YouTube Launches New Gaming Portal Ahead Of E3

It’s no secret that gaming-based videos are incredibly popular on YouTube. Previously reported numbers indicate that over 364 billion views have been garnered from gaming clips (through the end of last year) and 15 percent of the site’s overall content is devoted, in some way, to games. So it shouldn’t be a surprise that the company has just announced its own gaming portal, in an attempt to compete with the highly popular streaming channel Twitch.

During an event today held at the YouTube Space in Los Angeles, the company has announced a new portal called YouTube Gaming, which will be supported through both a website and a mobile app. With it, it’s intent on putting YouTube’s gaming content in one convenient place, with over 25,000 games featured on their own devoted pages.

In addition, users will be able to customize their virtual gaming space by choosing favorites and putting them in a “collection,” so they can be alerted when new trailers, Let’s Play clips or other relevant content tied in with that game is uploaded. The search engine for YouTube Gaming will also be modified, so users can find the games they’re looking for right away, instead of sifting through non-gaming related content.

Most importantly, YouTube Gaming will focus on streaming content, which will put it head-to-head against Twitch. It’ll be one of the initial options that appears on the app or the website when it’s pulled up, with options to view at 60fps where supported, as well as reminders, so users can automatically share a link when a live stream is happening.

The company has a fair share of broadcasters and video creators to its credit, but at this point, it still has a lot to prove on the live-streaming front — especially considering how well Twitch is getting things done over on its network. With YouTube Gaming, it’s a step in the right direction, but now it’s a matter of simply seeing how effective it is.

One step in that direction will come next week at E3, where YouTube will be partnering up with GameTrailers personality Geoff Keighley and a number of others for live coverage from the Electronic Entertainment Expo event in Los Angeles. The Google-owned broadcaster has already set up a devoted channel for the event, and already has a number of exclusives in place for its broadcast, starting Monday. These include an exclusive game reveal from the developers at Platinum Games, as well as a first look at gameplay from Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 5, hosted by the veteran skateboarder himself, Tony Hawk.

Twitch welcomed YouTube’s entry into the game-streaming arena with a bit of snark:

 

PewDiePie Is Writing A Book

by Sahil Patel

Penguin Random House has won the book rights to YouTube superstar PewDiePie’s first book.

The book, titled This Book Loves You, is composed of more than 250 illustrated pages of “indispensable advice” and inspirational quotes straight from PewDiePie, known in real life as Felix Kjellberg.

It’s set for a worldwide release this fall, bowing in the US and UK on October 20. While Penguin Random House has global rights to the title, a few additional foreign distributors will release it in specific markets, such as Rowohlt in Germany, Aschehoug in Norway, Forum in Sweden, and Hachette in France.

Keep reading…

This article was originally posted on VideoInk and is reposted on [a]listdaily via a partnership with the news publication, which is the online video industry’s go-to source for breaking news, features, and industry analysis. Follow VideoInk on Twitter @VideoInkNews, or subscribe via thevideoink.com for the latest news and stories, delivered right to your inbox.

Geeohsnap’s Snapchat Advice To Brands: ‘Make People Feel Good!’

Geir Ove Pedersen is one of Snapchat’s biggest and most talented creators. Based in Norway, Geir sees inspriation for his Snaps absolutely everywhere. Lately, he’s been working on a series of inspired creations with his Random People Project, where he imagines people in places vastly different from where they are.

He took time from his vacation in Denmark to talk to us about his creative process and how important it is for him and for brands to make that emotional connection to followers on Snapchat. For Geir, it’s all about putting a smile on people’s faces.

 

How did you get started on Snapchat?

It all started in an airport in the fall of 2014. As a creative person, I always try to image things that are new and interesting.

I had just downloaded Snapchat and was checking out what creative things I could do with it. I saw a person really bored waiting for a plane and thought he wanted probably to be another place right now. Then the idea hit me: What if i could make him be in another place From there, the Random People Project was born and my adventure as an Snapchat artist began.

What inspires you?

Everything around me does. It could be a certain song, a sunset, a weird shape, personalities and so on. I offen ask myself questions like: “What if ,” “Why is it like that ” and “What can I do with it “. Lots of play with brainstorming and different art mediums gives me a lot of inspiration.

Describe your process.

I always go for the Snap first. Then I use some minutes to study the image and brainstorm a couple of ideas. I make a quick sketch and if im happy I will make the final artwork.

Since you’ve started, what have you learned about working on the platform?

