These days, anyone with a smartphone can connect with an online audience by creating their own video content and starting a vlog. Vlogging (short for video blogging) is the new normal and quite the money maker – in fact, according to Forbes, the highest-paid vlogger of 2020 was Ryan Kaji, a 10-year-old whose YouTube toy reviews and science videos have garnered more than 12 billion views. But even if you’re not aiming for world domination, a successful vlog can help you grow your business, engage with customers and even make you money in its own right. So, what do you need to start your own vlog? Read on to find out...
Invest in Practical Vlogging Equipment
Before you begin, you’ll need to gather some basic vlogging equipment to shoot and edit your videos. A good-quality camera is key, and you can’t go wrong if you stick to a trusted brand like Canon, Nikon or GoPro. Below is our round-up of the best vlogging cameras and equipment for beginners.
The Canon IXUS 190 is sleek and compact, and records full HD video. Another great option is the Canon PowerShot SX430 IS which has stabilisation technology to keep your footage sharp and steady. Speaking of steady, it’s a wise move to invest in a tripod, especially when shooting video content solo. Planning to film on the go? Then get your mitts on a GoPro HERO10 – it’s tiny, portable and rugged enough to withstand the elements, plus it shoots incredible-quality 5.3K video with enhanced low-light performance.
If you’re sticking to a budget, the good news is many modern smartphones have excellent cameras that you can use to shoot video content in a pinch. Seek out accessories like a gimbal, grip or microphone to transform your phone into a Spielberg-worthy piece of high-tech video equipment. This starter kit by Joby is clever as it comes with a rig, a light and a microphone, as well as all sorts of cables and accessories needed when shooting video with your phone.
According to creative consultant Amy Starr, one of the most important things to consider when you’re creating vlogs is your lighting. “Get your lighting right and your video will look like a pro-level production,” she says. “Something as simple as a ring light will help make shooting conditions more consistent.”
What To Try
- Canon IXUS 190 Digital Camera Black
- Canon PowerShot SX430 IS Digital Camera Black
- Vivitar 62" Tripod
- GoPro HERO10 Black
- GoPro Hero 9/10 Black Dual Battery Charger + Battery
- Kodak 10" Ring Light
- DJI OM 4 SE Smartphone Gimbal
- JOBY Telepod Mobile for Smartphones
- Audio-Technica Handheld Dynamic Microphone ATR2100-USB
- Joby Mobile Vlogging Starter Kit
SEE ALSO: Real Review: GoPro Hero9 Black Action Camera
Plan and Prepare for Your Video Content
When you are ready to begin vlogging, there are questions you should ask yourself. What are your goals? Who do you want to connect with and what type of video content are you hoping to produce? Before you begin your vlogging journey, it’s a good idea to conduct a mini market analysis – see what other similar businesses or individuals are doing in the video space, so you can decide on your own position.
“Consumers are positively flooded with video content these days,” says Amy. “So if you want to make effective and impactful videos, the goal should be to be surprising, unique and, if possible, even disruptive. There's also a real trend away from video content that is overly-produced and perfect, so don't overthink it. Raw and real is preferable.”
It might be helpful to create a content calendar where you plot out the frequency and topics of your vlog posts. You could also plan a shooting schedule to optimise your time – try setting aside one day each week or each month for recording and editing your vlogs.
How to Film Your Video Content
According to Amy, the first rule for filming video content is to find some really good light, whether it’s natural (think sunlight) or artificial. “As a general rule, it's the same as still photography – flood the light on your face and have the camera coming from the same direction as the light,” she says.
Secondly, prepare some talking points and make sure you deliver them while looking directly into the camera lens. “You'll be surprised at the difference this can make when you’re trying to engage an audience,” Amy explains. A script is handy if you’re not a natural public speaker, but it’s even better to speak off-the-cuff if you can manage it. “Personally, I like to write some notes, and then riff to keep it natural. The notes help you stay on task and get to your points quickly. There's no time for meandering if you want to keep an audience engaged.”
Thirdly, to save time and ensure you capture all the footage you need, try writing a quick shot list before you hit the record button. Consider whether you need opening or closing shots to give your vlog some context. This could involve you walking on a beach or standing in your office. You may also need to shoot products styled nicely on a shelf or hanging on a rack to accompany your direct-to-camera talking shots.
And lastly, be creative and think outside the box. “Try collaborating with another blogger or brand and that will help both of you to expand your audience,” Amy suggests.
SEE ALSO: Real Review: Blue Yeti 3-Capsule USB Microphone
How to Edit Your Video Content
When editing your vlogs, the golden rule is to keep them short and sweet, especially if they’re going to run on social media. “Your audience has a very limited attention span so you need to really grab them in the first few seconds,” Amy advises. “Unless there's a real narrative to tell, keep the video content short and snappy – between 30 seconds and two minutes is ideal per video.”
There are lots of options for video editing software, but two of the most popular include Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere. You can use these tools to shape raw footage into compelling and seamless movie masterpieces. Try adding music or sound effects to spark interest and add humour, and don’t forget text and graphics to help you tell a story and give your vlogs a more professional feel.
How to Publish and Promote Your Video Content
When it’s time to upload your vlog, most vloggers use TikTok, Instagram and YouTube to publish their video content. Choose to use one or a combination and get to know the constraints associated with each platform.
TikTok is very popular among young people (and recently reached the impressive milestone of 1 billion users each month) but you’re restricted to short-form content, with 15- and 60-second videos only. Instagram offers a few more options – its Reels are similar to TikTok’s offerings, while Instagram Stories are longer but disappear after 24 hours. YouTube allows you to create your own channel and upload videos that are as long as 15 minutes. You can also embed these on other websites.
“Remember that frequency boosts engagement (within reason), so use something like Instagram Stories to drive [followers] to your content regularly,” Amy says. “Also, the internet has an insatiable appetite, so if you can, edit and re-edit the same content a few different ways and you’ll increase the chance of having eyeballs on it.”
