Vlogging

If you’ve heard the term “vlogging,” you may be wondering what it is exactly.

Vlogging is a combination of the words “video” and “blogging,” which form the word vlogging.

Vlogging is an innovative method of blogging where bloggers make their own videos and upload these to their blogs, so that blog visitors are treated to a movie, over simply looking at lines of text.

Why Video Blogging Offers Distinct Advantages

- Interactivity with readers
- A somewhat more personal touch, your audience can "see the person behind the words"
- For the blogger who isn’t a fan of typing, vlogging may be the perfect “hands-off” medium
- Vlogging engages readers with visuals and sound

Today.com blogggers also have the option of vlogging. They can upload their video blogs to post on Today.com via the Today.com video upload page.

Are you interested in starting a vlog (video blog) or simply mixing up your posts with a few video blogs from time to time?

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

To get started vlogging, the most important piece of equipment you’ll need is a video-capable camera. You don’t have to drop tons of on on a camera, either – find one that fits within your budget that’s fairly decent and will support video.

Once you have created the video, you’ll need some sort of video software (there are a lot of decent options available, including Windows Movie Maker.) You’ll also need a program that will be able to compress the file. (A review of programs that do this can be found here.)

If you don’t already have a blog set up, go ahead and set up a blog on a free blogging site like blogspot.com There are several sites that cater to would-be bloggers where you can set up a blog for free. You definitely need a site to host your vlog for the world to see, so this is also an important step.

Of course, a vlog isn’t any good unless you’re passionate about the topic you’ll be blogging about. While written blog posts need to be indicative of the writers passion for the subject as well, video blogs DEFINITELY can’t be boring. No one wants to watch you fumble for words, twiddling your thumbs, fidgeting, fumbling through notes to get a point across, talking in a monotone voice, daydreaming or falling asleep on camera!

If you choose a topic you enjoy and will be able to stick with, your vlogging days will be that much more enjoyable – for you AND your readers/viewers.

Vlogging is a neat tool in the ever-changing arena of blogging. Truly, video blogging’s time has arrived.

Until next time....