Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 5:08 — 2.5MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Google Podcasts | Email | RSS

This week I have a news round-up of all things YouTube.

YouTube team is always sharing-up interesting stories. This month they reach all the way back to 2007 and interview the Brookins family who built their own home using DIY videos from YouTube. Read the interview with Brookins family about their home in Bryant Arkansas (all on the official YouTube blog).

The Brookins family started building this home in 2007. They used YouTube videos to assist them with their DYI home building.

I also talk about YouTube TestTube a landing page to learn about their latest experiments currently featuring 4k video playlists and 4k videos with 60 frames per second (FPS). Playing one of these streams is a real test of your network and device(s). Once you load one of these playlists make sure you click on the “gear” icon to select the video playback quality setting from the sub-menu. The gear will display a small HD logo if you have a HD capable network. 

• View the 4k video playlist
• View the 4k 60 FPS playlist

YouTube called 4k 60 FPS video ‘Device Melting’

Selecting HD playback options on YouTube

When YouTube’s system noticed my device/network was struggling with 4k 60 FPS video it put up a blue banner to help me learn more about my network, and how video streaming works.

When I clicked on this “blue interruption banner” I was brought to a Google site for testing video stream quality, which also displayed a history of my YouTube ‘streams’ and some links to educational information about how video streaming works.

Image from https://www.google.com/get/videoqualityreport/ showing my daily video consumption chart

Finally I talk about the Super Chat API which allows live stream hosts to monetize enhanced chat features during the stream. Aimed at Gamers, but available for everyone, this could be an interesting way to raise money for charities and other projects. Imagine engaging live streams with micro and macro influencers targeting micro and macro fandoms and communities. There is more to learned about the Super Chat API at the following (currently dead) link: https://youtube.googleblog.com/2017/01/can-we-chat-bye-bye-fan-funding-hello.html

The Super Chat API  joins other tools allowing live streaming hosts to “enhance their streams by adding chatbots, overlays, polls and more.”

YouTube’s logo for 4k and 60 FPS video..

About Harry Hawk

Harry Hawk is a marketing consultant focused on cross channel attribution, paid social, community building and content strategy. As an Adj. Prof (CUNY + SWCCD) he has a focus in Hospitality, Business, eCommerce & Event Management/Planning.

Harry has a diverse range of clients in Robotics, Logistics and Baking. Harry has worked with many companies including HubSpot Labs, Momentum Machines, Phillip Morris, Paramount Home Pictures, NY Water Taxi, and many other startups.