Long-form vs short-form web series

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Permalink Reply by Blind Lyle Films on October 27, 2009 at 7:26pm

I was mistaken by my information as we have had an account since July 2006 so we have been grandfathered into this. See below for the information about getting around the 10 minute limit. I would recommend applying (and re-applying for partner).

It doesn't matter that you made the account in 2006. What matters is when you became a director. Changing to director later on does not get you the ability to upload longer videos. You would have had to apply for the program back in 2006, when there was an application process similar to the Partner application process in place now, where every account submitting an application was reviewed by YouTube and accepted on the basis of adherence to Youtube rules.

The short of it is... if you never filled out an application to be director before the program was terminated, you won't be able to upload longer videos. Your only option for uploading longer videos now would be to apply for and be accepted into the partner program.

Rich Mbariket said:

@ Adam: I have a Director's account on Youtube and still limited to 10 minutes. Any way around this?

Blind Lyle Films said:

A simple fix to that is change the type of youtube account you have from acting to director. That way you aren't limited by the 10 min time constraint. I'd be curious to know what kind of viewer retention you have (you can see this when looking at your youtube insight). I'm concerned about going past the 5 minute mark generally.

Chris Williams said:

In our latest episode of The Variants we ran into the challenge of taking advantage of YouTube's large audience but were confined to 10 minutes. If you look at the time, it's right at 9:59. Anything longer, they reject.

Right now, YouTube is the easiest way to create and view content. My fear is beyond 10 minutes, a viewer will not likely click a "part 2" or "part 3".

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Permalink Reply by Rich Mbariket on October 27, 2009 at 8:34pm

I don't have sizable views on my vids to qualify for partner. I already know I won't be approved.

Blind Lyle Films said:

I was mistaken by my information as we have had an account since July 2006 so we have been grandfathered into this. See below for the information about getting around the 10 minute limit. I would recommend applying (and re-applying for partner).

It doesn't matter that you made the account in 2006. What matters is when you became a director. Changing to director later on does not get you the ability to upload longer videos. You would have had to apply for the program back in 2006, when there was an application process similar to the Partner application process in place now, where every account submitting an application was reviewed by YouTube and accepted on the basis of adherence to Youtube rules.

The short of it is... if you never filled out an application to be director before the program was terminated, you won't be able to upload longer videos. Your only option for uploading longer videos now would be to apply for and be accepted into the partner program.

Rich Mbariket said:

@ Adam: I have a Director's account on Youtube and still limited to 10 minutes. Any way around this?

Blind Lyle Films said:

A simple fix to that is change the type of youtube account you have from acting to director. That way you aren't limited by the 10 min time constraint. I'd be curious to know what kind of viewer retention you have (you can see this when looking at your youtube insight). I'm concerned about going past the 5 minute mark generally.

Chris Williams said:

In our latest episode of The Variants we ran into the challenge of taking advantage of YouTube's large audience but were confined to 10 minutes. If you look at the time, it's right at 9:59. Anything longer, they reject.

Right now, YouTube is the easiest way to create and view content. My fear is beyond 10 minutes, a viewer will not likely click a "part 2" or "part 3".

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Permalink Reply by Robb Padgett on October 28, 2009 at 7:30am

This is EXACTLY what we've been doing with our show (Life from the Inside). Though, for us now, we split the show into four parts instead of three.

And it's not only in deference to YouTube's baffling 10 minute policy (we've been directors since 2006 too, and the policy still applies to us). It also allows us to release a group of videos over a four-week period. We've found that this SIGNIFICANTLY helps the view count. We used to put each entire 22-minute episode online at the same time. The drop-off in views from part 1 to part 2 was incredible. But, releasing the episode over a 4-week period really helps with that. We get about the same amount of views on each part.

We have had a long-form show on the web since January 2007. At first it was a real struggle. And I wold say that it's getting easier, but, as you all know, web shows are never easy. But attitudes have changed in regard to long-form content. At least among creators and distributors. Now, a long show is an accomplishment. In 2007, a long show was seen as a "big mistake." It's nice to see that change.

But, make no mistake, long shows are still a huge challenge.

Rich Mbariket said:

One way to work around this is to split each episode into three acts ending in a cliffhanger. You just have to be creative during editing. If the viewer connects with the show he'll keep watching. Go for it and don't be afraid of the unknown. The best experience [from my experience] is through trial and error.

