YouTube is the world’s most popular video-sharing site, with an average of one billion video views each day. Though at first glance it may seem like a place where users simply share videos, successful NGO YouTube channels are a place for viewers to engage. Take, for example, Amnesty International’s channel, which has more than 40,000 subscribers, many of whom view, comment on, and debate, and share their videos on their YouTube profiles and other social media platforms. While the 18 to 24 age group is the most active on YouTube, user numbers are high for all demographics, including the 50 to 60-year-old range.
There is also the YouTube Nonprofit Program which helps NGOs use the platform as a tool for fundraising.
SnapChat
Like Instagram, Snapchat is a visual-based social media platform. Its 100 million users can post “snaps,” photos, or videos that show up on your friend’s phone for a set period of time. Snaps are less formal than the photos you see on Instagram and are considered more casual windows into an organization’s day. Users can also create Snapchat stories of photos and videos which are viewable by friends for 24 hours. Snapchat is a tool for engaging rather than capturing. While it may be one of the best tools for reaching urban youth, your NGO should focus on some of the previous social media tools before creating an organizational Snapchat.
Tumblr
Tumblr is a social network where users can post short-form blogs and photos. These brief posts often include direct links to the organization’s website or other social media platforms. For this reason, Tumblr can be a key driver of traffic to your main site. Tumblr can also be a great way to get your NGO discovered. By tagging your post with a certain category, other Tumblr users can easily browse and find your entry. Just recently, Tumblr integrated live video into its platform, allowing NGOs to create content in another form. Like Snapchat, Tumblr is most effective for NGOs hoping to engage a younger audience. If this is your target audience, Tumblr is an excellent starter blog for your organization.
