1.1 Introduction
Humans are visual creatures.
Videos provide a unique connection to what is being watched. It is exciting and engaging. Video makes everything seem like it is more alive and real. Video is the wave of the future and a truly wonderful and different medium for storytelling. Just a few years ago, it was virtually impossible for artists to make a living.
Today, thanks to platforms such as YouTube, creative individuals have had a way to thrive and make a living from what they love to do. In fact, there are some vloggers who make millions and who are quickly replacing the faces of film and television in some of the biggest brand campaigns. Vlogging is one of the fastest growing online activities. If you would like to get started with video, but are not sure how to begin and find yourself in need of some direction, this course is for you.
The course is designed for anyone who is serious about learning the technical side of video, but who does not want to have to pay thousands to go to college or university. It is for those who understand that it is going to be much easier to grow, succeed and monetize the videos they create if they have a strong foundation. By the time you finish this course, you will have the knowledge and practicum needed to pursue vlogging as a hobby or as a full time job. This initial module provides the basics, and once it is completed, you will find a helpful question and answer section to allow you to test what you have learned.
Fact
YouTube became the most popular platform for vlogs
when Google bought it in October 2006 for 1.65 billion (US dollars). Source: The- artifice.com.
1.2 What is Vlogging?
A vlog is essentially a blog, but in video form.
To put it simply, it is a video blog post. A vlog is created by making a video of yourself or an event and uploading it online or publishing it within a post present on your blog. In the earliest days of blogging, a vlog was called a podcast, which referred to both video and audio blog posts. Today, these two things have adopted their own, unique nomenclature.
Who Invented it?
The first known vlog was posted with a blog entry by Adam Kontras on January 2, 2000.
It was created to inform his family and friends of his move to Los Angeles to pursue show business.
Not only was this the first vlog, it was also the longest running video blog ever. In November of 2000, Adrian Miles created a video that changed the text on a still image and he coined the term “vlog” to refer to what he created.
The Growth of Vlogging
Vlogging came into existence just a few years ago. In the past, if you wanted to see a video of someone, you would have to wait until they visited to watch old home movies. Today, thanks to sites such as YouTube, videos can be made and posted within hours. There are some sites that even provide live video feeds. This is thanks to ever-evolving technology and the demand people have to stay in touch with family and friends from all over the world.
In the beginning, vlogging was just that. Messages sent from friends and family members to people far away. However, it evolved into something more. Modern vlogging involves personal messages, but also brand promotion, product reviews, tutorials, and more. The vlogs you create are only limited by your imagination and what you are willing to do. However, to be successful, it is best to find something you love and are passionate about. This is what is going to encourage others to watch the videos you create.
What do Vloggers Do?
If you are interested in pursuing a career as a vlogger, you need to love being on screen and have a personality that will engage others. Vlogging is a broad area of interest that can be used in virtually any industry. As a result, you can create videos on virtually anything you are passionate about, or that you know a lot about.
Regardless of what you decide to vlog about, you will find that there are a few essential functions you perform as a vlogger:
-Research your area of interest to determine trending topics
-Create stories around the topic you are vlogging about
-Utilize computer software to help create amazing vlogs
-Utilize high-tech video equipment for superior quality videos
-Work with audio equipment
-Create the content for vlogs from beginning to end
-Oversee the production and editing of your vlog
-Post vlogs on your site, YouTube, or another online location
As a vlogger, you can do your work anywhere. From your home, while you are on vacation, or anywhere else. You may find a few unexpected surprises with vlogging; however, the best vloggers utilise anything and everything that happens while they are shooting to make their viewer's experience better.
Fact
The majority of vlog viewers use YouTube as their source (93% total). Also, after viewing a vlog, 75% of viewers state they are more likely to try a new product featured, while half watch to remain in touch with the latest fashion trends.
Source: Theguardian.com
1.3 Types of Vlogging
Now that you have a general idea of the core functions and daily tasks of a vlogger, it is a good idea to learn about the different types of vlogging you can do. There are a few sub-types of vlogging that you may be interested in using. One of the best things about vlogging is that you can choose one type, or mix and match the types of vlogging found here. It is completely up to you and what your audience enjoys.
