How to Become a Vlogger

Vlogging is the term coined by Internet users for the combining of the two words video and blogging. A vlog is a video blog, mostly about a person's daily life. But you can't become a vlogging sensation by just randomly posting stuff on YouTube! Vlogging is a lot more complicated than simply speaking in front of a camera. What you have to say is just one part of how you communicate. You also have to consider the location, filming, lighting, sound quality, as well as the continuity of your vlogs. Here are some tips to help guide you through kicking off your vlog and making it a career.

Find your niche
On the internet there is no such thing as too small a niche, and there are a huge number of video creators that specialize in very narrow fields. Decide early on what your creative focus is going to be, and stick to it.

Start with a good username
Make it memorable. Use capital letters when necessary. Capital letters separate words and make your username easy to read. Keep your username as short as possible, and limit the amount of numbers used.

First impressions
Your first video matters! Either get straight to the point and begin doing videos immediately, or start off with a video telling about what you’ll be vlogging about.

Keep it legal
Use photos and music that you have permission to use. There are numerous free image and royalty-free music sites that have things that you can use.

Filming
Many vloggers simply film using their webcam or a compact camera and this works just fine. It gives a vlog a casual, intimate feel, which works for many vloggers’ style. Most smartphones are capable of recording nicely at full HD and give a professional look.  Invest in a tripod if you’re using a compact or smartphone camera. However, if you’re using a video camera from Beachcamera.com, there are a few tricks you can use to make your filming space work for you. Adjust the focus so that the background is blurry and the subject defined. Sit closer to the camera than you are to the background, so that the background loses focus.


Sound is everything
While you want your vlog to look great, unless people can hear what you’re saying, it’s all a bit pointless. The lavalier or lapel microphones, and shotgun microphones from Beachcamera.com are two types of microphones that you’ll want to consider rather than using your camera’s built in microphone. If you’re not planning on doing anything other than speaking to the camera in an otherwise quiet environment lav microphones are the easiest way to get good quality audio at a low cost and minimal fuss. If you plan on doing more than that, or if you don’t want to worry about wires being in the shot, then it might be worth looking into a shotgun microphone.


Edit your videos
Editing your videos helps make improvements and corrections making sure you grab viewers' attention. You can start off with Windows Movie Maker or iMovie. If you're uploading on an Android device you can use the preinstalled Movie Maker.

Upload daily
 As a vlogger, you'll be expected to upload daily or every other day. Uploading as much as possible will let people know that they'll get to watch something new from you often. You’ll learn and improve as you go. The more vlogs you create, the more comfortable you will become in front of the camera.