for businesses, while Youtube is a (very large) open window to the world. Obviously nothing prevents you from using both in tandem and in many cases this might be the optimal strategy as you gain the best of both worlds.
Using social media platforms like Youtube, Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter and Instagram is always recommended to reach out – to find your people. But when those people find you, you need your own website to be an engaging and effective hub for conversions. That’s where a standalone video platform like Qbrick comes in to save the day.
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR VIDEO STRATEGY
Choose the Qbrick Video Platform for effective video solutions – controlled and customised by you.
Author
Content creator for Qbrick productions
Andreas Bard (Qbrick Production Team) is a video editor and content creator based in Stockholm.