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Permalink Reply by docwho 2100 on November 17, 2009 at 12:09pm

I think another comment to add, which has been alluded to, is that we, as a society, are just now starting to learn that we can watch content delivered by different mediums (the tv, a movie theater, a radio, a mobile device, etc.)

Computers and mobile devices use to (and still are for many and who knows what happens if limits on Broadband begin...) but they had limits to delivery (memory, download time, resolution, etc...) and thus short series was the main structure. Then as technology becagn to develop, economics began to step in (short series usually = cheaper budgets and so on). Now we are seeing a cultural development with viewing habits (multitaskers, thinkers and short attention spans - I teach high school and see this alot :) However, there are many who prefer the longer and now that the technology is more allowing and funding is a little more flowing 9and models are developing on how to better market and make money in this medium)... longer shows are being seen as a larger audience with more varied tastes and viewing habits finds "the web" :)

I dare say, just as with radio, TV, movies, etc... you see a two step dance - at first the technology/medium limits and thus structures/drives much of final shape of the content. Then once a certain point is reached, cultural and economics (that dirty word) influences take over (aka coming to the "standard" length of programs, etc....)

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Permalink Reply by Jon Meyer on December 26, 2009 at 2:31pm

We've split up two of our episodes into two parts on Youtube, and yes you are right, part two never gets as much hits but that doesn't bother me. The way I see it if someone is really entertained and paying attention, then they'll click on part 2 to see what happens. It's not all about the view count, it's weather people like your show or not. I've clicked on plenty of youtube videos with a million+ views that suct balls. I'd rather create great material and have low views than luckily get a million views for some crap that will get me nowhere in the long run. -Jon www.thefreebox.tv

Chris Williams said:

In our latest episode of The Variants we ran into the challenge of taking advantage of YouTube's large audience but were confined to 10 minutes. If you look at the time, it's right at 9:59. Anything longer, they reject.

Right now, YouTube is the easiest way to create and view content. My fear is beyond 10 minutes, a viewer will not likely click a "part 2" or "part 3".

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Permalink Reply by Typical Strange on March 9, 2010 at 10:54am

I just posted my first two episodes in 3-4 minute parts on youtube the other day, thinking that shorter vids might get more views.

I've wrestled with the question of whether I should write 4-5 minute episodes instead of 20 minute. Will ANYONE watch a 20 minute video when it's from a complete unknown, unproven source? Not sure; I'll find out. That's what finally led me to google, which led me to the Web Series Network, where I posted my episodes! Glad to be here, by the way!

What I've come up with personally, is to stick with the 20-ish minute episodes. The series I'm doing seems to fit that
length. But I'm also producing some VERY short 1-1 1/2 minute 'shorts'. Jokier, standalone bits that will be easier for people to watch. My thinking is that more people will take a chance on a one minute video (I know I will, as a viewer). This might allow more people to see my stuff, and a portion of the viewers will click over to the longer episodes here (or on my own site, once it's there).

I have basically no views on youtube so far. When I finish the short 1 minute jobbies, I'll let you all know how it goes!

Typical Strange episodes
www.webseriesnetwork.com/profile/SeanGilbert
On youtube
www.youtube.com/user/Banes500

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Permalink Reply by Conner Orr on March 15, 2010 at 1:40pm

My new Series which you may have already heard of, Superstars is about 20-30 minutes long per episode. I really want to develop a good plot and characters. The show revolves around a group of teen campers who obtain super powers by eating radiactive chili. It's a comedy/drama but on a low budget as of now. Though I think I can work around virtually any budget. Season 1 is about 7 episodes long and byu episode 2 I'm hoping to have alot of suspense built up and also excitement. Episode 1 comes out this month. I really need a fanbase though. So if you're looking for a new superhero series filled with probably more comedy than drama than Superstars is your show.

Web Series Network said:

This is me writing from an audience perspective. Lately I've been craving longer web series and there's none out there. If you're a content creator and you're reading this, please step up and stand out.

Chris Williams said:

I'd be worried about view retention going short form. With tv, posting clips and episodes on Hulu works well, but most of those shows are typically 24 to 42 minutes.

Web series (at least ones I see) are mostly under 10 minutes.

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