INTRODUCTION
If your hotel is active on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, you’re probably familiar with Stories. YouTube also has a Stories option you can explore, though it differs from what you may be used to.
Once known as “YouTube Reels,” YouTube Stories are visible for seven days, compared to one day on other platforms. Plus, the feature is only available for channels with more than 10,000 subscribers, so you won’t be able to access them unless your hotel or hotel group has a large following.
Since close to 75 percent of adults in the United States tune in to YouTube, it makes sense to explore its Stories feature if your channel qualifies.
Following are some tips on how you can use YouTube Stories to market your hotel, hotel group or resort.
HOW TO CREATE YOUTUBE STORIES
YouTube Stories are short, mobile-only videos that allow you to connect with your audience in a more casual and interactive way. Follow the steps below to create a story for your hotel.
- Sign in to the YouTube app on your mobile device.
- Tap the “camera +” icon. Then click the Story icon, which resembles a circle with a plus sign.
- Click the capture button (circle icon) to take a photo or hold it down to record a video. You can also use a saved photo or video from your mobile device.
- Add effects like filters, stickers, text or music, or use the scissor symbol to trim your story before you publish it.
- Tap “post” to publish the video or save it to your camera roll if you want to save it for later.
Since Stories are meant to be interactive, make sure to reply to comments from your followers. To respond, visit the Stories tab on your hotel’s channel, tap on the story and then tap on the comments icon–a talk bubble with three lines–to see the entire thread.
From here, you’ll select the comment to which you want to reply. Now, tap “Reply in Story” to record a video response or reply with an image. Your reply will be public, so make sure to review and edit your response as needed before posting it to your story.
HOW TO CREATE ENGAGING CONTENT FOR YOUR HOTEL’S YOUTUBE STORIES
There is no correct content to post when creating a YouTube Story, as long as it’s visually stimulating and likely to spark curiosity among your followers. You also should strive to create authentic experiences for your guests.
For instance, you could feature a tour of a local hot spot, event or attraction near one of your hotels. Since Stories expire after seven days, you should consider featuring seasonal activities or limited-time events.
You also could highlight luxurious experiences within your hotels by showing off key features of your suites or amenities such as onsite spas. To spice it up, you could create videos that capture “a day in the life of a guest” by following around willing participants as they explore key features of your hotels.
Exclusive footage of behind-the-scenes happenings or sneak peeks of new offers or changes (e.g. seasonal decor, newly remodeled locations) are some other ideas that are likely to captivate your audience and attract future guests.
The possibilities are endless, but it’s always best to let the photo or video do the talking. Only incorporate text when appropriate and try to keep it short and to the point.