Youtube is a major advertising business, and what is great is that it allows brands and companies to show that they aren’t just advertisers: they are creators. Here are 5 great tips that show how multiple brands have gone beyond simple infomercials to engage their consumers:

1. Go for Extremes

GoPro has found incredible success with their Youtube channel by having a variety of different content choices for the user. Most people think off the bat that a DIY camera is cool, but isn’t it cooler to watch an olympic snowboarder wearing a terrifying skull mask up close? How about a wicked fast Mexican guitarist from a foot away? Or how about from the viewpoint of a stick being used to tease a dog? GoPro has used Youtube to provide their consumers with both unbelievable and ridiculous content, letting the consumer choose what they like best. And they go everywhere from the painfully cute to excruciatingly painful to watch.

2. Not Funny? Then be Useful

I have never heard a joke about a hardware store, probably because any that are out there aren’t very good. The PR head behind Home Depot probably thought the same thing, so they came up with a better idea for Home Depot’s Youtube page: Show them how it’s done. Home Depot has engaged its customers by providing them with over 1,000 “How To” videos, ranging from simple lawn care, to extreme Shed Construction. Useful information is always in demand, and Home Depot has used this fact to build a solid subscriber base of over 60,000 with their most popular videos topping 1 million views.

3. Tell a Story

They don’t all have to start with “Once upon a time . . .“ Been there done that, and that title is probably copyrighted now that the show is a success. But Pepsi knows there are other options.

Pepsi has done a great job on their Youtube channel by using various formats such to keep their customers engaged. They have done a 75-video sketch, single-hits like “Test Drive with Jeff Gordon,” and now, Uncle Drew, which uses a story to get consumers not to overlook their product. Best part about a story? You get hooked, and then you keep on clicking that “next” button in the series. Because you want to know how that story ends, you don’t even notice you are watching an add.

4. Use Variety

Maybe you like to be funny, sometimes you want to be the “how-to do-it master,” and then other times you want to make an inspiring documentary. Why not do it all? Fiat has used its Youtube channel to create an eclectic collection of videos for its consumers. From how-to-drive like a professional race car driver to documentary-style Snapshot series, they have given their consumers a taste of everything. Even some Ha- ha moments from their LOL-series. There is no limit: give your consumers options, and they are engaged from the moment they have to make a choice.

5. Keep it Fresh and Keep it Coming

Playstation doesn’t release a new product every week, but they are committed to consistently producing high-quality output, and that takes time in between new releases. What they can release though, are quick Youtube videos. And they do. The brand strategically keeps their subscribers entertained with roughly 8-10 new videos every week on their Youtube channel, reminding their fans “you know what we have. So come on- utilize it!” Keep your consumers aware of your account with new content and you will keep it impossible for them to forget you.

Go to Mashable for more detailed info.