Do you know that adding a missing place, photos or reviewing the bus station you enter would earn you points and badges in Google Maps? Are you aware that you can know the number of times the mail you sent has been read? Has it ever occurred to you that scanning a QR code can automatically update the entry on your Google calendar? A quick scan through the YouTube channel 'Ebadu Rahman Tech' shows you that all these things are possible.
Ebadu Rahman, the man behind the hit channel, is happy that more and more people are subscribing to his informative tutorials. A tech Vlogger, social media consultant, Facebook video marketing professional and strategy advisor, Rahman shares information on technical subjects - ranging from fixing a water-damaged cell phone to applying online for a birth certificate.
“I explain things in simple Malayalam in an interesting way so that people get hooked to the video,” says Ebadu, who, though has been running the channel for over a year, gained popularity in the last three months. He has been uploading a video each day with tips to bring the layman closer to technology. The videos also educate people about various government schemes that can be accessed online instead of facing serperntine queues and red tapes.
Ebadu started off as a wedding videographer, but knew that his heart was elsewhere. He always had a penchant for technology and kept his know-how updated. When Google purchased YouTube in 2006, he sensed that it was a new beginning.
“By 2010, I quit videography and focused on YouTube, which has been my passion, career, and life since then. I am a certified YouTube consultant and have worked for various Malayalam TV channels,” he says. He now earns much more than he used to -–both in terms of money and happiness.
For Ebadu, social media is not for just entertainment. “People here are yet to realise the reach and market of social media. It can be used for so many positive purposes. More than money, what attracted me is its potential for social purposes. Vlogs can be started with a zero budget – you just need a mobile phone. And you can make money by spreading good ideas and not cheap stuff. Be a responsible social media user,” he says, inviting more content creators.
The YouTube channel is a family affair for the Rahmans - the video is shot by Ebadu's wife Safna and by their son Raihan at times. The graphics and editing are being handled by Ebadu himself. An old cattle shed in their home at Aroor has been converted into a studio where the shoot happens. The family waiting for their little daughter Raima to turn one to launch another YouTube channel – Safna's Tips, about kitchen tips, home remedies and traditional practices people need to know.
Apart from running his own channel, attending technical sessions and being ready to answer any doubt 24x7, Ebadu also manages over 10 YouTube channels for his clients. Where does he find time for all of this?
Smiling, he says, “Actually, I have a strategy for that too. I go with a daily schedule and do not take up anything that affects it. Above all, I love what I do.”
