Online videos now account for 50% of mobile traffic. Just using the word “video” in your email subject line can boost your open rates by 19%, click-through rates by 65% and reduce unsubscribes by 26%. Facebook is now averaging more than 4 billion video views per day. It’s time to jump on the video bandwagon with free mobile apps for developing, editing and uploading high-quality videos to enhance your news releases and share on your social media platforms.

During our August 25 chapter meeting, Wichita Eagle business columnist Carrie Rengers discussed how daily newspapers and other media organizations are utilizing the mobile app Videolicious to enhance their online stories. Rengers also covered how to prepare and submit your own videos to the Wichita Eagle with your news release package. Wichita Eagle videographer and photographer Jaime Green provided tips for maximum visual storytelling. Angie Prather with the Wichita Metro Chamber of Commerce testified that even an untrained amateur can jump into the video world and begin to incorporate short and simple videos in marketing and communication plans.

Tips from Rengers and her video editor:
–Videos submitted to the Eagle should be unique and newsworthy rather than promotional.
–Pitches to reporters about covering your stories can include video snippets to snag their attention.
–Short videos are the key for maximum viewership. Think 30 to 60 seconds. Viewers begin to drift off at 45 seconds.
–Submit in MP4 or .mov format.
–Upload to Google Drive with a public setting. The Eagle doesn’t currently utilize Dropbox. YouTube is also an option, but those videos originally placed on The Wichita Eagle’s YouTube channel will have a higher priority, so Google Drive is the best option.

Tips from Green:
–Horizontal only. No vertical videos.
–Get close to the subject. Move your legs to zoom instead of the lens.
–Move away from distracting sound.
–Be aware of the light. Windows can make for nice interview lighting. Avoid harsh sunlight.
–Hold each shot for at least 5 seconds.
–Try to keep camera steady and don’t pan.
–Put phone in Airplane mode to avoid interruptions.
–3 rings on a microphone cord indicate it will work for your phone without an adaptor.

Helpful Links:
Rode Smart Lav
Rode microphone extension
Manfrotto compact Tripod
OBEN TT table top tripod
Square Spring Tripod Mount
Videolicious tutorials
VGA Adapter speakers used to show phone images onscreen

Links to finished videos for your review:
(amateur mistakes include: excessive panning, hand-held shakiness, and the lack of a microphone)

Wichita Force Kicks Off 2015 Season – shot and produced on iPhone. Edited with Videolicioous.
Symbolism behind the Wichita Flag – shot and produced on iPhone. Edited with iMovie phone app.