While the benefits of video advertising are well-stated, many business owners remain reluctant to embrace YouTube and other video advertising opportunities. The most common objection is price. It is widely believed that effective video advertising requires professional-level film equipment, advanced video editing technology, and potentially even space at a real recording studio. None of this is the case, and in fact many business owners make successful YouTube ads using simply their iPhones and some basic editing software. For those looking to dive head-first into video advertising, the DIY method really does tend to work well.

As if to prove this point, Google has unveiled a new app, simply titled YouTube Director. The point of the app is simple: It’s designed to get business owners more comfortable with creating professional-quality ads on a small budget. But what exactly does the app do, and how might it impact your own video advertising efforts?

Inside the YouTube Director App

The app itself is part of a larger suite of software—the Director suite, naturally. The app—a free iOS download—allows the user to shoot videos, and comes with templates to guide them through the process, even showing exactly what they should be shooting, allowing them to add text and animations, and so on.

The app’s interface has actually been compared to social media platforms like Snapchat and Instagram, which allow users to pick up their phones and start telling stories. The Director App comes with a similar set of creative tools, but offers more in terms of step-by-step guidance, prompts, and other useful structures for those who simply aren’t sure where to begin with video production.

Additional Features for Video Production

Of course, some small business owners may still feel like they want an extra set of eyes, or perhaps just a steadier pair of hands, to shoot their videos. If that’s the case, there’s also a new feature called Director Onsite, where you can actually get a director to come to your office or workplace to help you create a video. This service is free to those who spend $150 more on YouTube ads, but will only be available in some of the more major metropolitan areas—at least at first.

Finally, there’s a YouTube Director “automated ad” tool which can take existing graphics or video from your company’s app or software offering and turn them into a video, all with the press of a button—a good resource for tech companies and app developers, perhaps.

Again, note that all of these features are being rolled out to iOS users first, though one imagines Android offerings are pending.

Making Video Easy

Of course, an app like this represents just the first step in the video advertising journey. It’s also important to have an integrated marketing strategy, where video locks in place with your content marketing, PPC, and SEO endeavors. Start a conversation about integrated marketing today. Give our team at enCOMPASS a call.