Google+ Reaches 20 Million Users

Over the weekend, I read a few articles about Google+ that really made me think. The first was an article claiming that Google Plus had already hit a user base of 20 million members. The other was an article talking about how Google plans on creating a similar celebrity atmosphere to Twitter's where celebrities will gain "Verified Account" status.

Let's tackle the idea that its a big deal that Google Plus already has 20 million members. Why is this so surprising or astonishing to people? The site probably has over a billion page views worldwide everyday and Google+ is the cool new thing for all the tech bloggers and Google lovers to check out. Just because they've reached 20 million members in 3 weeks isn't all the surprising, even if they're only in "invite only mode" right now.

The second article about Google possibly adding a verified account status to celebs who actually sign up for Google's new social network also isn't much of a surprise. Those of you who frequent my blog may remember a post I wrote back in March about how Google/YouTube were planning some time of celebrity option. Of course they'd love it if celebs joined their social network. This is exactly how Twitter became popular in the early days. I personally don't think celebs would be willing to jump on Google+. The reasons Twitter is so intriguing to celebs is the idea that they can gain thousands of followers by typing out 140 character messages whenever they want. It's quick, it's easy and it's another way for them to market themselves to a global audience.... right Kim Kardashain?

I think everyone needs to settle down on the Google+ reporting. Yes, I know it's the newest thing and yes I know everyone wants to see if anyone can topple Facebook, but Google+ is still in its infancy, lets talk about it more in a year or so.

Google Looks Into Celebrities For YouTube

Before I went to sleep last night, I came across an article about Google that I found pretty interesting. The article was written in the New York Times and spoke about how Google is moving from a search advertising company to a media advertising company. You can find the article here; http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/21/business/media/21carr.html?_r=1&ref=technology.

The point I found most interesting was this; "There have also been reports that Google has set aside $100 million for incentives for well-known celebrities to program their own “channels” on YouTube to increase the amount of high-profile content on the platform."

I'm not sure why this hasn't been looked at more closely by people in the media business. I think this could be the key to YouTube gaining even more popularity (if that's even possible).

The reason Google has "set aside" 100 million for incentives for well-known celebrities is because Google understand what makes Twitter so successful. That's right, it's celebrities. Most of the people who sign up to Twitter sign up for two reasons; 1) to follow their favorite celebrities more closely or 2) promote their business, themselves or to do social marketing for another business.

No one signs up for Twitter to follow what their friends are saying or doing, that's what Facebook is for. No one signs up to get news either, Google, Yahoo, NYTimes and local online newspapers handle that. No my friends, the main reason Twitter ever took off was because of Ashton Kutcher and his celebrity friends.

What's my point? My point is, if Google/YouTube can somehow get celebrities posting home videos from their webcams, cell phones or HD recorders they'll strike gold. People will jump onto YouTube even more than they do now, and it's all because of the celebrities. Google will laugh all the way to the media advertising bank.