That I could make friends all over the world! People are so amazing! I have also learned even if you use really simple and basic drawing tools and combine these with a realistic approach, you can make really good drawings! Combine that with a good idea and humor you can make people really happy.

Do you have any tips for brands on how to engage folks on Snapchat?

Too many brands are just pushing out boring advertisements and content. In the long run that is not a good strategy on a social network like this. Treat your followers like they want to be treated by giving them fun, interesting and amazing content. Imagine if you show a friend a regular advertisement versus a funny advertisement. Which one can make you feel good Same with Snapchat. Make people feel good! Followers are your friends because they are interested in you and they love as much as you do to smile and have a laugh.

What brands do you dream of working with?

I would love to be working with brands that are interested in creating content that would amaze and surprise people, make people feel good and smile. I want to work with brands that really care about their followers and want to give them something special in return.

What are your personal favorite people to follow on Snapchat?

There are so many great personalities and artist all over the world. Its hard to pick some. If i have to name one of my favorites it would probably be Shonduras. He was one of the first Snapchat artists I followed and he has a great personality, too.

 

Twitter CEO Dick Costolo To Step Down, Jack Dorsey Takes Over In The Interim

by Sahil Patel

Twitter CEO Dick Costolo is stepping down on July 1. Co-founder and chairman Jack Dorsey will take over in the interim as the company searches for a new permanent replacement.

The news was shared by Costolo via his Twitter account (naturally). In a release, Twitter said Costolo won’t be completely leaving the company, as he will continue to serve on its board of directors.

 

https://twitter.com/dickc/status/609090180725678080

 

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This article was originally posted on VideoInk and is reposted on [a]listdaily via a partnership with the news publication, which is the online video industry’s go-to source for breaking news, features, and industry analysis. Follow VideoInk on Twitter @VideoInkNews, or subscribe via thevideoink.com for the latest news and stories, delivered right to your inbox.

Mobile Game Highlights: ‘Geometry Wars 3’, ‘Kung Fury’

Welcome back to another round of Mobile Game Highlights. There are plenty of great offerings this week, so let’s get started!

Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions (Activision, $4.99, available for iOS {link no longer active})

After making its return to game consoles last year, the twin-stick shooter Geometry Wars 3: Dimensions has now come to the App Store, marking the first time that the series has gone mobile since the original Geometry Wars Touch debuted years ago. This is a much more sophisticated sequel, with various stage types, power-ups, and gameplay tactics to master as players shoot for their highest score possible. Plus, online connectivity guarantees plenty of competitive leaderboard action — and that more than makes up for the affordable $5 price.

Kung Fury: Street Rage (Hello There Holding, free-to-play, available for iOS and Android {links no longer active})

Considering that the KickStarter based film Kung Fury has become a YouTube phenomenon (14 million views and counting), it should be no surprise that consumers also have a Kung Fury-based game where they can enable revenge on Kung Hitler and his army of vile Nazis. This side-scrolling beat-em-up features a simple control scheme, but also introduces a fun combo system, where skilled players can build up points chaining together powerful hits — thus creating a score that they can post to Facebook, so others may be challenged. The only thing missing from this game is a dose of David Hasselhoff’s “True Survivor,” which can be found below.

 

Blades of Brim (Sybo, free-to-play, available for iOS {link no longer active})

The latest endless runner mobile release from the creators of Subway Surfers has arrived, and it’s a heroic quest that shouldn’t be missed. In Blades of Brim, players take on an army of underline goons, utilizing a number of characters, weapons and techniques in order to send the enemy army packing! Featuring outstanding visuals, fun gameplay and reasonable in-app transactions (mainly for coins and a Start Pack), Blades of Brim is an easy recommendation — and Apple seems to think so as well, since it’s this week’s Editor’s Choice.

Hitman: Sniper (Square Enix, $4.99, available for iOS {link no longer active})

While gamers wait patiently to see if a new Hitman game is announced for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One during E3 next week, Hitman: Sniper provides a suitable — albeit violent — way to pass the time. In the game, players portray the legendary Agent 47 as he takes out a series of targets in a stage, utilizing a specialized sniper rifle. The better shots he takes, the closer he gets to successfully completing each mission. Featuring a number of available weapons and scenarios, Sniper will put players’ shooting skills to the test.

