If you’re a nerdy citizen of the web, or you spend a lot of time watching YouTube videos, it’s likely you’ve come across someone vlogging. The practice used to fall into the same category as emojis for me– in other words, things I said I’d never participate in.
What is vlogging?
To understand what vlogging is, lets step back and look at what a blog really is. If you don’ know, the word blog is short for ‘weblog’, the original descriptor for a website hosting chronological lists of posts, typically centered on a particular topic. So, a vlog is simply a web video log. In other words, vlogging is just the video version of blogging.
Why I didn’t start vlogging sooner?
I have friends who post videos. They’re typically raw, lightly edited videos. And the thing is, I think they’re awesome at it! The problem was, I didn’t really think I could make cool videos like theirs. After all, they offer awesome advice, and have vlogging experience on their side.
So why did I decide to start?
After attending a talk at Pressnomics earlier this month, something occurred to me. If I have a growing blog audience that enjoys my posts (which I do), and vlogging is just a video version of blogging (which it is), and I love to geek out with video equipment (which I always have), then why the hell aren’t I vlogging?
Good question Mendel, good question.[Tweet “If you have a growing blog audience, you should be vlogging.”]
But isn’t it a lot of work?
I thought it’d be a ton of work, but it’s super simple. In-fact, here are five reasons you should start vlogging right after reading this post:
- You can vlog almost anywhere and with any modern smartphone. No excuses.
- Any awkward pauses or bad recording can be edited out.
- YouTube is currently the second largest search engine, next to Google.
- If you’re already blogging, you’re already a non-video vlogger.
- You have something unique to contribute to the world. Do it on camera!
After recording four videos, (one is scheduled for Monday, so SUBSCRIBE!) I can confidently say, ‘anyone can do it’. So get started! And to add a little more incentive, if you happen to read this and post your first legit vlog (first 3 to do it), I’ll mail you something cool.
Here’s my very first attempt. And trust me, it keeps getting easier and less awkward.
If you take my vlogging challenge, post a link in the comments section!