Why 2020 is Actually the Year of Video - 2013-2019 were just test runs
Around 2013 or so, I started seeing headlines that said, “2013 is going to be the year of video.” That, of course, was music to my ears. Then in 2014, I saw the same headline. 2015, 2016, 17, 18 and yes, 2019 were the year of video. And, to some extent, they were big years for video.
But, I’m here to declare everyone, that, without a doubt:
2020 is the YEAR OF VIDEO!
With the pandemic taking control of our lives, we’ve been forced to communicate in completely different ways. And we had to figure things out quickly. What did we turn to in our time of trouble? Video of course. Here are just a few examples of the way video has become an essential part of our lives here in 2020.
Conference Calls - We are now a Zoom Nation
Be honest, a few of you reading this blog had never heard of Zoom prior to the shelter in place orders. Microsoft Teams was simply the softball team you lost to every year. And some of you didn’t know the difference between WebMD and Webex. But now, I’d bet all of you have at least spent some time on one of these video platforms communicating with co-workers, bosses, and clients. Heck, raise your hand if you’ve even hosted or been part of an online happy hour! This might be the most important way video has transformed our lives in this COVID-19 world we now live.
Although I’ve had some great experiences with Zoom meetings, there have been some funny moments. This parody sums up some of the typical mishaps we’ve all seen.
The Return of Music Videos
I really miss live music. Whether it’s seeing the Foo Fighters with 20,000 other screaming fans or the Ladies of the 80s with 75 sweaty lunatics packed into the Lookout Bar in my hometown of Maple Grove, Minnesota, I love seeing music live.
But musicians are creative. And one way they’ve been able to reach their audience is through video… specifically Facebook Live. I’ve seen musicians do simple question and answers with fans. I’ve seen singers perform cover songs. But usually it’s just a single tune.
But Martin Zellar, a singer/songwriter from Minnesota has performed entire concerts, warts and all on Facebook live for his fans. Pretty cool to see. (Note, technology isn’t his thing. The first minute or so is just his guitar.)
But my favorite use of video by a musician or band has to go to Sammy Hagar and his band The Circle. Each week Sammy’s band sends him an unknown song that he has to perform on the spot. All four members of the band are scattered across the globe but they perform together via, you guessed it, video. It’s pretty amazing to see what this talented quartet comes up with. Some of the songs are covers. Some are made up on the spot. And some are tunes they’ve performed together hundreds of times.
Corporate Videos
With people working at home and many unfortunately unemployed, all eyes have been on video platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Netflix, Vimeo, Hulu, and a host of others. Video content, for a lack of better terms, is in huge demand. Companies, organizations, need to let customers and clients know how their organizations have changed. How are they helping them through these difficult times. Sure, they can write long blog posts, ahem, or they can produce videos to showcase their actions. Video is truly the best way for companies to easily distribute their messages and engage their customers.
Good Grocer in Minneapolis is using video to tell its customers that because of all that’s happening, it’s going to try to re-open in weeks rather than months. This is an extraordinary use of video. It’s an awesome example of sending an important message to the masses. Check it out.
Is 2020 Really the Year of Video?
I say, Yes! 2020 is a lot of things. Many of them I can’t repeat in this blog. But I believe 2020 is truly the year of video!
PS - I’m already working on my first blog for 2021… “I was wrong… 2021 is REALLY the year of Video.”
I’m always open to chat video. I’ve been helping companies and non-profit organizations produce video content for more than 20 years. Feel free to get in touch via my website Agile-Video.com.