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Survey: Use of YouTube

About This Document

This document gives a survey of use of YouTube by morris and related traditional dance sides, based on information provided in profiles on the Morris Federation Teamfinder service.

Summary of Findings

A survey of use of the YouTube channels listed by sides in the Morris Federation’s Teamfinder service was carried out using data initially collected on 13 August 2021 (and updated with details on number of new accounts which were added before 31 August).

A total of 21 channels were listed.

Twelve of the channels have received over 1,000 views. These are listed below.

ChannelNo. of
views
No. of
subscribers
No. of
videos
Westminster Morris Men 123,072108 37
Knights of King Ina 15,032 60102
Hook Eagle Morris Men 14,265 21113
Rampant Rooster 10,009 21 41
Makeney Morris 7,683 26 32
Oakenhoof Voluntary Arts Organisation 5,730 25 69
Belles of London City 5,316 29 6
Hadrian Clog 3,966 18 12
Dr Turberville’s Morris 2,618 16 46
Brighton Morris 2,262 27 34
Anonymous Morris 1,807 19 10
St Albans Morris 1,781 2 1
Wyld Morris 1,774 11 56
TOTALS 195,315 383 559
Table 1: The Most Popular YouTube Channels

Observations

Based on a more detailed analysis of the YouTube channels listed above we found:

Regarded the video content provided:

Discusssion

When Westminster Morris Men launched their YouTube channel in 2008 creating video content was no easy and if you view the first video of “Westminster Morris Men: Constant Billy (Headington Quarry)” published in February 2008 you will probably notice the grainy effect and the blurred faces. And yet this video has been viewed over 2,500 times, thus helping promote the side as well as providing a documentary record of how the side performed that dance over a decade ago.

Now with the widespread availability of smart phones and digital cameras, as well as more sophisticated apps for creating and editing videos there is great potential for making more use of video recordings.

We also know that video content is much more popular than it used to be, with video streaming services such as YouTube and Vimeo as well as the streaming potential provided by social media services such as Facebook and the growing popularity of Instagram for sharing videos all providing a much greater user base then was the case in the past.

Setting up a YouTube Channel

If you decide it is now timely to set up a YouTube channel here are some issues to consider:

  • As described in a document on “Governance of Online Systems” you should ensure you address governance issues, such as who will manage the account.
  • Another governance aspect will be the purpose of the channel, including the type(s) of video content to be published. You could decide that only high quality videos of excellent performances are published, or you may be willing to publish videos taken on smart phones, and include dances in which mistakes are made. You may decide to restrict the scope to dances, or for the channel to have a wider remit.
  • YouTube videos are great for allowing the general public to see and share your videos. But you could also restrict access to your videos in a number of ways, which may be useful for other purposes.
  • If you wish your channel to act as a marketing tool you will need to promote the channel.
  • If you wish to have adverts on your channel.

Updating Your Team’s Profile on the Morris Federation’s Teamfinder

If you decide to create a YouTube channel (or if you have one which is not listed) we encourage you to add a link to the channel on your side’s profile on the Morris Federation’s Teamfinder service.


Page created: 17 Aug 2021

Last updated: 1 Sept 2021

Changes made: Updated data with details of 1 new account and updated the totals

Page author: Brian Kelly


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