Post by Rebecca Walters

Last week we kicked off a little project called Viral Video Friday’s at the Digital Learning Commons. In less than 24 hours, we organized and produced 2 Harlem Shake videos. (If you’re not familiar with the Harlem Shake video phenomenon, think of it as the next wave of flash mob videos.)

Our 2 Harlem Shake videos have gained 7000 total views in only 1 week, becoming the fastest viewed video in the history of the Monterey Institute YouTube Channel.

Of those views, 5000 occurred within the United States and 2000 occurred within other countries. Countries such as the United Kingdom and Mexico had about 200 views each. Also of note, these videos feature a student from Iraq and a student from Puerto Rico; both of those countries have over 20 views, meaning these videos are a way for students to promote the Institute to friends and family back home.

Videos like these – fun 30-second videos – could be an excellent source of organic social media traffic. In addition, the videos cost the Institute only 6 total hours of staff time to produce, bringing the price tag to $148. Given 7000 total views, we’re paying 2 cents per video view. This is significantly less than the average $2.00 per click that we spend on online marketing campaigns to bring new people to our website and social media channels.

If you have any questions, please comment below. See you next week for the another web analytics fast fact post!

Special thanks to Eric Morrow, Danielle Johnson, Molly Lineberger, Jen Holguin, Maggie Peters, our MIIS L10N: Spanish team, and my Graduate Assistants at the Digital Learning Commons!

Watch the Harlem Shake Library Video | Watch the Harlem Shake Samson Center Video