YouTube seems to be evolving: 2012 has seen the launch of its human rights channel, the extension of its live streaming service to more users through Hangouts on Air, and now it seems that the rise of citizen journalism around the world has led to more and more of us looking to the video network for our news. Boasting 800 million visitors every month, maybe this is the time to start to use YouTube in your work.

Still doubtful it’s for you? Here are three different ways you can use YouTube in your work.

1. Make a video.

Yes, I know this is the obvious one, but many charities around the world have used the power of a video to educate, illuminate and motivate. Making a video doesn’t have to be an expensive and difficult enterprise – Vodafone has got some tips for would-be directors which includes suggestions for using mobile phones. You should also check out this list of seven very varied charity videos from 2010 for some inspiration. Once you’ve made and uploaded your video you can now even add a ‘donate’ button.

Now YouTube’s Charity Programme is able to give not-for-profit organisations some targeted training on making videos, through a series of monthly video sessions starting at the end of July 2012. Find out all the details of taking part (you will need a Google+ account), or just watching, on the YouTube blog.

2. Encourage your supporters to tell their stories

While it’s not possible to share your YouTube channel with multiple admins, you can still use your channel to showcase the videos that your supporters or service-users have made. You can get the videos sent to you to moderate, then upload them onto your channel yourself. Another way to highlight someone else’s videos is to subscribe to their channel, or just ask people to tweet with the video link.

Alternatively, if you’ve held a public event and want to highlight participants’ videos then just search for the name of the event and add it to your playlist (for an example of this, just search for ‘santas on the run’ and see the numerous videos uploaded by supporters of Helen and Douglas House in Oxford).

3. Live stream to the world with Hangouts on Air

Google has brought live streaming to the masses thanks to its marriage of Google+ and YouTube, creating the Hangout on Air. This service allows you to stream meetings, events, concerts, or anything else across the internet – thereby massively broadening the audience for your organisation’s work and message.

There is some good advice available about how to plan and execute your Hangout: Mashable has some excellent and detailed information, and YouTube itself also has important tips.

How are you using YouTube? Share your channels and videos by adding the link in the comments, below.