What was the last form of content you digested on the web? I’d be willing to take a hefty bet that it was probably video-based, for the sheer volume of footage that fills both websites and social media feeds these days means it’s virtually impossible to ignore.
This is for good reason; video remains one of the stickiest forms of content on the web. If you’re a business, placing a compelling video on the homepage of your website can help keep visitors around for longer, and if you’re a blogger, turning to video as an outlet for your thoughts and opinions is a sure fire way to attract a large audience.
With technology enabling us all to become budding directors and publishers, 2017 could be the perfect time to start your own personal video blog (or ‘vlog’, as it is commonly known).
Not convinced? Well, I’ve got 5 reasons Vlogging could be your key to personal happiness this year.
1. You Can Finally Lift The Veil On Your Special Talent
Hidden talents reside within us all, and if you’ve ever been wary of showing the world yours, video blogging is a great way to do so in a way that avoids the need to perform physically in front of a crowd.
Simply film yourself doing whatever it is at which you excel, and publicize the outcome via your social media channels. It’s incredibly easy to do, and the response you get will deliver a well-deserved spot of public admiration. Lap it up!
2. It’s An Outlet – Anywhere, Anytime
The term ‘point and shoot’ has never been more apt. If you’ve got your smartphone handy and something happens on which you feel you simply have to offer an opinion, video is a great way to do so. Facebook’s ‘Live’ feature, for example, makes this easier than ever and it’s a great way to tell your friends and followers exactly what you think, in real time.
3. It Doesn’t Have To Go Public
Just like a personal, written blog or journal, you don’t have to make your vlog public. If you’d rather leave it as a visual record purely for yourself, you can do just that. A private YouTube channel or simple collection of video recordings on your hard drive is all you need.
4. It May Open Other Opportunities
We live in a world full of opportunity. A quick video demonstrating your skills or ability to eloquently argue a particular point may end just up on the screen of someone who can see something special in you and who has the desire to help make the most of it.
New jobs, friendships or connections with those who share your passion can quickly open up if you start to use video as a medium to communicate. Remember: without the video in question having been made, the best opportunity of your life may have otherwise remained hidden.
5. You’re A Superstar (you just don’t know it yet)
Few people reach the heady heights of the video blogging influencers of the digital age, and the chances are you won’t want to, anyway. A personal vlog is, after all, just that – something that means a great deal to you and which you’ll want to keep relatively close to your chest.
However, if you choose to share it with others, you may just find that they absolutely love the content you produce. A like or share here and there – even on the smallest of scales – proves that you’re a video superstar. If just one person enjoys watching your videos, you should feel very smug about the fact.
Next Steps
Chances are, you have a smartphone. Great – thats your video camera sorted. Now all you have to do is head over to YouTube and create an account. The world’s most prominent video sharing platform has refined the account creation and video uploading processes so precisely that anyone can upload their masterpieces within minutes.
Go show the world what you’re made of!
