Scientist Teaches Growers New Information on YouTube
February 3, 2021 
YouTube has become a beacon for online learning. Both students and professionals alike have made use of the platform to share ideas and educate one another. One such creator is Eric Brennan, a Horticultural Researcher at the USDA whose videos have seen success with growers with explaining complex topics.
We sat down with Brennan to get some insight into the life of an educational YouTuber. Here is what he had to say.
Growing Produce: What got you started on YouTube?
Brennan: It started in 2013, there was a science conference that I couldn’t attend. I told a friend of mine “you know what, I’ve already signed up for this conference. How about if I just make a video?” You can take my video to the conference, and when it’s my time to present, just show up with my video. That’s what inspired me to make my first video that got onto YouTube.
GP: What is your goal for making these videos?
Brennan: One of the most important things that I produce is original research that’s published in peer-reviewed science publications. But a big part of that is making sure that that information gets out to farmers. The problem is with these peer reviewed scientific publications, they’re often pretty dense. so, YouTube allows me to add some color and share the stories behind the research. I think is much more interesting than if people just had to read the publication. It’s a great communication tool. YouTube really gives me a much more accessible way to get the information out there.
GP: How much success have you found with your videos?
Brennan: When I made my first video, it was seen by about 20 people at a conference. Two weeks later, after a farmer asked me to put it on YouTube, it was seen by several hundreds of people. I think right now my YouTube channel got over 3000 subscribers. I made a video about how to make the novel hoe in 2016, and that one now has over 200,000 views. It was my first somewhat viral video. Many viewers from around the world have told me they’ve appreciated my videos in the comments. YouTube really helped me reach an audience I never thought I’d reach. That’s why I’m trying to encourage other scientists to consider using it because it’s so efficient for science communication.
GP: Is there any advice you would give for other scientists like yourself with making these videos?
Brennan: I’d say is just start where you’re at. And have fun with it and experiment. We’re scientists and experimenters. So, experiment with your videos, see what works, what makes you feel comfortable and inspires viewers to watch your videos. Don’t be afraid to fail. Some things may flop, and other ones won’t. You might be surprised what people are actually interested in. On my YouTube channel there’s a series of videos in a playlist that I made to help scientists get started.
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