Filming your first ever vlog can be very intimidating. So much that you risk never following through with the idea. But it does not have to be that way; There are some tips that can help you make the process easier for you, and get your youtube channel going.
We have compiled five simple tips for making your first vlog. They are easy to follow and effective. If you are just about to shoot your first vlog ever, then this is the guide for you. If you want, you could go even more in-depth and check out our Ultimate Guide to Vlogging in 2020.
1. Don’t Overthink your First Vlog
If this is going to be the first video you ever upload to youtube, it is important not to overthink the process, or else you will never follow through with it. There will always be something to improve or something you did not get exactly right, especially as a beginner.
Yet it is important not to stress over all that at the start; you can always improve in the next video. What you should focus on when getting started is uploading content consistently and garnering some momentum.
Don’t compare yourself to other people who have been on the platform longer than you and know the ins and outs of video making. It will just feel discouraging setting the bar that high for yourself.
2. Get some Inspiration
Creativity often comes from getting inspiration from other people’s work. Many times, your most unique ideas emerge by combining different styles, topics, or techniques.
So go out there and look at vloggers you like. What do you like about their videos? Is there something you think you could do better?
You are not just limited to just youtube. You could also take inspiration from tv-shows, podcasts, or movies.
Before jumping into any brainstorming or trying to come up with an idea for your first vlog, do your homework by gathering some inspiration first. Often the best way to start a youtube channel is by an introductory video about yourself, where you share why you started the channel, and what you plan to do looking forward.
3. Be Resourceful
You don’t need any expensive equipment to start vlogging. Just starting with a smartphone does the trick, or simply with what you have. Even so, there are some things to keep in mind to make the most out of your gear:
Lighting:
To make your video look good, make sure that you are somewhere with natural light, ideally in front of a window. This is the best lighting you are going to get without any lighting equipment.
Location:
Ideally, you want to find a spot where not everything is cluttered, so you stand out in the frame of your video. A clean background always looks more professional.
Audio:
Audio is also very important. Bad sound can make your video unwatchable. But again, you don’t need an expensive mic to make this work.
Just make sure if you are using a smartphone that you are close enough so it can hear you, and that you don’t cover the mic with your fingers. If you have a camera, make sure to check the audio quality first because it can vary greatly.
4. Be Yourself
This is an important one; Be yourself. It is a cliche, but it is also true. By simply being yourself, you become more relatable and approachable. Both of these qualities are the seeds of a successful youtube channel where personality is the driving force.
Don’t be afraid to share your own thoughts, interests, or get personal with your audience. Also being by being yourself, you can make your channel more unique and help you stand out from the competition.
5. Edit!
Good editing can really add something to a video. You could make intros, outros, add music, or do cool cuts within your video.
Of course, to do all that, you have to learn the software too. The truth is that editing is not as hard as it seems, and you really don’t need anything overly complicated or fancy to make a vlog. A tip is to check out some tutorials on editing for vlogs on youtube.
A great free editing software you can use is iMovie for macOS or HitFilm Express for Windows/Linux. If you want to learn even more about what editing software is the best for vloggers, check out our Top 7 Vlogging Editors in 2020.
Adding music to your vlog can also make a big difference, especially if you want to cover up some dead air moments (which are common for beginners). You can also add a track in the intro or outro piece of your vlog. Royalty-free music can be found for free at Youtubes Music Library. Paid options include PremiumBeat, Audio Jungle, and others.
In Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed our five tips for shooting your first ever vlog and that you found them useful. So to sum up:
1 Don’t Overthink your first vlog – Don’t stress about every little detail, you can always improve on the next video.
2 Get some Inspiration – There is nothing wrong with taking inspiration from other creators.
3 Be resourceful – Work with what you have. If it is just a smartphone, start with that.
4 Be yourself – Be yourself and connect with your audience on a more personal level.
5 Edit – By adding music, cutting out dead air moments, and making an intro and outro, you can really add production value to your vlog.
So start rolling the camera and see what happens. It will feel a bit strange and scary at first, but it something you will get used to.
When you get your first video out of the way, it is time to repeat the process. Look at what you did right and what you can improve from last time. Do not expect any overnight success. Vlogging takes persistence and hard work. But if you enjoy what you do, your journey will be a lot more fun.