Personal Vlogs
A personal vlog is a type of online video that records you (or someone you choose) delivering a message or information to your viewers. You can create personal vlogs on virtually anything.
For example
Makeup tips, how to change a carburettor in a vehicle, or a video of you singing. The sky's the limit.
Live Broadcasting Vlogs
YouTube Live, Facebook Live, and other sites offer live broadcasting features that one can use to broadcast a vlog live. Thanks to this type of feature, the popularity of vlogs have increased significantly. With these, you can broadcast what you are doing in real time. There is no need to edit or post later; your viewers get to see what is going on as it happens.
YouTube Presence
YouTube ranks among the top three most visited sites online. Because this is a high traffic platform for vloggers, YouTube created a platform just for these people where they can present their personal videos. Many of the videos posted on YouTube are shot using a hand held point and shoot camera. The popularity of vlogs on YouTube has grown significantly in the past few years, allowing vloggers to gain viewers and even earn money.
Documentary Style Vlogs
This is similar to a television show, which includes interviews, skits, text descriptions, background music, and talking to your audience. In this type of vlog, you are creating something that is more like a show, rather than a short post, and it should provide a higher level of entertainment for your viewers.
Activity 1
Estimated Time: 15 - 20 minutes
Now that you have a basic understanding of what is available, you should look at videos in each style listed above to determine what suits you best. For this activity, try to explore the top three vloggers in each category. This will require you to use the internet, visit YouTube and several other vlog hosting platforms. Begin with personal vlogs, which is going to be the easiest to find.
Research the vloggers' backgrounds and find out what spurred them to get started in the industry. Did they pursue a passion they had for years? Or did they just want to have a voice that was heard? Take some time to explore each type of vlog that you can create to see which one resonates with you. While you can mix and match the types of videos you create, starting with just one type will help you break into this ever- growing sector of vloggers.
1.4 Is a Career in Vlogging Right for You?
Vlogging involves the same process you use to share information when you create a blog. The main difference in a vlog is that it is done in video format opposed to being done in writing. Setting up a quality vlog isn't extremely difficult if you use the right type of equipment. There are several successful vloggers who have created YouTube accounts and use them to record, edit, and publish video content online.
When it comes to vlogging, it is a career that virtually anyone can pursue. The fact is, it does not require any professional writing skills. Vlogging is geared toward providing your audience with a more conversational experience. As long as the issue or topic being discussed is engaging and interesting, vloggers and their vlogs can become extremely popular and successful. Just because vlogging is something that anyone can do, it doesn't mean that anyone should do it. The fact is, there are a few downsides to being a vlogger, as well. To determine if this is a career choice that is right for you, it is a good idea to get to know the full picture.
Keep in mind, just because you don't need a formal education to vlog, it doesn't mean you are going to be a “natural.” You need a personality that engages your viewers and you need to discuss topics they want to hear about.
Most importantly, you don't need to make your vlog about something you do not really care about. This is not going to lead to a successful career as a vlogger.
If you are thinking about starting a vlog, you should understand that this requires quite a bit of equipment. If you want to produce a high-quality vlog, which is necessary if you want to be successful, then you need professional editing software. The equipment needed for this can cost quite a bit, which may be a concern if you are not yet monetising your vlog.
Another disadvantage of creating a vlog is that it won't allow you to edit it after it has been published online.Unlike a blog, which is pretty easy to edit, vlogs will have to be completely taken down or remade in order to fix the error. Vlogs can also be time-consuming to create. It can take between two to four hours (minimum) to record, edit, and publish even a simple vlog.
1.5 Making Money with Your Vlog
Brands regularly reach out to successful vloggers to promote what they offer.
For example
Product placement involves a brand sending free samples to be reviewed and/or given away through a vlog competition. However, even in the beginning, before your blog is big enough to attract big name brands, there are ways you can monetize the content you are posting.
