4 Things That Make Apple the Creative IT Girl of Modern YouTube
Sure, Apple is that girl. She’s everywhere, all the time, constantly. Think back to the past year – have you seen an Apple video ad? Of course you have.
So, what exactly does Apple do differently? Why are they killing the game when others struggle to get a few measly views? A few critical strategies, four exactly, make Apple one of the most popular channels on YouTube for tech and innovation.
1. Apple’s name recognition carries weight
There are no easy answers, but there are simple answers. When your name is synonymous with the best consumer electronics, cloud-based services, and computer technology, it’d be bizarre to get millions of followers and viewers. All eyes should (and will) be on you.
Apple is the most recognized, familiar, and established company globally, yet it follows the most minimal route to marketing. Less is more. Anybody a fan of Stoicism, Taoism, or Sun Tzu? Words carry more weight and influence when one is less visible and speaks or acts with reason. If you’re thinking “philosophy has nothing to do with marketing,” remember that Apple does not run with trends – it runs parallel to trends.
Apple appears when it’s time, speaks when required, and strikes unannounced. And trust me — it is a company that takes pride in its innovation. This is one of the reasons why Apple has become one of the most engaged tech-driven companies on YouTube. With more than 19 million subscribers on YouTube and an average view rate of over 850K, Apple has outperformed Google, Samsung, Microsoft, and other tech giants.
2. Centralization means everything in one place
Apple has one central channel on YouTube. However, its sub-channels (Apple UK, Apple India, Apple Japan) exist for reasons such as spreading information in regional languages or marketing new Apple TV+ shows in different countries.
Apart from a few promos, Apple utilizes the central YouTube channel for product launches, tutorials, events, campaign videos, and short films. Smart marketing or risky endeavor? Putting everything in one place has its pros and cons. In the case of Apple, it serves the purpose of getting the undivided attention of subscribers to its videos and serves as an anchor between its sub-channels to disseminate the information.
The newest Privacy video acquired 11 million views in 2 weeks, showing the feat of the central channel. Subscribers do not need to toggle between sub-channels to find the crucial tutorials and updates from one central channel. Less running around, more benefits.
3. Invincible ideas and perfect execution
Contrary to what we just discussed, videos don’t get views just because Apple produces them. Apple video techs are master creativities of relatable and familiar storytelling. Ten months back, Apple dropped a video called ‘Mother Nature’ that video provided a status report on Apple’s carbon footprint. The words — sustainability, carbon zero, neutrality, yada yada — won’t reach every target audience member.
But Oscar-award winning familiar face Octavia Spencer in the thumbnail, that’ll do it. The video featured Tim Cook (of course) and employees greeting the arrival of Mother Nature (Octavia, the goddess) then feeling the tension in presenting the status report — nothing could have altered my attention for a bit. Tim Cook even fumbled before Mother Nature while presenting the status report. The actual corporate diaspora with literal Mother Nature in the scene — it’s the cherry on top.
Despite being a 5+ minute video, I took it all in and became one of the 5 million views.
4. Less talking, more showing
Apple’s storytelling takes the manta of do not talk unless your message requires it. We the audience, are then left with cinematic visuals and great storytelling without being hit over the head with messaging.
Is our data private? Who can tell when Apple is there to show us? It tells us through a less than 2-minute video that you are being watched at every step. Turning cameras into birds and making them hover around, the video is eerie and disturbing but relatable and a treat to the eyes while watching. The audience can grasp the message and the campaign.
Rome wasn’t built in a day – neither was Apple’s power. Apple’s sheer size, reliability, and its branding have made all the difference in the world. Apple can do the least minimal thing and can get millions of views. The only strategy they follow is seemingly minimal promotional funding to social media marketing. Their time-tested #ShotoniPhone campaign is still revolutionary – and still getting new submissions. A significant portion of Apple’s product-focused persona has won hearts, wallets, and subcribers.
Cut to the chase
Apple’s YouTube channel has gathered over 19 million subscribers, with an average of 850k views. The reason behind such amassing views is more than Apple’s charisma. Using iPhones to make ads to gather every single audience to one central stage — there are four reasons why Apple has become one of the most engaged and innovative channels on YouTube.