Since its inception in 2005 YouTube has grown from an obscure video sharing site to the go-to for companies, individuals and other groups to show off their best video content. As of 2011 the site offers a number of different options for video creators, including the Partner Channel where popular users can get paid through advertising, and the Brand Channel which serves as the "YouTube home" for companies and their brands. But as you'll see the question may not be whether you qualify but whether you can pay for it.
So Who Qualifies?
- If you have a company, business, organization or brand and want to promote it on YouTube, then chances are you qualify to have a YouTube Brand Channel. The only way to know, though, is to ask. Before you can begin to set up a YouTube Brand Channel you'll need to contact a YouTube representative and let them know a bit about your business and what your goals are for your Channel.
The Application
- The first step in contacting YouTube is filling out the application that's available on YouTube's "Advertising" page. Fill in the required fields including your name, company name, website and phone numbers. The form also asks you to give them some idea of your advertising goals, so give this some thought before you fill out the form. If need be check in with the other marketing people at your place of business or have a look at your business plan to get a reminder of your business' core values and marketing approach. The more professional and organized you present yourself the better. Once you've filled out your form it's a waiting game. Someone from YouTube should contact you within a week.
The Costs
- Extra exposure for your business with a professional look is not free. If you want to create a Brand Channel prepare to pay. While YouTube does not publicly post a price sheet for Brand Channels know that they're not cheap. The Brand Channel itself may be free but according to other bloggers who have been there you have to buy advertising on the site in order to have the Brand Channel which could be several thousand dollars or much more. The only way to know for sure what it will cost your business is to talk with a YouTube representative by following the steps detailed above.
Other Options
- So you've talked to a YouTube representative and perhaps determined that a Brand Channel is out of your scope or price range. Before you despair know that you do have other options which still could lead to increased profits for your business. A good way to start is with a regular YouTube Channel which is free and open to anyone. By posting regular videos and promoting them on your social media sites, your company newsletters and in any other marketing chains you currently have, you could slowly develop a following. Once you've created a body of work and have a collection of subscribers you can apply for YouTube's Partner Program which allows you to get paid when users view ads alongside your videos. Over time all of this could lead to enough revenue to allow you to afford a Brand Channel for your business.