For example
You can use YouTube partners, which means you share the revenue that is generated from ads placed in or before your videos.
The key to using these efforts is to only promote brands that your viewers would be interested in, rather than the ones paying the highest commission. This means if you are a fashion vlogger, advertising for an insurance company may not make much sense or lead to any revenue.
How Much Earning Potential is Present?
The highest profile, and most popular, vloggers on YouTube can earn as much as £4,000 for each mention of a product. However, you shouldn't expect much in the beginning. You have to put in some time and effort and gain a following with regular traffic to begin earning. There are also a number of tips that may help you when it comes time to monetise your vlog.
Content is King
If you are not posting top quality videos, you wouldn't have much of an audience to begin with. If you are only setting up a vlog to make money, you aren't ever going to be successful. The entire process should be organic and begin with a passion. If you love what you are vlogging about, it will show. Stay True to Yourself and Your Audience
All advertising and sponsored content needs to be relevant to the audience you are targeting. Ideally, you should only allow products you would use yourself to show up. It is much more difficult to talk about something authentically if you have never used it. Be honest if a vlog is sponsored or if you have been sent something for free.
Do Your Homework
Take some time to research various advertising companies. This also means you need to know what you are worth. Don't overcharge and as a result put off certain brands that may have otherwise offered you an opportunity; however, do not allow yourself to be taken for a ride by PRs who just want you to post about their brand for nothing. It may be beneficial to speak with other vloggers to determine what you should expect.
Get Your Name Out There
Make sure you are direct and always network with various marketing departments. Do not be afraid to approach digital agencies and let them know about your audience. It may also be a good idea to email PR companies, instead of individual brands. They usually have more clients and can put you in touch with more potential brands that may fit your vlog's focus.
Get Organized
Trying to stay on top of a high-quality YouTube channel can be quite challenging. You need to make sure you are on top of emails and deadlines. If you know you are going to be busy, plan ahead and pre-record something. As a vlogger, you are likely going to find many topics you want to cover. The key is to experiment with things you know your audience is going to like, and then see what they respond to the most. This can help you target future vlog posts.
Activity 2
Estimated Time: 15 - 20 minutes
After you have thoroughly examined each style of vlog, you should fully understand how each one could be used to promote, inform and engage viewers. Now, we can switch gears slightly and focus on monetizing your blog. There are certain types of advertisements that are ineffective when it comes to making money off your vlog. Go online and find a few vloggers who are using advertisements properly. Try to explain how each one makes the most of the ad space they sell.
For example, are they actually promoting that they use the product being advertised? Does the advertisement relate to the vlog being produced? Take some time to find a few vloggers that are doing this wrong as well. Explain exactly what they should change to have a more effective plan to monetize their vlog.
1.6 Vlogging Terminology
While vlogging is not as in-depth and technical as blogging, there are still a few terms you may come across that are new or confusing. Understanding what these words mean can help you better immerse yourself as a vlogger.
Vlog
This is your video blog post. In some cases, it is just referred to as a video. A vlog is a single video on your blog site or a video platform, such as YouTube.
Vlogger
This is the “author” or creator of the vlog. Sometimes the creator will use their real name, in other cases they choose a pseudonym.
Vlogosphere
This refers to the collective community of all vlogs and vloggers on the web.
Comments
These are the opinions that your viewers leave in the response to your vlog. Comments can serve as a useful way to connect with your audience. It is a good idea to let your viewers utilize this form of communication, which means you need to monitor what is posted, respond, and occasionally delete comments that are offensive.
Social Media Sharing
It is important that your video content doesn't exist in a vacuum. Allow people the opportunity to share the content you have created for them. Many platforms, including sites like Facebook and YouTube, have this built in or available as an add-on. There are also a number of tools you can use to ensure your viewers can share your vlogs on their own social media pages. This will certainly help you to get more subscribers and viewers.
Subscribe
You should make sure your viewers know how to subscribe to your YouTube channel, or other method you use for vlogging. Many bloggers refer to subscribing in each and every video they post.
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