by 37 people |
The YouTube Module And How To Use It
YouTube has seen many videos in it's time online and here is the lens that will show you how to put those videos on your lens.
You can utilise the power of YouTube by using videos relevant to your topic, using videos not relevant to your topic and using your own videos to market products, provide an insight of yourself or purely just to have fun! (See Cinetech's How To Make Videos For The Web.)
The idea of this lens must be credited to KimberlyDawnWells as it was her that suggested it's creation in a SquidU forum thread.
I hope that, in time, this lens can not only be successful but can also provide a reference point for both amateurs and experts alike. I will update this lens every time I get some inspiration or if I get some advice which I deem suitable to be added (credit will be given where credit is due).
I have not made this lens to provide a mere tutorial, although, that was the original basis of the lens. This is now a mission to maximise the possible usage of the YouTube module.
Lens Contents
- The 2nd Most Watched YouTube Video Of All Time!
- How Can I Add The YouTube Module?
- YouTube Module: Options
- YouTube Module: Thumbnails
- My Music YouTube Video Section Thingy...
- Common Problems: Embedding
- Common Problems: The Video I Want Isn't On YouTube?
- Common Problems: I Want To Center A YouTube Video!
- A Centered YouTube Video...
- Warning: Video Deleted
- The Metacafe Duel
- Ideas: Add Some Humour To Your Lens
- Ideas: Combine YouTube and RSS!
- YouTube Blog RSS
- Ideas: Lensographies
- Ideas: SquidVids
- Ideas: Video Diaries
- My YouTube Based Guestbook
The 2nd Most Watched YouTube Video Of All Time!
Because I Can't Embed "Avril Lavigne - Girlfriend"...
Evolution of Dance
The funniest 6 minutes you will ever see! Remember how many of these you have done! Follow @ http://www.twitter.com/judsonlaipply Judson Laipply is dancing - http://www.theevolutionofdance.com - for more info including song list!
Runtime: 6:00
122180882 views
10 Comments:
How Can I Add The YouTube Module?
- Go to the lens workshop of the lens you want to add the video to.
- Select "browse all modules" in your "add modules" section of your workshop sidebar.
- Select "most popular" and click "YouTube vids".
YouTube Module: Options
- Add the YouTube module as above.
- Click the "Edit" tab on the top right-hand of the module.
- Click the "Display options" tab.
- You will now be presented with 4 tick boxes to customise your display. When ticked they will display, unticked they won't.
YouTube Module: Thumbnails
Because It's Not All About (Glow-In-The-Dark) Fingernails...
Thumbnail videos can be used in a number of different ways. They can be used to showcase a few videos (up to 9) next to each other, to show two contrasting examples next to each other (good example - bad example) or maybe just as an alternative to full sized videos.Thumbnails can also be used to solve embedding problems.
To add thumbnail videos:
- Add a YouTube module as normal.
- Click the "Edit" tab on the top right-hand of the module.
- You will now see 3 options; "Let YouTube pick", "Let me pick" and "Pick by YouTube username". Select one of the options.
- The bottom of the box will now extend. You are given two options "Show full-size video" and "Show thumbnails video".
- Select "Show thumbnails video" and you're done!
See below for my example.
A little note; before I get sued, I do not endorse any of the behaviour in the below videos including but not limited to:
- Setting the sprinklers off. (Paramore)
- Trashing a superstore. (Rise Against)
- Jumping off bridges, under trucks, running through traffic etc. (Bon Jovi)
- Counting poorly in a foreign language. (U2)
- Driving while your girlfriend (or boyfriend) covers your eyes. (Stereophonics)
- Playing guitar in the sea. (Feeder)
- Playing guitar until your fingers bleed. (Bryan Adams)
- Playing guitar at all! Flying whammy bars can be seriously dangerous to your health, Herman! (DragonForce)
- Going naturally about your business...Oh we do endorse that one! (R.E.M.)
My Music YouTube Video Section Thingy...
Dragonforce -- Through The Fire And Flames -- (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
Runtime: 5:01
2828121 views
10 Comments:
Common Problems: Embedding
This is most likely due to an embedding problem.
On the right hand side of the YouTube page, underneath the submitters details, there is a box with "Embed" written above it. If in this box it states, "Embedding disabled by request", you won't be able to use this video.
Whilst there is no legal way of putting this video on your lens if embedding is disabled, it is always worth an email to the owner of the video. A fine example of this is Clouda9's lens Getting Motivated For Life.
The video on this lens had embedding disabled by request but with just one email the owner of the video permitted Clouda9 to use the video and she now has content on her lens which is incredibly rare.
You can also use a thumbnail display to show a video that won't play on your lens. If you use thumbnails to display the video, any viewers will be directed to the YouTube URL of the video.
Common Problems: The Video I Want Isn't On YouTube?
If they refuse, unfortunately, there is nothing you can do as Squidoo doesn't support any other websites.
Common Problems: I Want To Center A YouTube Video!
Credit goes to TheFluffaNutta for this solution after Treasures-By-Brenda asked the question in *this* SquidU forum thread.
- Firstly, add a YouTube Module just like you would normally.
- Then add this code in the description area:
<p style="float: left; width: 150px; height: 247px;">
When you have saved it you should get something that looks like the video below!
A Centered YouTube Video...
