How to Vlog

Vlogging is a shortened term for "video blog." Everyday vlogging refers to people who film every significant part of their day. While many other forms of vlogging including speaking about a certain topic, these vloggers try their best to portray how they live their lives. It's a real life Truman Show!

Everyday vloggers have recently taken the internet by storm. Following the Shaytards and CTFxC - two of the major vlogging channels on youtube - a crop of what is called "amateur vloggers" instantly sprang up. This is mostly because of how simple vlogs are to make. All you need is a low budget camera, some editing software, and an internet connection, and you are on your way to internet stardom!

Here are a few tips from an amateur vlogger on how to start your own vlog...

1. Practice!
Before my first vlog ever made it to youtube, I had made dozens. Sometimes I knew that they weren't going to make it on to the internet, but I took time to film and edit them anyway. This practice made me feel more at ease in front of the camera, and gave me invaluable experience editing my footage. It is impossible to be great at something you have never tried before, so give it a go!

2. Be yourself
Have you ever had a friend that tried to hard to be funny? It's pretty obvious. That is why you should always try to be yourself. The internet is particularly good at picking out phonies. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't try new things, it just means that you shouldn't try and do them someone else's way.

3. Don't think too hard
Brain Freeze! I'm sure that I have edited out hours of myself staring at the camera trying to think of something to say. My best work, however, comes out when I am relaxed. Just talk to the camera like it's a close friend. It may seem odd at first, but once you get started you'll have a hard time trying to figure out what NOT to say!

4. Be creative
A big part of vlogging is talking to the camera, but if that is all you ever do, people will get bored! Don't be afraid to take the camera places with you, and film silly things! When looking over your footage from the day, you may be surprised at all of the interesting stuff you caught!

5. Follow basic filming rules
You don't need a fancy camera or lighting equipment to vlog, but you should still try to follow some basic filming rules. Always try to film in a well lit area where the lighting is BEHIND the camera, so that it can light up that beautiful face of yours :). If the light source is behind you, it will darken your face.

6. Improve
Lets face it, your very first vlog is probably not going to be so great. But that's OKAY! The best part about mistakes is that you learn from them. I have learned SO MUCH about filming and editing footage in the last two months. When I look back on myself before I started vlogging, I can't believe how LITTLE I knew!

7. Engage
Tell your family, make friends online, talk to strangers! It's the only way that you can get your name out there! If you have viewers, answer their comments! Make yourself a part of the online community in which you are vlogging.

8. Don't set goals you can't acheive
If you don't think that you can make a vlog everyday, don't promise your audience that you will! Setting goals that are too high are a surefire way to be let down. Set a lot of small goals for yourself, so that you always feel like you are achieving something!

9. Be genuine
Like I said, the internet can always spot a phonie. If you put a lot of hard work and dedication into your videos, your audience will be able to tell. This is true for the opposite as well. If you don't put enough time into your videos, they will be able to tell!

10. Have fun!
The reason that I am still vlogging is because I am having a blast! If it wasn't fun, I wouldn't be doing it! Don't be afraid to act silly, and have a great time!

Good luck on your vlogging adventures! For some examples of vlogging feel free to stop by my channel and say hi!
http://www.youtube.com/awesomeinprogress