Special offer

135 Million Americans Watched Online Videos in One Month?!

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with Reel Productions TV- Real Estate Video

That's right!  According to Internet audience measurement firm ComScore, 135 million people across the country tuned in to their computer to watch video as opposed to their television.  AdAge reports that almost 20-percent of total video consumption is now online...up from 11-percent just a year ago. 

So now the burning question, are you using video on your website?  If not, why not?  Clearly there is a market searching for streaming, online video and if they don't find it on your site they're moving on. 

So why do so many people have video on their sites?  Well, that's a loaded question with a lot of answers.  First and foremost, video is now a lot cheaper to produce and with the new, user-friendly technology, more people are able to take part in the trend.  Second, high speed Internet connections and Web technologies are now able to keep up with the streaming demands so video now looks GREAT online.  This is something new.  Remember the days of "stuck" video and the "buffering" icon?  You still see them every now and again, but for the most part, they are becoming obsolete because of advancing technology.  Finally, video is all the rage.  As with any trend, most hop on board if they see something taking off.  There's no doubting that video is now a freight train moving through the high speed world.  Those that have it can come on board, those that don't are getting run over.

So how do you get started?  It's really quite simple and you have a number of options.  You can pick up a camera (as inexpensive as a Flip camera) and start shooting.  Remember, we have a whole video tutorial series here on Active Rain that can help you through the whole process.  There are also video training classes(we happen to teach one ourselves!) that can give you all the tools you need to not only shoot your video but also implement it in the world of online marketing so you get the best results.  Or you can contact a professional to do everything for you. 

Bottom line, whatever you choose to do, do something!  It will not only help your business in the long run but it will also open up a whole new world of opportunity that you didn't even know existed!  Imagine sending out video e-mails, video newsletters, DVD mailers, having your business profile on Comcast on Demand, a video based website, video testimonials, video playing at your open houses...the possibilities are endless!  And all make you look like the true professional you are. 

Comments(32)

Mike Klijanowicz
Cummings & Co. Realtors - Perry Hall, MD
Associate Broker @ Cummings & Co. Realtors

I ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY LOVE THE IDEA OF THE VIDEO OF TESTIMONIALS!  And I can do this myself with Powerpoint and YOUTUBE and put it right on my site.  Thanks for the tip!!!

Jan 05, 2009 04:08 AM
Nickolas Underwood
KW Commercial Atlanta Partners - Lawrenceville, GA

Great Post Tara! You got Featured!!! That's so awesome. Miss seeing you!

Nick Underwood

Jan 05, 2009 04:28 AM
Sonny Kwan
Quantum Group Commercial - Residential - Lease Seattle, WA - Mercer Island, WA
206-819-8228

My question is 135 million video watchers, how many people have slower computers that cannot open our videos? or are surfing the web at work and don't want to let everyone know they are looking for homes online etc.. just curious, I think your idea is great and will look into putting a video online soon.

Jan 05, 2009 04:37 AM
Debi Ernst
St. Charles County, Missouri - Prudential Alliance Realtors - O'Fallon, MO
GRI, e-PRO, Broker/Sales Associate

Tara - I do have some video, but I'm sure I need to do more...  :)

Jan 05, 2009 05:09 AM
Fred Light
| Nashua Video Tours - Nashua, NH
Real Estate Video Tours for MA and NH

I really truly believe that if video was around in 1995 when the internet first because commercialized, it would have been a video medium from DAY ONE. It just wasn't doable back then - it was a struggle just putting a photo on a website!

Mark my words - In less than five years, if you don't have video integrated into your website, it will have the same effect as someone going to a website today and seeing all text and no graphics whatsoever - if you found such a dinosaur, you would immediately click away due to supreme boredom.

The line between television and computer is blurring at a rapid pace.  In fact, if you talk to most KIDS today, they hardly make the distinction between watching a show on the network television or watching a show on Hulu.  They're just watching a show.... It's all the same to them. 

I have watched full length, hour long programs in FULL HIGH DEFINITION on my computer...  totally streaming!  With a big 24" screen and far less commercials... why not?  Who needs a DVR?  I can watch it on my schedule.. even on my laptop. And the quality is PRISTINE!

What you have to understand is that just because YOU may not watch video and YOU may not watch television shows online or on your computer is not really the issue.  MANY people do, and most importantly, an entire generation is growing up who absolutely does!  And THEY are and will be your customers from now and into the future....  You have to be where THEY are and doing what THEY related to!

Why do you think YouTube is one of the most visited websites next to Google?

 

 

Jan 05, 2009 06:01 AM
Diane Bell, Hilton Head Real Estate, Bluffton
Charter 1 Real Estate, Hilton Head, Bluffton, SC - Hilton Head Island, SC

Tara,

I really agree with your premise here.  I've been wanting to purchase the Community Tours that are available for my community but have dragged my feet due to the pricing.  I need to get with the program for 2009.

Jan 05, 2009 06:12 AM
Kris Kombrink ~ The Kombrink Team
RE/MAX Excels - Chicago's Western Suburbs - Geneva, IL

Excellent article, Tara!  So many people love watching video now that the bandwidth is there, but so few Realtors are taking advantage of this I think.

