Whether it’s the lifestyle clips shared by Casey Neistat or the foodie deep-dives posted by Doobydobap, vlogs offer a window into other people’s lives, forging a meaningful connection between creators and viewers. Let’s peek behind the process of vlogging to determine if this creative venture is right for you.
The vlog (short for “video blog”) is a series of short videos shared on social media platforms or personal websites. Unlike traditional blogs, which take the form of written narratives, vlogs also incorporate visual and auditory elements, allowing creators to express their experiences and perspectives in a way that feels authentic.
What is vlogging?
Vlogging is the practice of creating and posting a vlog. The activity can entail scriptwriting, filming, video editing, and applying social media best practices.
What are vloggers?
Vloggers are the creators who film, produce, and post vlog content.
What are the best platforms for vlogging?
- YouTube: As the largest video-sharing platform in the world, YouTube boasts an extensive reach that allows creators to connect with diverse audiences across the globe. It offers a variety of monetization opportunities, making it a fully packed distribution option for dedicated vloggers looking to turn their passion into a sustainable career.
- Instagram: With its emphasis on short-form visual content, Instagram is ideal for vlogs that capture moments in an aesthetically appealing way. The platform’s features such as Stories and Reels enable creators to create pithy content that’s accessible and easily digestible.
- TikTok: Known for its short-form clips, viral challenges, and trending sounds, TikTok has shaken up the social media scene, especially with younger audiences. The platform is all about fast, engaging, creative content, meaning that vloggers can use it to show off their personalities and talents in a fun way. Many creators double down on Instagram Reels and TikTok content, since both are short-form platforms.
Short-Form Video 101: How to Make Content That Builds an AudienceCasey Neistat: Few vloggers have been as influential as Neistat, who is known for his strong storytelling abilities, auteurist filmmaking approach, and, of course, iconic customized Ray-Bans. He captures his daily adventures—often set against the backdrop of New York City—in a way that makes you feel like you’re right there with him.
Emma Chamberlain: With a casual spontaneity that makes viewers feel like they’re hanging out with a friend rather than watching a highly produced video, Chamberlain’s success lies in her relatability. Her vlogs often depict clothing hauls, dissect consumer trends, discuss coffee, and show her either napping or complaining that she needs a nap.
Outdoor Boys: This popular channel follows the adventures of a family as they explore the outdoors while hiking, camping, and fishing—and all while the father engagingly imparts valuable survival skills. Unhurried videos emulate a nature excursion, creating a wholesome, relaxing atmosphere for viewers to enjoy the outdoors vicariously from cities across the world.
Doobydobap: Driven by a love for Korean food and culture, Tina Choi (better known by her handle Doobydobap) crafts delightful video blog explorations into culinary adventures that blend storytelling with tasty recipes.
Daniel Simmons: Often titled “London Diaries,” Simmons’ lifestyle vlogs use artful, clean visuals to explore everything aesthetic, from clothing to interior design, allowing viewers to gain design inspiration and an insight into the fashion world.
If you’re wondering if you should start your own vlog, take these factors into consideration.
- Passion: “I think that [by] being true to your passion—abiding by an unspoken understanding that if you find it interesting [then] someone else will also find it interesting—that then you will ultimately find your audience,” said Neistat in an interview with PremiumBeat. If you’re interested in creating a vlog, begin by asking yourself what you’re passionate about sharing.
- Personal branding: Video blogs can be a fun way to show off your personality and skills, helping you build a personal brand and (if desired) turn yourself into an internet celebrity.
- Community: Vlogs have carved out a huge role in today’s world of content and media, creating a direct means of connection between creator and viewer that often feels raw, authentic, and insightful (at least when done well). This kind of content can open the door to connect with like-minded folks, making it easy to form a loyal audience that likewise connects with you.
- Privacy: Sharing your personal experiences with the world can sometimes blur the lines of privacy, so it’s worth considering how much you’re comfortable putting out there.
- Creative outlet: The best creators can use the vlog format to push the boundaries of storytelling and filmmaking into unique autobiographical snippets.
- Time: This is a big endeavor that requires consistent writing, producing, editing, and creativity, taking up a lot of time and energy. Documenting and constantly filming your life isn’t for everyone.
- Monetization: If you find success in vlogging, there’s potential to make some cash through sponsorships, partnerships, and ad revenue. Of course, take this with a grain of salt—the odds are against you in the over-saturated vlog world.