Looks Something Like This!
Warning: Video Deleted
Yes, It's That Bad!
Credit must go where credit is due for this section; I would never have thought of this.The_Bard informed me of a little problem which many lensmasters overlook...
You MUST check your lenses regularly because sometimes videos are deleted from YouTube.
There are many reasons for this; the most common ones are that the owner didn't want the video on YouTube anymore or that it breached YouTube's terms and conditions. Whatever the reason, if a video is deleted it won't show up on your lens. It will, however, make your lens look under-maintained and messy.
The Metacafe Duel
Note: There is now a "video module" which includes videos from sites other than YouTube. However, this duel is being left up so that people can see how strongly people felt about having more options prior to the introduction of the video module.
Metacafe has tried to imitate the success of YouTube to (so far) no avail. Even cash incentives for video views don't appear to be making them as successful. The big question is...
Should Squidoo support Metacafe videos?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes
No
Ideas: Add Some Humour To Your Lens
Note: Don't watch this if you're easily offended!
Dylan Moran on Arnold Scwarzenegger (Like Totally)
Dylan Moran on Americans, Arnold Schwarzenegger and America as 'the promised land' From his 'Like Totally' tour, 2006.
Runtime: 3:14
319039 views
10 Comments:
Ideas: Combine YouTube and RSS!
YouTube videos are great. We know that. But it's a pretty stable thing, isn't it? I mean, the videos never change do they?How about YouTube updates to your lens? Would you like that? Here's how:
If you combine both YouTube and RSS you can get all the updates from your favourite YouTuber or many other YouTube provided RSS feeds.
To get a YouTube RSS feed:
- Add an RSS module as normal.
- Go to this link and choose your feed by following the instructions.
- Copy the URL (Highlight it and press "Ctrl" + "C") and paste it in the box on your RSS module ("Ctrl" + "V").
- Select your options and save. You should now have a fully functioning RSS feed direct from YouTube
Just like mine below; direct from the YouTube blog!
YouTube Blog RSS
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byIdeas: Lensographies
I've also noticed that they are usually quite personal and give a deep insight into the lensmaster and their life.
So... here's my idea;
1. Set up an account on YouTube.
2. Submit a video of yourself.
3. Get it on your lensography!
It could be a message to your viewers, a video biography or maybe just a video of you larking about!
One thing is for sure though, it makes your lensography so much more...YOU!
Ideas: SquidVids
Why Use One When You Can Use Many?
OK. So by now we've established that there are many different uses and functions of a YouTube video and that by using the module in different ways we can create different affects. Much like lighting in photography.Allow me to introduce you to your own YouTube TV channel: SquidVids
SquidVids allows you to build a lens on a topic just like you would build a regular lens. The major difference is the layout of these lenses as they are specially designed to be a video showcase.
For a great SquidVids example and a showcase of the best How-To-Squidoo videos on YouTube take a look at MrLewisSmile's How-To Squidoo Videos Showcase!
Ideas: Video Diaries
Why not make a lens/video diary?It would be unique and could bring a whole new perspective to blogging and lens making!
Maybe instead of writing about your travels you could take videos of you whilst you are away?
Or you could write a lot then use video footage to show off those special moments...
The possibilities are endless!
My YouTube Based Guestbook
If you're a YouTube lover, user or n00b (yes, that IS a technical term/word I will use!) I think you should leave some comments and suggestions somewhere round here...
California_Dreamin wrote...
Very useful information. Just what I wanted to know actually, as far as different ways to display videos in the video module. Thanks a lot.
Posted March 16, 2009
Ener-G wrote...
Great lens. I'm adding it to my Module Mentor series. (MM 2)
Posted February 08, 2009
jooloo wrote...
Thanks, I just spent an hour trying to get the videos on my page. Maybe, now I'll know how.
Posted December 09, 2008
StuartBronson_SelfTalkGuru wrote...
Awesome squid page with great easy to understand info.thnx
Posted November 02, 2008
Mazzer wrote...
Thank you so much for the information - it has been very helpful. 5*****
Posted September 03, 2008
lukafer2 wrote...
ooo i didnt know i could center my videos.
Thanks for the info!
Luke
Posted August 12, 2008
chefkeem wrote...
Splendid lens, Rock. I didn't know about the YT RSS thing. Interesting. 5*s
Posted August 10, 2008
embrisa wrote...
Even though you are not talking about something that is particularly funny.. you do a darn good job of adding stuff or saying stuff that is just cracking me up - as well as others, i am sure of it.
Hahah!! Keep that sense of humor going!
Aside from the great humor, the lens is well thought out and most excellent.
Thanks!
Posted August 07, 2008
RentMyGarden wrote...
Thanks Rock. Great YouTube Video RSS Tips. *****5 Stars! I didn't know that you could get a RSS video feed from YouTube until I read your lens today. YouTube offers several RSS video feeds for categorized groups of videos as well as customized feeds for users and tags. I am happy! I was able to use a tag to get the RSS video feed I wanted to have on one of my Squidoo pages. Great Take-Away!
Posted July 08, 2008
poddys wrote...
Great info, thanks. I learned a bit today. Didn't know that you could get an RSS feed from You Tube. Great idea. 5***** I think a video biography for a lot of people is the next generation. Video blogging is getting more and more popular.
Posted June 28, 2008