Twitter

Jan 05, 2009 06:56 AM
Matt Rains
Real Estate Technology Online - Atlanta, GA

Hey Tara,

Great Post! Here is an interesting video that kind of goes into some detail about where the video market is going on the internet. http://www.break.com/index/did-you-know-2008-edition.html

I was just playing with Qik.com last night because they added 100+ new mobile devices they support so I can now stream live video from my cell phone. I can show a home to a client that is outside the country directly from my cell phone. Pretty cool stuff.

Have a great week Tara.

Matt Rains
www.RETechBlog.com
www.RETechSeminars.com

Jan 05, 2009 07:47 AM
Tara Jones- Atlanta
Reel Productions TV- Real Estate Video - Dacula, GA
GA

Matt-  LOVE that video!  Thanks so much for the link.  I wish I could show that on Wednesday at Inman.  I think that sums it all up on the online video front!  The cell phone/video component is SO cool...I can't wait until it's standard on every phone and I know that's only a few short years away.  It will truly change marketing forever.  Talk to you soon!

Jan 05, 2009 10:21 AM
Tara Jones- Atlanta
Reel Productions TV- Real Estate Video - Dacula, GA
GA

Margaret-  That's fantastic!  Get back out there on the video front and feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

James-  You're right.  Those using video right now are perceived as 'cutting edge'.  And remember, perception is realty.

Jason- Definitely keep it professional!!  Remember, this is your image you are selling.  You can certainly 'do it yourself' and maintain a credible appearance.

Mike-  Good for you!  Be sure to check out our tutorials to see if there are any tips/ideas to help you out.

Tom- Cool website!

Tony-  Video is the most powerful tool out there right now for businesses.

Michael-  YEAH!  So glad to hear you implementing the video testimonials idea.  Send me a link when you're done.

Nick-  Miss you, too.  Hope you are doing great!

Sonny-  I think most modern day computers (those made within the last five years) are certainly keeping up with the current streaming videos online.  And you are correct, most people are looking at videos at work, at home and anywhere else!  Point being...they're watching so provide them with content to drive them to your site :-)

Debi-  Nothing to it but to do it ;-)

Fred-  How true!  How true!  How true!

Diane- The pricing has come way down partly due to the increased technology and partly because of today's economy.  Make sure you shop around.

Andrew-  It's amazing isn't it?  We're talking about video as if it were a new technology and it's been around for decades!

Kris- You are correct.  By our estimates only the top 2 to 5-percent of Realtors are currently using video.

Jan 05, 2009 10:49 AM
Jeremy Blanton
Myrtle Beach Homes Blog - Myrtle Beach, SC
Myrtle Beach REALTOR®- myrtlebeachhomesblog.com

That is a whole lot of people viewing videos online!  Wow!

Jan 05, 2009 12:06 PM
The Somers Team
The Somers Team at KW Philadelphia - Philadelphia, PA
Delivering Real Estate Happiness

Tara, great post and a nice inspiration for us to integrate more video in all of our marketing.  Will definitely bookmark this blog as a resource to come to and read.  Thanks !!

Jan 05, 2009 12:10 PM
Tara Jones- Atlanta
Reel Productions TV- Real Estate Video - Dacula, GA
GA

Jeremy-  Crazy, isn't it?!

Christopher and Stephanie- So glad I could offer some inspiration :-)  Happy marketing!

Jan 05, 2009 12:24 PM
Mike Russell
Mike Russell Real Estate Group - Overland Park, KS
Overland Park Kansas Real Estate

Holy You Tube Batman. That is a lot of video watching. I need to make some more video's.

Jan 05, 2009 01:50 PM
Lane Bailey
Century 21 Results Realty - Suwanee, GA
Realtor & Car Guy

Tara, video is one of the things I want to have more of...  I am using a lot of video from YouTube and other sites right now, but I will be doing more of my own... and also podcasting (I'm not that pretty... I have a face for audio)

Jan 05, 2009 02:28 PM
Tara Jones- Atlanta
Reel Productions TV- Real Estate Video - Dacula, GA
GA

Michael-  You are correct....that's a WHOLE lot of videos!!

Lane- You are FANTASTIC on camera...you're not fooling anyone :-)

Jan 06, 2009 01:37 PM
Lane Bailey
Century 21 Results Realty - Suwanee, GA
Realtor & Car Guy

I speak fairly well... but I am not pretty.  Admit it.  You're too nice.  ;^ )

Jan 06, 2009 03:45 PM
Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573
MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME
Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

Consistently producing and posting videos on youtube..the gorilla but also a slew of other sites will help get the word out on real estate in your area AND show Joe Viewer what your area is all about.  Many brokers have property slide shows..which are not  narrated live videos...but zero in the what is your town/city like.  Over 300 videos shot, edited, posted and climbing to showcase Maine..the way life should be. Good post!

Jan 08, 2009 03:00 AM
Richard Stabile
Re/Max Real Estate Limited - Oradell, NJ
Bergen County New Homes Builder Realtor

I started posting video's a few months ago. I am finally getting better at it.

Richard

Jan 11, 2009 03:53 AM
Tara Jones- Atlanta
Reel Productions TV- Real Estate Video - Dacula, GA
GA

Andrew-  That is awesome!!!!  You are truly proving that you are the market leader and likely have the SEO results to back you up...great job! 

Richard-  You will find producing video will get easier the more you do it.  You will also find more ways to be creative.  Best of luck to you!

Jan 11, 2009 06:49 AM