Vlogs, which are essentially blog posts in video form, have seen a recent boom in popularity all over the Internet. As you may know, vlog comes from the word “video” and “blog” — whereas the term originated from the combination of the words “web” and “log.”
The term “vlog” often refers to blogs consisting exclusively of video blogs, which are usually hosted on platforms such as YouTube instead of the usual blog-hosting websites.
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Why You Should Start Vlogging?
Vlogging is a great way to promote your blog and boost your audience. Vlogs are often casual and loosely scripted, making it relatively easy to produce over a long period of time.
The learning curve isn’t too steep, as long as you have knowledge of basic video editing and camerawork.
If you run a personal blog, vlogging is one of the easiest ways you can show the world a piece of your daily life.
Since the videos are in first person, the post feels more engaging or relatable and people will feel more connected. All in all, it’s a great way to connect and keep in touch with your audience.
If you want to show your followers a product or food review, vlogs are a good way to present that instead of just a text post with images.
Vlogs are also good if you want to show them something while it’s happening instead of waiting after the event to write about it. In short, anyone can make a vlog on the go.
Vlogs can help you, too. As you present yourself to your audience in first person, it helps your confidence grow and lessen the anxiety you may feel in front of a camera or just when presenting in front of people.
Vlogging is a useful tool for business blogs as well.
Business vlogs don’t see as much widespread use as personal vlogs but you can use that to your advantage as it sets you apart from other businesses.
A unique, engaging way of promoting your service or product is always useful.
People are more likely to buy a product or service if they see it in a video, especially if a demonstration of the product is shown.
The video blogging format offers limitless possibilities for bloggers of all kinds — so it’s definitely worth a try.
The Basics of Vlogging:
If you want to get started with vlogging now, there are a few things you need to know.
First, you will need the right tools to make a good output. Obviously, you will need a good camera, though some vloggers also use their phone camera if the quality is decent enough.
Most of the time, a smartphone will do just fine but it’s important to remember that the quality of the video shouldn’t distract the audience from the content itself.
In the same vein, you may want to invest in a good microphone and a ring light if you want your vlogs to look more professional and well-put.
Something you should do before starting is to write down what you want your vlogs to be about. This way, it’s easier to maintain a consistent stream of content.
Starting with a script in bullet form (which you will loosely follow) is a great way to plan your vlogs and prevent dead air (instances when nothing is happening) while filming.
You can start by loosely outlining the day’s events, or making a list of things you want to talk about.
If it’s your first time vlogging, it’s recommended that you watch successful vloggers’ videos for inspiration and to get a feel of how it works.
There are also a few general rules or guidelines that you should follow when making vlogs.
A good vlogger knows that their voice should be clear, that being dynamic makes for a more fun and entertaining video, and that bringing new things to the table with each vlog is important.
The spot where you choose to film at is also a key element that can make or break a vlog. You have to draw attention to yourself in the video.
Otherwise, if the background is too cluttered, viewers may find it difficult to focus on a single thing in the video.
How to Make Effective Vlogs?
If you want to become a successful vlogger, you’ll want to have something that sets you apart from other people in the platform, like a gimmick.
An example of this is using a catchphrase or incorporating a unique segment into all your vlogs. Your gimmick shouldn’t be the main focus of the show, but it should be part of most vlogs.
If you leave them out of more serious vlogs, the impact on the audience can be more powerful.
You should also keep the content in your vlogs varied. Just talking for 10 minutes straight isn’t the best way to captivate your viewers, so using a different set of styles in one video is a good idea.
For example, an intro can consist of a time lapse, the middle part can be a montage with narration, and the last part can be a sitting-and-talking type of setting.
You can also find an interesting piece of your day to focus on for each vlog. That should be the part that stands out the most to keep consistent.
Last but not least, remember to always be creative and think out of the box. An audience will eventually get tired of seeing the same things in every single video.
