What is a Video Blog
A Video Blog is also known as a Vblog or vlog, and is essentially videos that provide commentary on a particular subject, often serving as a personal online diary. However, businesses also make use of Vblogs to promote products and services, provide company overviews, and how-to-videos. Vblogs are open to anyon.
As with many written blogs, viewers can usually leave comments about a Vblog. This makes the experience interactive with the end-user, which is an important element of all blogs. Word of mouth among viewers and users can dramatically increase the popularity of a Vblog. The more popular a Vblog becomes, the more traffic the Vblog will receive.
How Do You Create a Vblog?
The vlog-father of the Vblog world is Steve Garfield. Although Vblogging had been around since 1998 it was his broadcasts in 2004 that revolutionized the concept. Using the practices of Garfield, Vblogging is simple for anyone who has ever used a video camera and a computer.
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Use any type of camera with a video/sound feature that has a flash memory card or USB capability. For example, Garfield began using the video feature of his Canon S-400 camera. Since the size of cameras aren’t large they can be transported everywhere to film at practically any location.
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After filming, put the memory card in a computer or use the USB cable to connect to a computer.
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Once the AVI file is uploaded store it on the desktop so the location isn’t forgotten.
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To shrink the file size, since it will be rather large, many pros recommend QuickTime Pro. This will compresses the file to a manageable size, while converting it from AVI to an MPEG-4 video. MPEG-4 video is designed to balance compression and quality for internet broadcast, and is compatible with hand-held media devices like the Apple Ipod. The file can also be stored as a Windows Media, RealPlayer, AVI, or FLV, depending on the needs of the website.
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Next comes the loading of the file. There are several sites to host Vblogs like Vimeo.com, OurMedia.org, or Blip.tv. Simply log-in and add the title and any search terms/tags to the upload.
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Once the video is uploaded sites like Vimeo.com will ask something like “Add this clip to your blog?” Select yes and the site generates html code that can then be put into a blogger template page at any blogging site, like Blogger.com.
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Once that’s finished the Vblog is now officially live for the world to see.
Keep in mind Vblogs can also be edited for a more polished appearance or special effects. There are affordable programs like QuickTime Pro, which retails for around $30. Higher end software, like Final Cut, has a greater number of features, but can cost around $1200. There are many video editing programs available that can balance features with cost.
Tips for Creating Vblogs
There are several steps one can take to make Vblogging more successful. These include:
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Lighting and sound quality should be as excellent as possible.
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Bad camera angles or jerky shots alienate viewers.
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Use RSS feeds so the content created is delivered automatically to the computer, PDA, phone, etc. of the subscribers to the vlog.
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Be passionate about the subject matter. Monotone speakers bore viewers.
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Pass along something of value. Whether personal or professional, all vlogs should offer substance to the viewer - be it entertainment or knowledge.
You can learn much more about creating Vblogs at some of the sites listed above. No matter what your content or level of experience, joining the Web 2.0 revolution with a Vblog is quick and easy.
