What is YouTube for Nonprofits?

YouTube for Nonprofits is one of my favorite tools currently available as part of the Google for Nonprofit program. If your organization is a qualifying 501(3)c, you will gain access to a set of incredibly powerful tools that can help your organization increase its engagement with supporters and drive donations using video.

Why It Matters

YouTube is the largest video-sharing site on the Internet, and the second largest search engine behind Google. With over six billion hours of video watched by a over a billion viewers each month, it’s a good bet that many of your supporters use YouTube. “Nonprofit and Activism” is also among the fastest growing categories on YouTube.

The best part is that the cost to use this power platform is zero! If your organization qualifies, it’s a no brainer to sign up and start connecting with your supporters.

The Good Stuff

On page donation - All YouTube for nonprofit partners can use a Google Wallet “donate” button.  The button shows up below videos and on the channel page. Once you sign up, go to your Google Wallet options, enter your ID and Merchant Key, and choose donation amounts.

Call to Action Overlay - You can find this fantastic feature under “video manager,” then click “edit” on any of your videos. Call-to-Actions are similar to video ads, but so much better. You can place a headline, short description, display URL and even an image. Use these overlays to share additional info or link to a petition/action page!