What Is a Vlog? | A Beginner’s Guide
A vlog is an online video series (aka video blog) in which the narrator shares their experiences with a niche or topic. In most, if not all, vlogs, the narrator and videographer are the same person. Common vlog topics include travel, health/fitness, makeup, fashion, parenting, music, and more.
Vlogs have been around for at least 20 years, and you can find them on:
- Video-sharing platforms (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo)
- Social media (e.g., TikTok, Instagram, Facebook)
- Live-streaming platforms (e.g., Twitch)
- Personal websites
Vlogging allows creators to connect with audiences in a direct, visual, and often deeply personal way.
Vlog meaning
A vlog is a video blog, but the meaning of vlog is somewhat nuanced. Not all online videos are vlogs. By definition, a vlog usually has these characteristics:
- The creator, narrator, and videographer are the same person (aka the vlogger).
- The focus is on the vlogger doing an activity (e.g., cooking or travelling).
- The vlogger shares their opinions, reactions, and personal anecdotes while the activity is happening.
- The narration is in the first-person point of view and uses a conversational tone.
- Viewers can access the recording on a public platform (e.g., YouTube).
Most vlogs are part of a series that focuses on a specific niche (e.g., travelling with a baby or trying new cosmetics).
“Vlog” can also be used as a noun (e.g., “I loved Walterooski’s vlog about The Basement Tapes”) or a verb (e.g., “Walterooski vlogs about music he’s hearing for the first time).
Blog vs vlog
Even though “vlog” stands for “video blog,” it’s not exactly a video version of a blog, which is a website that constantly features new articles/blog posts about topics in a specific niche. A blog and a vlog both focus on a niche, but there are differences:
| Vlog | Blog | |
| Format | Video | Text |
| Number of decision makers | One person makes decisions about content, creates and narrates the videos, and chooses what to publish | In some (but not all) cases, editors and content managers assign and review writers’ work; may have one writer or a copywriting staff |
| Focus | A narrow aspect of one niche (e.g., yoga) | Sometimes narrow, but not always (e.g., different types of fitness) |
| Persona | Always showcases the narrator’s personality | May or may not showcase the writer’s personality; a writing staff may have guidelines for tone and style |
Types of vlogs
Most vlogs follow one of two format types:
- Follow me around: The vlogger carries the camera along with them while they go on an adventure or do an activity (e.g., hike on an unfamiliar trail).
- Talking head: The vlogger sits at a desk (or similar) and uses a tripod camera to record their own commentary on new media or information.
Vlogs also focus on many types of content. The chart below shows just a few of the most common niches that vloggers focus on.
| Type of vlog | Description | Example |
| Travel | Documents the vlogger’s personal travel experiences, impressions, and cultural insights | A vlog about different road trip destinations for people who live in the Pacific Northwest |
| Tech | Shows the vlogger’s hands-on experience with new gadgets or digital tools | A vlogger’s first impressions while using QuillBot’s AI Chat |
| Beauty/Fashion | Showcases the vlogger’s beauty of style routines and experimentation with new styles or products | A vlog on trying a new skincare routine |
| Gaming | Captures the vlogger’s real-time gameplay experiences | A vlog about someone’s first time playing Tales of the Shire |
| Reaction videos | Shows the vlogger watching or listening to media for the first time and sharing their impressions | A vlog about a jazz professor listening to Taylor Swift for the first time |
Vlogging tips
Successful vloggers combine personality with planning, clarity, and consistency. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to attract more followers, these vlogging techniques will help your videos stand out.
- Plan your most important shots ahead of time. Make a list of the shots that are essential for sharing your point of view and familiarizing viewers with your topic.
- Outline your script. Most vlogs don’t follow a script word-for-word because the style is supposed to be conversational. But an outline can help you stay focused during the shoot (even if you have to scrap your outline if the activity doesn’t go as planned).
- Cover the 5 Ws in each episode’s introduction:
-
- Who you are
- What the video is about
- When and where it’s happening
- Why your topic matters
- Use good lighting. If you’re shooting indoors, consider using a ring light to evenly light your face and reduce shadows. Opt for front-facing rather than overhead lights.
- End with a call-to-action. At the end of the video, invite viewers to subscribe, like, share, comment, etc.
- Share your blog on social media. Create posts on your social media platforms with links to your videos and engaging captions. Tools like QuillBot’s AI Instagram caption generator and QuillBot’s social media post maker can speed up this process.
- Hi, I’m Zoey, and thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of Hipster Homesteader. Peaches might be the only good thing about Georgia in mid-July. Now that my peach tree is thriving, I’ve got several dozen peaches that need prepped for pies and canning. I recently learned about a new way to blanch and peel fresh peaches, and today, I’m going to give it a try. Let’s get started, shall we?
Frequently asked questions about vlogs
- What does vlogging mean?
-
Vlogging means posting vlogs or maintaining a vlog, which is an online video series about a specific topic. In this case, “vlog” is being used as a verb, and “vlogging” is the present participle (e.g., “Rachel has been vlogging about porch and patio decor”). In a vlog, the creator, narrator, scriptwriter, and videographer are the same person, so vlogging involves all of these things. If you’re new to vlogging and need a little help, QuillBot’s YouTube script generator can show you how to outline a script.
- What is branded content video production?
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Branded content video production is the production of videos that tell a brand’s story in an engaging and authentic way.
Branded videos don’t usually promote products directly. Instead, they entertain, inform, or inspire while subtly promoting the brand and its values.
The production process includes scripting, filming, editing, and distributing.
If you’re working on branded content video production, try using QuillBot’s AI Story Generator to help you create a story for your video.
- How can I improve my TikTok scripts?
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Looking to go viral on TikTok? The secret may lie in your video script.
Whether you’re reviewing a project or posting a daily vlog, TikTok scripts should be short and attention grabbing. Keep the following tips in mind when writing your script:
- Make it short (50–150 words)
- Start with an engaging hook to capture attention
- Tailor your script to your intended audience
- Keep language simple and conversational
- Have a clear goal or call to action
If you’re feeling stuck, tools like QuillBot’s free AI TikTok Script Generator can save you time and get creative ideas flowing.
- What’s a YouTube script writer?
-
A YouTube scriptwriter is a person who writes scripts for YouTube videos. They help creators communicate clearly, stay on topic, and keep viewers engaged from start to finish.
Nowadays, “YouTube scriptwriter” might also refer to an AI tool. YouTube script generators, like QuillBot’s free YouTube script generator, help creators write scripts faster, allowing them to focus on creating great videos.
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Routh, N. (2025, August 05). What Is a Vlog? | A Beginner’s Guide. Quillbot. Retrieved August 11, 2025, from http://qbot.seotoolbuy.com/blog/content-writing/what-is-a-vlog/
