Twitter is for sharing thoughts in 140 character limits. Normally, when Twitter users want to share videos through the platform they tweet a link to it. Their followers then click the link to be taken to another website to see the video. It’s up to them whether they come back to Twitter or not.
Then came Vine, the new IOS app everyone is buzzing about.
Twitter bought Vine in October 2012 and debuted it for free download in January 2013. The app allows users to capture and upload six second video loops to Twitter that followers can see in their stream without leaving the Twitter interface. Although Twitter says it’s developing the app for other platforms, Vine is currently only available for the iPhone and the iPod Touch. Originally, the app’s minimum age was 12 but due to the influx of adult themed videos, Twitter has raised it to 17 years old.
Vine is good for Twitter for two reasons. The first is that it adds a richness to the platform that it lacked previously. Adding a new element to the content makes just makes the Twitter experience better overall.
The second reason is that it keeps more users on the platform instead of sending them out to third party websites to watch these videos. The more it keeps those users within the platform, the higher its traffic and usage stats. Those numbers affect advertising prices among other things.
There are benefits for users, too. In terms of sharing, individuals and brands have gotten used to using post updates and images to reach their audiences. Video is an option but most of the time it’s an involved process to create the longer videos you see on Youtube and other video sites. Vine is a quick and easy way to connect with others through moving images. It also is the most hassle free way to upload video to Twitter at the moment.
Using Vine is a lot like using Instagram, but there are still a few things you need to know about the services. Here are some facts to keep in mind:
Expect simplicity. Vine is super simple. Just hold the create button to make a video and let go when you’re done. There are some users who will be disappointed by the lack of advanced features of the app. But the fact that you don’t have to be a genius to use it well is part of the design.
It’s all about keeping it short. Long videos aren’t for Vine. Like Twitter, Vine is about an abbreviation of an experience. You may think six seconds is too short to make an impression but it’s not. It just means you have to get to the point right away.
It’s not just about the video. After you’ve created a video, that’s not the end. You also can add captions with hashtags and location information. This gives your followers some sort of context to your creations. It’s also important to making your Vine videos searchable through the app, Twitter, and other platforms.
It’s not just about Twitter. Vine is a separate app and platform from Twitter. You don’t have to be on Twitter to use Vine. You create a separate profile and have a separate follower count on Vine. And while you can share your Vine videos to your Twitter account, you can also share it to Facebook. Other sharing options may be added in the future.
Don’t forget to explore. Vine is to Twitter what Instagram is to Facebook. It’s connected but separate. And just as you can use Instagram to search the app to find new and interesting content, Vine’s explore option allows you find interesting videos through hashtags and keywords.
Go ahead and try Vine, and let me know if you still have any questions. You can also subscribe to our Email newsletter for more updates.
Brian Lakeman is blogger and Brand Manager for Activ8me. If you would like to guest post at CallingAllGeeks, check our guest submission guidelines.
Tagged as: applications, Apps, Guest post, iOS, sexting, social media, vine
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