Vlogging has grown massively over the years, and it is not hard to see why. Anyone with internet access can watch people share a hobby, educate, or just go about their daily lives.
If you have thought of starting a vlog yourself, or even if you just heard about it today, there are many reasons you might want to give vlogging a try this year.
In this article, I want to share the benefits of vlogging with you and the reasons to get started today. If you decide to give vlogging a try, I recommend checking out this ultimate guide on how to start a vlog.
What is a Vlog
First, let’s define a vlog so that we are on the same page.
Think of a vlog as a blog in video format. A short video where you can share your thoughts, feelings, and events in your life.
We have seen more and more people, businesses, and organizations use vlogs to build an audience. One reason for this is because the video is personal and allows you to communicate in ways that you simply cant through text.
Despite what some think, vlogging is not a quick path to riches or fame though. While it is very possible to make a living out of online videos, having that as your primary motivation will set you up for disappointment.
Becoming a vlogger requires effort, learning new skills, and motivation. Below, I share some great benefits that come from starting a vlog, and it has little to do with view counts.
6 Reasons to Start a Vlog
Become a Better Storyteller
Being an effective storyteller is a great ability to have. And vlogging is one of the best ways to hone that skill.
You will be surprised how vlogging can help you become a better communicator, so you can get your ideas across more effectively. It can also boost your creativity, encouraging you to find new ways to express ideas and experiment freely with your content.
Having said that, you won’t magically become the next Spielberg after making a couple of vlogs, this is a process that requires time and effort. You need to make it part of your lifestyle.
Even if you don’t plan on becoming a director, being an effective storyteller can help you in many areas of your life, such as relationships, career, business, etc.
It Will Help You Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
If you think you are someone who would have trouble getting in front of the camera, think again. Vlogging could be a great challenge for you to take on and allow you to grow on a personal level.
Don’t think you have to be someone with a super funny personality or charisma to start a vlog people will follow, you don’t even have to have that interesting life. Instead, you simply need to find the stories that will connect with people.
Starting a vlog can also encourage you to seek out new experiences. Knowing that you have to share part of your life on video can hold you accountable to do more interesting things, and stick to your goals and resolutions. This should never become a burden though, but it can be a great motivator.
A Great Opportunity to Connect
One advantage of vlogging is how you can connect with your audience on a more personal level. It enables you to share your passions, interests, and thoughts with viewers and fellow video creators.
There are many examples of big YouTubers, who amazed huge followings by just being themselves and sharing their daily lives.
But vlogging goes beyond personal brands. If you happen to have a business, vlogging can be a powerful tool to connect with potential customers and build an online presence.
Learn Video Production
Video production is another great skill you can pick up from making vlogs. Online video is not going anywhere soon and knowing how to film, edit, and distribute video is a skill that is in very high demand.
Video editing, lighting, and camera settings will take some time to learn, but there are many helpful tutorials and guides online to get you started, and many are completely free.
Remember that the best way to learn video production is by doing. Go out and apply what you learn and try to improve with every vlog.
Potential to Make You a Full-time Income
It is very possible to turn vlogging into a full-time career. Many people have done it, but it requires time and a lot of work, just like starting a business. Even then, there are no guarantees of success.
At the start, focus on starting a vlog about a topic you enjoy or feel is important to share. This will help you stick with it for the long term.
Later on, you can monetize your channel. There are many ways of doing this, from Youtube Adsense, affiliate marketing to merchandise.
You Can Start Today
You can start a vlog today. Smartphone cameras have gotten so good in the last couple of years, that it’s possible to make a professional-looking video in minutes.
Vlogging can be done solo and does not require a big-time commitment, at least not at the start. So if you want to, you could have the first video up within days.
In Conclusion
To summarize, there are many benefits to starting a vlog, and they have little to do with the potential for fame or fortune. By starting a vlog, you can become a better storyteller and communicator, get out of your comfort zone, and learn new skills.
Because of the low barrier to entry, it is something you can literally start today. And who knows, you might even become the next big Youtube.
