Creators and fans connect and learn together at CVX Live
Sarah Dewoski, 8, from New Jersey, is lowered to the ball pit in the human claw game during CVX Live at the Utah Valley Convention Center on Friday, Sept. 21, 2018, in Provo.
Sarah Dewoski, 8, from New Jersey, grabs a prize bag in the human claw game during CVX Live at the Utah Valley Convention Center on Friday, Sept. 21, 2018, in Provo.
The ball pit for the Human Claw! booth is pictured during CVX Live at the Utah Valley Convention Center on Friday, Sept. 21, 2018, in Provo.
Name tags sit at the registration booth for CVX Live at the Utah Valley Convention Center on Friday, Sept. 21, 2018, in Provo.
Attendees of CVX Live check in at the registration table at the Utah Valley Convention Center on Friday, Sept. 21, 2018, in Provo.
Utah County’s YouTube fan convention, CVX Live, is in its fourth year, and has evolved into more than just YouTubers and fans.
Part superfan experience, part YouTube creator networking opportunity, part industry insights conference and part fun interactive experience for people of all ages, this year’s CVX live Friday and Saturday at the Utah Valley Convention Center in Provo sought to please all.
An important addition to this year’s event, though, was industry insights classes. These were targeted specifically to creators, to help them monetize their business and grow their audience. Local creators learned tips and tricks direct from social media and video platform leaders.
Katie Hill of Facebook kicked off the convention Friday morning with ideas on how creators can better utilize Facebook. She explained that Facebook’s goal is to make video-watching participatory, where creators and their fans can connect in real time.
To that end, she explained tools specifically for creators, found through the facebook.com/creators website or the Facebook Creator app, which allow creators to craft a unique video page, run Facebook fan groups, track their audience reach and loyalty insights, monetize through in-video ad breaks and fan subscriptions, and control the rights to their content. She added that the social media giant also has a branded content marketplace space where creators and brands can connect for collaboration.
Specifically, she encouraged creators to follow these eight tips for enhancing their fan and brand reach on the platform:
1. Go long. Hill told creators to try posting longer videos — more in the three to five minute range.
“We are seeing a huge appetite from users for your longer videos,” Hill said.
2. Mobile is king. Hill explained that most users are viewing content through their mobile devices, so creators should keep that in mind while building videos. She reminded them to focus on close-in shots, bright colors and faces.
3. Know your notifications. There are multiple ways creators can connect with and notify their fans of new content through the Facebook notification platform.
“Knowing these can help you better inform your fans,” Hill said.
4. Be social. Hill said to amplify their reach, she admonished creators to tag co-creators, brand partners and others who are part of their content.
5. Don’t be spammy. Hill reminded creators to authentically engage with their fans by creating detailed titles and descriptions for their videos.
6. Tell a story. Hill encouraged creators to share personal stories or insights into the video content. This encourages engagement from fans.
7. Be consistent. “Going dark” or not posting content on a consistent basis can really hurt the overall distribution range for creators, Hill said.
8. Experiment. Hill reminded creators that there is not just one process for engaging fans.
“Find the rhythm you uniquely need to get into. Test things and come up with a strategy that works for you,” Hill said.
Hill was not the only industry representative on hand to offer new ideas to creators. Jon Youshaei, YouTube’s head of creator product marketing, shared tips about boosting creativity gleaned from the way Beyonce uses YouTube. Representatives from Nintendo also met with and presented to creators Friday. Richie Norton, author and speaker, spoke both days on using social media and podcasts to create a successful business.
True to its roots, the convention featured creators made famous through YouTube, including the original Studio C cast, Stuart Edge, Brooklyn and Bailey, the Shaytards and Guava Juice. Fans were able to meet and mingle with their favorites throughout each day, while also catching presentations and shows from new creators as well.
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