By 2017, video will account for 69% of all consumer internet traffic, according to Cisco. Videos are nothing new in this day and age and it seems like every day, another video is going viral. Online video users are expected to double to 1.5 billion in 2016, according to Jeff Hazylett.  This number will only increase due to more ways to record and easier ways to upload and share content.

Screen Capture of our Details page on a Vacation Rental Listing-2015

That is why companies should be embracing this amazing way to create great content marketing. “We have been encouraging vacation rental owners to upload videos of their property or fun things to do in the area. Videos show vacationers how to live like a local,” Joe Mogensen, creator of state-specific vacation, rental websites said. His first state specific website was www.RentWisconsinCabins.com, a website highlighting vacation rentals all over the state. The addition of videos to property details page let’s renters “watch” what there is to do in the area, like snorkeling the lakefor example. Did you know that Cable has some of the coolest snowmobiling in the world? Videos help share with the user, what a simple description could never put into words. Other vacation rental websites such as RentMinnesotaCabins.com, RentNewYorkcabins.com and RentMichiganCabins.com have gained momentum with video capabilities. “New York has some popular wine trails that are great for those that stay a week in the Finger Lakes area.” Videos promote that vacation experience, which helps rental owners bookings.”

“We are brand ambassadors. We want to be a marketing partner first and a listing website second. It is important for vacationers to trust the property and managers.” Mogensen implies. Simply put, photos and descriptions just don’t work for everybody now. Users want more. Videos are easy to share with others and let’s face it, vacationers want to share their experiences and owners want to share what they can offer. Videos are also great social media material. Just recently Facebook surpassed YouTube in desktop traffic, which just solidifies our reasoning  for vacationers to connect with the owners and managers online via social media. Coupled with video, It is a win-win situation.