You Must Build a Boat (Eightyeight Games, $2.99, available for iOS {link no longer active})

One of the most unique — and enjoyable — puzzle games to hit the mobile front yet, You Must Build a Boat is great fun for all ages. This sequel to the likable 10000000 gives players the opportunity to build a boat while traveling the world, and completing match-three puzzles in the hopes of continuing the journey and collecting new gear. Along the way, new recruits can join the sailing party, and dungeons can be rummaged for additional treasure. With a classy retro presentation and fun gameplay, this is one Boat that can hold its own.

There’s A New YouTube Beauty Queen, Plus 11 Other Stats You Didn’t Know

by Jessica Klein

Pixability has released its 2015 “Beauty on YouTube“ report, which shows just how vast this genre is on the world’s biggest video site — 45.3 billion views and 123 million subscribers strong. Meanwhile, ad spend on online video in the US is growing, according to eMarketer, and is set to reach $7.77 billion by the end of this year.

Just how much of the advertising dollar pie might beauty videos make up (don’t ignore the pun) Fixability’s report offered some insight into the YouTube category’s influx of money and who might be driving it, showing ultimately that brands are getting more involved in the content — and for some good reasons.

Beauty on YouTube 2015

 

How many beauty brands are getting exposure on YouTube?

According to Pixability, 215 beauty brands showed up in makeup, hair care, skincare, nail art, and other similar content on YouTube in April 2015. The content that they’re in has received more than 586,812,159 likes and has been tweeted out well over 23 million times.

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This article was originally posted on VideoInk and is reposted on [a]listdaily via a partnership with the news publication, which is the online video industry’s go-to source for breaking news, features, and industry analysis. Follow VideoInk on Twitter @VideoInkNews, or subscribe via thevideoink.com for the latest news and stories, delivered right to your inbox.

Why ‘Kung Fury’ Is The Perfect Film For YouTube

by Sahil Patel

By now you have either watched or at least heard of Kung Fury, the 30-minute action short-film from Swedish filmmaker David Sandberg that has taken the online world by storm since its YouTube debut on May 28. It’s a comedic masterpiece, sending up ‘80s action-flick tropes left and right in an effort to out-do anything that has come before it.

On LaserUnicorns YouTube channel {link no longer active}, Kung Fury has generated more than 14.5 million views in less than two weeks — but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

According to social data provided by Tubular Labs, Kung Fury content (which includes the film itself, its trailer that was released prior to the film, and other videos posted by the filmmakers and fans across platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Vine, and Vimeo) has been watched more than 50 million times.

Keep reading…

This article was originally posted on VideoInk and is reposted on [a]listdaily via a partnership with the news publication, which is the online video industry’s go-to source for breaking news, features, and industry analysis. Follow VideoInk on Twitter @VideoInkNews, or subscribe via thevideoink.com for the latest news and stories, delivered right to your inbox.

Five Brands Killing It On YouTube

by Jessica Klein

It’s long been clear that having a YouTube presence helps brands reach younger and wider audiences. Certain ones, like Red Bull and Marriott hotels, have gone all out and started their own digital programming studios, releasing high-quality, original content on the regular.

However, brands don’t have to have dedicated digital studios to put together successful YouTube channels. As many of the following channels show, you don’t need much more than a playlist of your best TV commercials to get people watching your brand’s content on the video platform. Using its Emerging Talent Tracker tool, Openslate found that these five brands are successfully gaining a following on YouTube…without putting out any particularly fancy video content.

Still, these brands do seem to have some tricks up their sleeves. Celebrity appearances, for instance, will always bring in the views, as HTC and Nike know, while having some kind of series, even if it’s extremely short-form, will help keep viewers returning to your channel, which Marshalls has perfected…

See the list…

This article was originally posted on VideoInk and is reposted on [a]listdaily via a partnership with the news publication, which is the online video industry’s go-to source for breaking news, features, and industry analysis. Follow VideoInk on Twitter @VideoInkNews, or subscribe via thevideoink.com for the latest news and stories, delivered right to your inbox.

Behind The Snap With One Of Snapchat’s Biggest Influencers

Michael Platco is one of Snapchat’s most well-known artists with a broad roster of brands he works with already under his belt. You may recognize his work from being featured as ION’s #1 Snapchatter in May or you may have seen any number of the Snaps he’s done for ABC’s Pretty Little Liars, Fox’s Fantastic Four, Marriott Hotels, Lionsgate and more.

You know you’ve made it when BuzzFeed’s dubs you the “Van Gogh Of Snapchat.” It is immediately clear with his experience that Michael is someone deserving of that title.

We caught up with Michael when he visited LA to talk shop about his unusual line of work, how he got started and what tips he has for brands who want to make a splash on the platform.