Video content can be found on every social media platform. Who hasn’t fallen down the rabbit hole of watching video after video (after video!), especially on YouTube or TikTok? In fact, recent data suggests 66% of people consider video their number one source of information. While you might think video blogging (also called vlogging) requires a lot of tech-savvy skill, the experts at Web Design Relief have some smart tips and simple advice to help you post great video content of your very own. Here’s how you can reach more readers—right from your smartphone!

What Writers Should Know About Video Blogging

Video blogging for writers often consists of taking what you’ve written for a blog and delivering it in video format. Along with reaching a new audience, you can direct viewers to your blog to also gain new readers and followers.

Engage your followers in a new way. Instead of posting text and images on your blog, Facebook, or Instagram, video gives you a different set of exciting tools with which you can share content with your audience. Speaking to your followers through video allows you to grab their attention in a way that’s innovative and more engaging. Your fans and followers will be able to connect with you and your writing on a more personal level.

Embrace the process of video creation. Creating video content requires some preparation and basic equipment. You don’t need to use the most expensive cameras or recording options—your smartphone is a great way to record good-quality video. You should also invest in a phone stand that has a ring light. This will keep your phone steady and provide the best lighting so you look professional on screen. Be sure to use a microphone that will produce clear audio. High-quality video and audio are as important in video content as legible text is for your written manuscript!

Offer worthwhile content. If you want viewers to keep coming back to watch your videos, make sure you’re offering value to your readers and followers. Keep your videos short and to the point. Create content that’s interesting, engaging, and informative—not blatant sales pitches. Don’t go overboard asking viewers to buy your book—but don’t pass up the opportunity to include a call to action in every video. It’s a good practice to invite your readers to subscribe to you on social media or subscribe to your newsletter.

Use video editing software. There are many free and paid options for editing your videos. You should invest in a good pair of headphones—these will be your best friend when you edit audio. If you’re new to video editing and are using your smartphone, the free apps available include CapCut, Splice, and InShot.

If you’re going to edit the video on your desktop, free options include CapCut’s desktop app and Canva, which has an online video editor. If you’re okay with paying a subscription, Adobe Premiere, with its wide range of useful features, is your best option for video editing. At the time of this article, Adobe Premiere Rush, a scaled-down version of Adobe Premiere, is available for $9.99 per month. For $20.99 per month, you can get Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe Premiere Rush.

Tailor your video to the platform. For the best results, use the specifications and aspect ratio recommended by each social media platform. For example, TikTok favors vertical videos, while YouTube features the standard aspect ratio of 16:9. Also, be aware of the length of your video. TikTok and Instagram have a maximum video length of ten minutes, while YouTube videos can be longer. Include relevant hashtags in your post like #booktok and #booktube. Remember to keep your video content as brief as possible—no one wants to watch someone rambling on and on.

Video blogging is a great way to introduce new and evergreen content to your audience. With these tips, you’ll be on your way to starring in your own videos. Who knows—you could be the next booktuber everyone wants to follow! Are you ready for your close-up?

Along with being used on social media, your video blogs can also be imbedded in your author website. If you don’t have an author website—you should! Our design experts can create a budget-friendly author website that suits your genre and your needs. Schedule a free Web Design Relief consultation call today!

Question: What vlogs do you watch and follow?