Tips to Take Your Vlog to the Next Level

If infants and teens can vlog and make millions from it, what’s the big deal? A lot, as it happens. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a vlogging novice, our guide to creating engaging vlog content will help you build your following and may even earn you a steady stream of income. 

Essentially, a vlog is a video created in the same style as a traditional written blog – hence the term vlog (video blog). Vlogs document a person’s life or area of interest, with the vlogger being the main focus of the content.

Creating a vlog is not quite as simple as it looks. There are a few points you need to consider if you’re looking to improve your vlog or get your new venture off to a great start.  

First choose the type of content you want to create. Make sure the topic is in demand, as well as something that you’re interested in or know a lot about. Some of the most popular categories include food, travel, gaming and makeup.

Research YouTube to see how many videos already exist in that field, the number of views they have and the number of subscribers the vlogger has on their profile. This will give you a good indication of your competition and your topic’s popularity.

If you’ve been vlogging and your following hasn’t grown, consider narrowing down what your vlog covers, based on your brand, your audience and the demand.  

Once you’ve chosen your topic, research other vloggers to see what they’re doing well. Browse vlogs by popularity as well as publishing date to see how they’ve evolved over time. Look for gaps in their content to see how you could offer something different. It’s worth putting in the time now as this knowledge will help you define your strategy and content. 

If you’re vlogging on a saturated topic, finding a unique voice is crucial. Think of yourself as the brand and your content as your product. Your vlog has to be recognisable and enticing, as well as stand the test of time. What can you offer that no one else can?

Just as you would for a blog or social media content, honing your content strategy and approach is vital. Group your ideas into series – think of them as segments on a TV programme. Once you’ve worked out what topics you’re going to cover, it’s time to think about the aesthetic and format.

There are two main vlogging approaches:

1. Talking head: A static, documentary-style format with someone talking directly to the camera – cue makeup tutorials and cooking how-tos.

2. Come with me: On-the-go footage of creators in different locations as they record clips throughout their day. Travel vlogs usually follow this format. 

Another thing to think about is whether your content will be scripted or improvised. This often depends on your personality – do you like to ad-lib or do you like a plan (hello, Virgos)? Once you’ve defined this, you can work out a posting schedule. Ideally, you want to be posting at least once a week.  

A successful vlog isn’t just about the great content. It’s also about having the right kit. You can’t create a decent vlog without a good camera (or your smartphone for a lo-fi approach), a sturdy tripod and a quality microphone . A lot depends on the type of content you’re creating, but efficient lighting and professional editing software are also important. A full creator kit is a great place to start.

Creating videos might sound easy, but it’s not as simple as pressing record and uploading. As the adage goes, ‘all the gear and no idea’ won’t cut it here. To improve your vlog and become more successful, you need to create content that looks and sounds great. No pressure, then.  
Here are a few handy tips and tricks:

One key area of focus when improving your vlog content is lighting . Don’t underestimate the value of quality lighting and how it impacts results. Read our top tips for improving your lighting setup:

• Opt for natural light – natural lighting is best for vlogging. You want your videos to be bright and clear, so choose an outdoor location or a well-lit space indoors.

• Get a ring light – with its bright and continuous source of light, a ring light is great for filming indoors.

• Use several lights – if you’re filming inside, you should opt for a multiple-point setup such as a key light, low-intensity backlight and a fill light. Check out the Beamo™ Studio Creator Kit

Once you’ve got the lighting nailed, it’s time to improve your filming. Depending on your style, the following tips will help you get the most out of your filming session.

• Have a plan before filming – know what you’re going to talk about and how you plan to film before you press record. This will result in a better natural flow and could also mean less editing.
• Stabilise your camera – whether you’re filming on the go or in a single place, stabilisation is essential. A tripod or handheld stabiliser is key here. After all, who wants to watch shaky video footage?
• Improve your audio – while your video footage is important, it’s nothing without quality audio. We always recommend using an external microphone rather than relying on built-in microphones. Bad sound is a major turn-off for audiences.
• Shoot plenty of footage – there aren’t many people who can film a successful vlog in one go. Unless, of course, off the cuff is your thing. Always shoot plenty of footage so you can edit sections in and out.
• Be confident and natural – for any vlog topic, confidence is key. You want your viewers to trust and believe what you’re saying. But you also want to deliver your content without appearing too robotic or rehearsed.  

If you want more vlog tips and tricks for filming in real life, check out our YouTube video here.

The final stage of creating your vlog is editing, and it’s especially important to get this right if you want to stand out.

• Invest in your software – there are lots of choices when it comes to video editing software (including free options on the internet). Practice using the software and don’t post anything until you’re 100% happy with the results. Patience is key.
• Keep it concise – if you get plenty of b-roll footage, cut down your content to include only essential footage. People have short attention spans, so less is more.
• Edit as if you’re telling a story – when going through your footage, cut and paste it into your vlog in a natural order. Start at the beginning and ensure there is a flow with each piece linking to the next.
• Have some editing guidelines – think about using similar shots, cuts and music to create consistency and instant recognition. Some vloggers use intro clips to grab the audience’s attention.
• Don’t overdo it with transitions – too many transitions can be distracting for the viewer and they could miss what you’re saying.  
  Balance your audio – if you’re using music in your video, make sure it isn’t so loud that it overpowers the speech. Use music clips that are of a similar volume.  

Once you’ve created your vlog, you’ll need to establish a loyal following by maximising your content across all major (and relevant) social platforms. Create a website to house your accounts and videos and increase your SEO (Search Engine Optimisation). Simply find a videographer website template, upload your videos, customise it using your branding style and you’re ready to go.

Top tip: learn how to do SEO properly to increase your website's visibility on search engines.

It may seem daunting now, but putting in the time to research and hone your skills will pay off in the long run. Just remember: a vlog is only as good as the content, speaker, equipment, and final editing.

Following our tips for improving your vlog is a great way to take it to the next level and keep your viewers coming back for more. And who knows, you may become the next vlogging megastar.