Why You Shouldn’t Post YouTube Links on Facebook

by CD Baby on June 21, 2010 · 17 comments

in Promotion,Videos

When you place a link to a YouTube or Vimeo video in your Facebook feed, viewers will have the ability to “like” and “share” that particular post. However, when they share it with their friends, there are no guarantees that all those folks out there enjoying the content you created will actually visit YOUR Facebook page. But thanks to a little-known Facebook feature, you’ll ensure that every person who watches it (no matter whose profile or page they’re looking at) will have the opportunity to “like” (become a fan) your Facebook page. Of course there is nothing wrong with using YouTube links, but if you are trying to use video to build your fan base on Facebook, this strategy might be a big help.

Here is how it works:

1. From you Facebook artist/band profile page, click on the video icon in the Status Update Box.






2. Choose to record a new video or upload one from your computer.











3. Once the video is processed, it will show up in your feed. As the video gets passed around, Facebook users that have not “Liked” your artist/band Facebook page will see this.













Have you tried posting videos on Facebook using this method? Did you see any benefits? Share in the comment section below.

Originally posted on 6/11/10 on CD Baby’s The DIY Musician blog.

Tagged as: CD Baby, fans, live performance, Promotion, video promotion, youTube

  • ironlaw

    does this only work if you have a band/artist account?

  • http://www.OnSiteStudios.com Jay Groccia

    I uploaded a couple vids to Facebook and it changed the aspect ratio of the video. I uploaded a wide-screen format (16:9) and changed it to standard def (4:3)

    I also think that going right to YouTube or Vimeo gives users more control over playback and they can easily see all the videos in one’s channel. It’s very easy to add direct links to the Facebook profile by simply putting in the URL in the MORE INFO section of the video.

  • http://www.facebook.com/shades515 Chris

    I’m not sure that posting YouTube/Vimeo links is such a no-no. Fact is, content speaks for itself and if you’re not creating something that’s compelling enough for the viewer then he or she is not any more likely to Like a page simply because the link was posted differently. If the content you’re linking (video in this case) is interesting enough, a viewer is more likely to seek you out anyway. That person will likely want to find you in more places than just Facebook.

    Bands should always keep in mind the quality of their fans vs. the quantity. Getting 10 generally interested fans aren’t nearly as useful as 5 passionate fans.

    I still think this is a very useful blog post and this method should still be utilized by bands…but content is still king.

  • http://www.antennafarmrecords.com Paul K

    Problem: FB’s terms of service cede ownership of any media uploaded to FB to them. In other words, if you post a vimeo link, fans can watch it as it appears in their news feed, but ultimately, you retain ownership of the video. However, if you upload it directly to FB, you are giving them permanent ownership of the video, and they reserve all rights regarding re-use.
    Not that it’s the biggest deal, but FB has proven to not be the straightest shooter when it comes to re-use of content that their users upload, and it’s worth considering possible downsides here.

    • Anonymous

      This is the reason why i didnt uploaded more videos and music strait to FB

    • http://www.myspace.com/initystudios Mike C

      Can you cite any examples of Facebook abusing this privilege? I know of this clause, but I’ve never seen an incident where it’s mattered. Any info whatsoever would be great in helping me make decision in this regard.

    • Wiser User

      This is simply not true. FB can’t acquire ownership in that manner — read the facts about copyright law instead of believing uninformed rumors. Transfer of ownership can’t happen in such an implicit fashion. Besides, the last time I looked, FB specifically stated it wasn’t acquiring ownership.

      As for usage rights, well, if you give something away, you shouldn’t expect it back. Duh.

  • http://brucebergh.com Bruce Bergh

    When viewing facebook with an iPhone, facebook videos do not work, only youtube videos do. A better idea is to embed the youtube video into your web- page/site and use YOUR URL when posting on facebook. That way, it insures that everyone will visit your site as they view the video.

    • http://www.soundecstatic.com Tims

      Facebook’s recent update to the iPhone allows videos to be seen from the app.

  • http://www.jbd420.com jesse b dawg

    I post every one of my videos to facebook I don’t see much result but I do see more plays

  • http://www.IMAGINE-DiscoverTheMagic.com Cynthia

    My feelings are it’s far more important to direct customers to YouTube due to the importance of the statistic that tracks views, as this can be used to demonstrate to partners or additional customers how well your video products are being received.

  • http://www.automationrecords.com automation

    I completely disagree, if you post a YouTube video to Facebook you will get the viral benefit of Facebook and your YouTube play count will increase…

  • http://FiveEyedHand.com fiddlermikey

    Another disadvantage to posting through FB is that the videos are not viewable on the iPhone platform, bit most linked videos are.

  • http://www.jannklose.com Anne Leighton

    Ultimately it’s the artist’s music that should be the final destination for fans. Whether they find you through facebook, youtube, word of mouth, it’s all fine.

    I purposely am posting the link to my artist (Jann Klose)’s video in this e-mail because I want you to hear his music and watch his “Doing Time” video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=En27pazVhsE I know as people hear him, they’ll have their own personal reflections on his music.

    Much as I love the Facebook experience and have recommended all my friends check it out, we must not think that FB is the be-all/end-all.

  • http://www.movinmelvin.com Francesca

    Thank you Annie, I love your comment, as well as Chris’. That’s precious, I totally agree.

  • jonfive

    I strongly disagree with this article… I do online marketing and you should ALWAYS post your youtube links on Facebook… in ADDITION, you should post other videos especially for Facebook that will have appeal there, using the method described above. Successful online music marketing requires a synergy between all of your social networking accounts so it’s important to cross-promote them.

  • http://twitter.com/johnhhudd Pinkie Cordy

    I think that Twitter is the best social network singers can get promotion. Many well-known stars/singers these days started through Twitter. Exactly like Marie Digby and Arnel Pineda, the modern vocalist of the actual music group Journey. A few of them are implementing a power tool like Tweet Attacks to get the real fans in a “dirty way”.

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