June 2013: Benefits of vlogging

Image via CrunchBase

It was reported this week that Youtube vlogger - musician Charlie McDonnell (who has amassed over 280 million views on his web channel and has more than 2 million subscribers) has become Save the Children's Youtube ambassador to promote the fight against world hunger.

In light of this news, we were reminded of how simple and effective vlogging is.

Here are some reasons to vlog:

You can be as creative as you like without a budget: You don't have to look like you're on a set. While you may feel you're competing with corporations who have online video channels, thousands of people upload videos from their bedroom and gain a following.

Charlie McDonnell at vidcon gathering 2010. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

As long as the viewers can see you and the camera's not shaky you're in with a good chance of holding people's interest! (see some tips below).

You can show the world who you are: Whether you want to talk about politics, entertainment or perform in some way; there are categories and tags for your videos  to help share your video. These enable you to get featured and viewed in popular lists. See tagging tips below.

You are in control: Even if you're shy, you can script yourself upload when you're happy with the final product. The possibilities of what you can do are endless and if you have a good idea you can execute it how you like.

You can bring in an income: Having a Youtube channel can make you money, if you set up the function on your account for adverts.

You have a lot to say: There are so many fantastic articles out there and blog posts on current topics. Vlogging is another way to capture someone's attention instantly and build up your reputation and some people might send you requests.

Tips:

There is an art to tagging: It's important to have a couple of keywords in your description box, a relevant title and around 10 relevant tags. If you write i.e. 'beyonce,' as a tag to gain viewership you're likely to be considered spam so be wary!

Decide on a theme: It's not necessary but if you can, your series of vlogs can become a comedy channel for example.

Sensations:

Vlogger Ryan Higa, a Japanese-American comedian from Hawaii, is currently the most subscribed to YouTube channel. He has created a series of vlogs he calls “Off The Pill”, which he records them when he is off his ADHD medication. So he has created a niche.

Some parents have created profiting opportunities for their children:

 

Rosie and Sophia Grace have won awards after endearing videos of them singing won the heart of America's Ellen who gave them a job on her show.

This video which I'm sure you've seen is one of the most successful Youtube videos: [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OBlgSz8sSM]

The boys now have a channel which features more of them. If you look at just this one vlog - it's covered in adverts and in the description box they sell merchandise to the fans.

So, vlogging is something to consider, whether you want to be some kind of commentator or want to write scripts, want to showcase graphic skills or skills in music or comedy for example - it's worth jumping in to - what's to be afraid of?

Make it real...