Before you start vlogging, keep in mind the following elements of a successful video blog:
- Decent Video Equipment
Using laptop webcams and inexpensive cameras for video blogging are fine, but remember that the better your equipment, the more professional and authoritative you seem. Film on a flat surface or invest in a tripod to prevent the infamous amateur “shaky cam” syndrome. - Video Editing Software
Basic video-editing software is pretty easy to use. In fact, modern computers come with basic software already installed. You’ll be able to learn how to perform basic edits to your video blogs by simply playing around with your software and reading the accompanying program tutorials. Looking for something a little more advanced? Try Lifehacker’s video editing guide. - Good Lighting
Lighting is even more important than your video equipment. Viewers may forgive a slight graininess in the film quality, but no one wants to watch a poor-lit video. The whole reason we’re watching your vlog is so we can watch you do something. If we can’t see you, what’s the point of video blogging? - Clear Audio
Nothing annoys a vlog viewer faster than excessive background noise or muffled audio. Always check your video before posting to make sure your audio is clear and easy to understand. Remember audio that is too loud is always preferable to audio that is too-soft in video for blogs; while a viewer can easily turn the sound down to a preferable volume, most computers only “turn up” to a certain point before your viewer may be left with his ear to the speaker. - A Strong Opening
A typical viewer will give you about ten seconds to decide if she wants to continue watching your video blogs. Treat your opening 10-15 seconds like the title and opening paragraph of a blog post. Start with a strong lead, grab your viewer’s attention and then explain what you’ll be covering or discussing in the video. - No Dead Air
Vlogging is like doing live radio. Avoid or eliminate any “dead air” (spots of silence or parts of the video where nothing’s happening.) Let’s say you’re making a cooking video. Though chopping an onion may take a full minute, your viewers only need to see about three seconds of this tedious task. - A Steady Storytelling Pace
If your video hits a boring patch, your viewers will stop watching. Keep the action moving throughout your video blogs. Unfortunately, pacing is one of the most difficult things to master when you’re learning how to video blog. Have a volunteer audience, such as a friend or family member, watch your beginner videos and report whenever they felt bored or disinterested. - A Short Running Time
Time is precious in the world of vlogging. No matter how spectacular your video content may be, Internet viewers aren’t going to give you more than a few minutes to make your point. Your vlogs should be no more than two to three minutes long. - Originality
If your video doesn’t say anything new, why are you posting it? Your viewers aren’t interested in content they can get elsewhere. Give them something fresh and creative—something they haven’t seen before. - Personality
Vlogging gives you a chance to show off what you’re like “in real life.” Don’t shy away from adding your own style, personality or “twist.”
