After originally setting up as a YouTube channel a year ago and recruiting a small squad of vloggers, the newest network for parent bloggers, ChannelMum, has now announced an accompanying website and ramped up their efforts to sign up new vloggers.
Siobhan Freegard set up ChannelMum after selling Netmums three years ago. She is confident that vlogging has a big role to play in the future of blogging. She described the ChannelMum concept as ‘the next generation of parenting sites’.
Freegard says, “We know the way we consume information is changing. The rise of YouTube shows how much we’ve embraced video as people now want to ‘show not tell’. The powerful vlogging movement has revolutionised the way consumers get their information. Our own research at ChannelMum shows 60 per cent of mums want information direct from other mothers, not brands, websites or official sources. While online videos are now the most trusted format for millennial mums, with 35 per cent trusting it above any other media source.”
“What we’re doing at ChannelMum is giving busy new mums a quick, simple and easy resource. They can check out ‘how to’ videos on the go on their phones and get advice, tips and information direct from other mums. With over 100 Vloggers already part of the team, we have parents at every stage of the journey. They’ve been though – and are going through – almost every scenario you’ll ever need advice on.”
The ChannelMum website shows a stream of videos from all the vloggers currently signed up in chronological order as well having a listing of vloggers by name. Their YouTube channel shows a curated selection of vlogs under various subject headings from Family Recipes to Labour & Birth.
Ultimately, ChannelMum will also help vloggers monetise their channels by working with brands, much as the current blogging networks do for traditional bloggers. But Freegard advises brands looking to advertise on the platform to be “prepared to relinquish control because you can’t give mum vloggers a script but when you get it right it gives you really powerful advocacy”.
So if you’re interested in linking up your YouTube channel to the ChannelMum stream you can apply on the site (here). As long as your channel is over three months old and you vlog at least three times a month. If you’re new to vlogging you will also find some useful tips on how to plan, produce and promote your vlogs. If you’ve already signed up, we’d love to hear how you’ve got on so far. Do leave us a comment on your experiences with ChannelMum below.
For more blogging and vlogging tips check out the PBN Pinterest account . Don’t forget to subscribe to the PBN newsletter to stay up to date with all the news (plus you’ll be able to download our free pre- and post-publication checklist to make sure your making the most of each post).
I’m a Channel Mum vlogger and I have loved it so far. its given me a lot more confidence to be part of the team with a vision that all vloggers have of connecting with their audience as strong as we can. I still have my blog which I try to balance with it, and there will always be some people who prefer to read than watch, but the amount that prefer to “see” what we talk about, I personally think is growing. Its really exciting that the new website allows more people to join in. The more the merrier
Thanks for sharing your experience, Jules. Nice to hear you’re enjoying it.
I know video is the way forward but I just don’t lve it as much as I do writing. I think half the problem for me is the editing afterwards, I’m not particularly skilled in that area. Mich x
I am the same Michelle. I need to give it more of a go.
Video really is a must do these days, they are always a part of the projects we do too.