There is a level of egotism that goes in to video blogging. I have been monitoring a number of online video producers to gain a better understanding of why people find VLOG’s so intriguing. Listening to what these vloggers talk about, and seeing the artsy technical production methods they use to create them. What makes these frequent vloggers think they have what it takes to create a fan base? With Social networks now leading the Internet, your chances of exposure are high. I have developed a short list of things to keep in mind as you set up your tripod and stare at that red blinking light.
-
Videotape yourself talking about hot and current topics; this will sling you to the forefront of online video searches. Now, you may have no prior knowledge on the subject matter, or even have a slight idea of what you are ranting about, but I guess that is the beauty of the online world. People will love hearing you do a vulgar voiceover to a politician’s speech. It’s what we’re all thinking anyways. Right?
-
Wear sunglasses. By masking yourself, it adds a level of credibility to your online identity. If you are not one for covering your face, there is always the classic “vlog without a shirt on, and often refer to how you are shirtless, for at least 8 minutes while rambling on about how you have nothing to talk about” approach. Either route you choose to go, make sure it mimics the actions of those that you are trying to reach. Think of how many people routinely sit in front of the computer with hotdog buns wrapped around each finger and search for those that do the same but vlog about it.
-
Use mirrors! Mirrors serve two great purposes for online users. They are a great resource for bouncing light and also are sexy enough to appear in multiple shots across numerous videos. The pioneers who discovered that mirrors are reflective will tell you via video blogs of how this works, while giving an in-depth demonstration. Mirrors serve as great background fillers and also give vloggers a chance to stare at themselves staring in to a camera, instead of just being able to stare at the camera itself.
-
Create an entire series of videos leading up to the day when you PURCHASE YOUR NEW CAMERA!! Not only are you psyched that you finally found the camera of your dreams on sale, but your followers will be super-psyched to watch the transition from your old videos to the new. Once you start using your new camera, you can show all the cool features it has and maybe even start a spin-off vlog featuring your new camera as the star!
-
Don’t be consistent. Online networks love their users to be consistent, so you would think that this theme would follow through in to online videos. Wrong. Apparently vloggers missed the memo with this statement. Somehow a non-liner storyline now leaves the viewer with some level of satisfaction. I cannot wait until the summer of 2012 when Lonelygirl15 makes her feature length video blog.
Now show me what you got. Maybe the next time I do a Google Search for “hot and happening video blogs of the 21st century” yours will pop up. Don’t forget to include the few things that I have recommended. Oh, and don’t use your real name. Usernames are uber cooler.
