But let’s think outside of the box here. Why limit this to news organizations? Could you image what a forward thinking non-profit or advocacy group could do with this kind of technology?

Members could upload their personal stories and testimonials in a YouTube story-bank. Constituents could post video messages to Congress. Donors could share why they are supporting a cause or explain to their friends why they are participating in a fundraising challenge. Perhaps in some cases citizen journalists could be recruited to gather video ‘research’ on an opposing group or in support of selected issue priorities. (If you have other ideas about how non-profit/advocacy groups can use this tool please add them as a comment to this post or tweet via @zablud).

To see examples of how advocacy organizations are already utilizing video content from supporters please visit two sites Adfero developed SpeakNowForKids or MyCommunityMyBank. While these sites were custom created before the YouTube DIRECT tool was available, both these and future sites could certainly be developed or enhanced using this new tool.

According to YouTube, the “key features of YouTube DIRECT include: