With iPhones, webcams, and cheaper video cameras as well as larger and larger online video communities, it should not come as a surprise that teens are doing and using a lot more video stuff online.
Teenagers are always on the front lines of using the latest technology and finding creative ways to personalize these tools. The fact that there are now several free and online video editing tools out there to help them create better products is only adding fuel to the fire.
Pew Internet & American Life Project released a study this month on the statistics of teens’ usage of videos online.
Here are some highlights of the study:
- Some 95% of teens 12-17 use the Internet
- 37% of teens participate in video chats with others using applications such as Skype, Google+ Hangout or iChat.
- 27% of teens record and upload video to the internet.
- Girls are more likely than boys to video chat or upload videos.
- 13% of teens stream video live to the Internet for other people to watch.
- Social media users are much more likely than those who do not use social media to engage in all three video behaviors studied.
I always come at this with a youth ministry understanding and this means that we as youth workers need to better understand and begin to create videos to share the Gospel. Yet, businesses can and should be doing this as well. I think about some that are doing this well and my mind immediately goes to Red Bull with their amazing stunts, Ford who always seems at the front of the marketing models, and Nike who has been pouring a lot of money into video marketing.
With this in mind, how can we use videos to reach this generation for Christ?
Edgar Iraheta says
One powerful way we have seen technology help us is by sharing the supernatural power of God through YouTube videos. We have a young adults group that does Supernatural Evangelism, we record their testimonies and then post to YouTube. It’s been a powerful tool of encouragement!
Jeremy Smith says
Share a link?
Edgar Iraheta says
http://www.youtube.com/user/cryingout850 is our YouTube Channel. We use this Channel to share testimonies and also share our messages with those who are not able to attend our meetings. We have had people from Brazil, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, etc…Join us through watching the Videos.
Jeremy Smith says
Thanks for the share! I’ll check it out.
Sam says
Great topic Jeremy. I’ve been impressed with the “I am Second” videos but would be interested to know if others have recommendations that might appeal to a teen audience (either available online or purchase).
Jeremy Smith says
As an evangelism or discipleship tool?
Sam says
Both
Chris Huff says
I’ve been trying to reach people with a daily devotional, going through the Bible in a year. When I first started it, I wanted to make it appeal to teens, but it’s mostly been viewed by adults so far (and even that has been sporadic). But I think a lot of that has to do with my lack of promotion. http://youtube.com/dailybibledevotion
Jeremy Smith says
Thanks for the YouTube link share. I will definitely check out those videos!
Tony Whittaker says
I think the role of the conversation-starting video clip is strategic, either posted on Facebook, or downloaded (or as part of an app) to share on a mobile phone. I wrote a page on this: http://ieday.net/video
Social networking, video shorts, and mobile phones, are the incredible three-fold cord that we can use.
Jeremy Smith says
Love it! I completely agree that conversation starters need to be strategic to be effective and worthwhile.