YouTube Annotations: Interactive Pop-Up Video
I just discovered a nifty new feature in YouTube called YouTube Annotations. Do you remember VH1 Pop-Up Video? YouTube Annotations is like that, only it’s interactive. And even geekier. [But of course it's "cool" to guys like me.] Here’s a write-up on the new toy from YouTube:
Video Annotations are a new way for you to add interactive commentary to your videos! Use them to:
* Add background information about the video.
* Create stories with multiple possibilities (viewers click to choose the next scene)
* Link to related YouTube videos, channels, or search results from within a video
* All of the above!
You control what the annotations say, where they appear on the video, and when they appear and disappear.
Here are a few examples of YouTube Annotations in use:
Of course, I had to try this out for myself, so I created a video for my “Missions Minded” website — and added a few annotations. Unfortunately, the feature does not work on embedded video, so you have to go to the link on YouTube. You can watch my video here.
My thoughts on YouTube Annotations:
- - It’s very easy to use
- It’s a great way to connect viewers with other YouTube videos of your choosing
- You have the ability to engage your audience with it
- The idea of having a “choose your own adventure” video series is really neat-o
- It’s fun!
What do you think of YouTube Annotations? How can churches, ministries, and missionaries best use this technology to promote their visions, ideas, and work?
Bryan said:
I can’t view the video because work blocks YouTube … So, I figured I should comment on sports. UNC is a powerhouse in basketball, and since they are in the College World Series for the third straight year, in baseball as well. Now, if they could just win a football game or two they could be mentioned in the same sentence as … not yet : )
Nathan said:
That’s funny, Bryan. When was the last time VT won an NCAA Tournament game? How about a CWS game? And for that matter, a BCS bowl game? So, UNC is two out of three with basketball and baseball. What’s VT, son? (I love messing with you because I know you’re going to give it right back to me!)
Bryan said:
Ouch! I hope you are that convincing when you lead people to Christ : )
Nathan said:
My number one goal is to turn people into fully devoted followers of Christ. But a close second is turning them into fully devoted followers of Carolina.
Bryan said:
You will have a better chance turning folks into fully devoted followers of the Hokies. After all, the leaves turn maroon and ornage in the fall and you can read further proof at http://espn.go.com/ncf/s/notsofast.html
Nathan said:
If God’s really a Hokies fan, why did he make the sky Carolina Blue?