Here's where to start if you want to start your own vlog.
Discover the benefits of vlogging, as well as how to build a loyal audience and
a step-by-step guide to getting started.
What Exactly Is Vlogging?
Vlogging (short for "video blogging") refers to
video blogging. Vloggers film content with video cameras and upload it to their
own website's vlogging channel, platforms, and search engines. Vloggers' videos
cover a wide range of genres, including daily activities, comedy, informative,
instructional, video podcasts, and performance art.
4 Benefits of Vlogging
A video blog has some real advantages in addition to being a
fun way to share your interests. You can:
1. Take advantage of equal opportunity; starting a vlog
doesn't require you to have any prior filmmaking experience. Anyone who has access
to the internet and a digital camera can get going quickly and easily.
2. Interact with others: A lot of vlogs concentrate on a
specific topic of interest, like fashion, entertainment, or technology. By
starting a vlog, you can reach a community of people who share your interests
and are curious about what you have to say.
3. Participate in a well-liked form of entertainment: Many
people prefer watching online videos to going to the movies or watching
television as their main form of entertainment.
4. Profit: Popular vloggers who are successful can make a
good living from sponsors, subscriptions, and advertising.
How to Start a Vlog
To become a video blogger, follow this step-by-step guide:
1. Research vlogs. Before you begin your vlog, research
popular vloggers to see what works for them. Get an idea of what you want your
vlog to be about and how you want it to look and sound. Watch some vlog
tutorials to learn how to create the best videos possible.
2. Determine the type of vlog you want to create. You can
talk about anything that interests you, including events in your own life. Many
vloggers specialize in one or more areas, such as cooking, sports, or beauty.
3. Gather your equipment. Choose a vlogging camera and
equipment that provides the best video quality you can afford while staying
within your budget. A simple webcam, a smartphone, or a more expensive
mirrorless or DSLR camera with autofocus, 4K video, and an external microphone
can all be used. You may need a tripod for stabilization, lighting equipment
(see Marques Brownlee's tips for best lighting for video recording), and a
dedicated video editor to get started; however, you don't need the best camera
or anything more than a phone and internet access to get started.
4. Record your vlog. Before you get in front of the camera
and press the record button, plan out your vlog content. Examine the footage to
ensure that you are satisfied with the quality, sound, and content.
5. Make changes to your vlog. If you don't want to edit your
vlog or don't have video editing software, keep it short (under ten minutes).
If you want, add an intro and music, and keep the content interesting by
changing shots and angles as much as possible.
6. Submit your vlog. Upload your video to your website or
YouTube channel. You can choose to share it across multiple platforms or to
share short clips on social media that link back to your vlogging channel.
How to Build an Audience as a Vlogger
Once your vlog is up and running, you'll want to work on
increasing your viewership. Consider the following suggestions for expanding
your audience:
1. Make an effort to reach out to your intended audience.
Your audience will come to expect specific topics and engagement from you based
on the subject matter of your vlog. Everything you do on your vlog should be
geared toward that audience, including the look, graphics, and attitude that
will appeal to them. A vlog about embroidery will look, sound, and feel
different than a vlog about skydiving.
2. Maintain consistency. Regularly publish new videos to
grow and retain your audience. Audiences expect consistent posts, and
inconsistencies can lose audience interest.
3. Have patience. It takes time to build a successful blog,
especially for beginners. Keep things interesting for yourself, and be patient
with your progress.
4. Communicate with your audience. Communicating with your
viewers via comments and messages is an important aspect of vlogging. In your
video content, prioritize positive engagement by responding to questions,
concerns, or feedback.
5. Spread the word on other platforms. You can promote your
vlog on other social media platforms. Create dedicated social media pages to
promote and direct traffic to your vlogging channel. Tyler "Ninja"
Blevins, a professional gamer and popular live streamer, uses his social media
channels to share moments from his livestreams that he finds amusing,
entertaining, or particularly representative of his stream's style. "Take
that, make it into a video, and share it on all of your social media
accounts," he says. Ninja offers advice on how to improve your social media
presence.
6. Offer a useful product. Viewers expect you to produce
high-quality videos that either inform or entertain them. Even if your vlog is
about your personal life, make sure your vlogs consistently deliver what they
have come to expect.
7. Break away from the crowd. Use your distinct personality and style to set yourself apart from other video bloggers in the same genre. To popularize with audiences, you could create a signature look, intro, or catchphrase.
8. Make use of search engine optimization (SEO). Use frequently searched words in titles and thumbnails when uploading video files to optimize your vlog for search engines. Discover more about SEO strategy.