The Community Media Committee of Monona is grappling with the challenge of engaging residents through its app, as recent discussions revealed a significant preference for YouTube among viewers. During the meeting on April 10, 2025, committee members analyzed viewership statistics, noting that while some content is being consumed, the Monona Go app is not the primary platform for many users.

Committee member Tony highlighted that although videos related to local events, such as school board meetings and sports, are being watched, the app is not seeing the same level of engagement. For instance, a recent candidate forum garnered only 52 views on the app, while other videos received even fewer. In contrast, YouTube appears to be the favored medium, with committee members acknowledging that it is the second most used platform for browsing the internet, trailing only behind Google.

The committee discussed potential strategies to increase app usage, including setting up informational tables at local high schools during lunch periods. This initiative aims to raise awareness among students about the app and its features, especially since high school-related content tends to attract more views than city meeting videos. However, the overarching sentiment was that competing with YouTube, which has rapidly grown in popularity, presents a significant hurdle.

Members expressed the need to promote the app more effectively, suggesting that integrating calls to action within YouTube videos could help bridge the gap. Despite the challenges, the committee remains committed to ensuring that residents have access to city content, regardless of the platform they choose.

As the committee continues to explore ways to enhance community engagement, the focus will remain on meeting residents where they are, whether that be on YouTube or through the Monona Go app. The discussions underscore a critical moment for the committee as it seeks to adapt to changing media consumption habits and ensure that local content reaches its intended audience effectively.