Video blogging (vlogging) is fast becoming a popular form of starting and contributing to conversations online. Users are able to shoot videos with anything from a mobile phone to a broadcast-quality video camera. These videos are then uploaded to streaming video websites, such as YouTube or Viddler.Â
After reading a post by Dave Duarte a few days ago discussing mass media and the 4th screen (your mobile device) and writing yesterday’s post, I got to thinking:
“Is video blogging becoming the 5th screen?”
The medium is easy to work with. Information can be shared internationally in just a few simple steps. Online celebrities, such as Gary Vaynerchuk, have started sharing their thoughts with the world. (Gary runs his own video blog as well as Wine Library TV, a popular wine tasting and talk show).
Local online TV show From the Couch is a recent addition to the video blogging phenomenon. It started late last year and its growth has been amazing to watch. Brothers David and Marc Perel discuss topics such as the web, design, motor racing, and cricket, as well as what’s going on in the web and technology worlds. They also interview folk in the web industry.
Also worth a mention is Zoopy - this online media-sharing service has created ZoopyTV, a series of channels that discuss various topics, from current affairs to entertainment shows. The production quality is professional and there is something for everyone.Â
Is vlogging becoming the screen within the screen? With the amount of time spent online increasing daily, vlogging could integrate television-watching into your online time, thereby increasing your productivity levels and enabling web-users to have faster access to information. There is also a distinct viral aspect to online videos. This could be an advertiser’s dream.
Video blogging is definitely on the way up. I look forward to observing its development over the coming years.
Do you run a video blog? Have you watched any of the above-mentioned shows? Share your thoughts below.Â
I think video blogging is the most viable way for corporates to produce social-media content right now. Blogging is dominated by amateurs, and the corporate “tone” can be picked up immediately.
Good videos however, tend to get many more views than good blog posts. They are also slightly more involved and costly to produce, so corporates still have the upper hand here.
@Dave Thanks for the comment Dave.
I agree regarding the corporate “tone”. This can, in my opinion, have both positive and negative outcomes, as users may feel more “at home” watching amateur users discussing services, products and topics of popular conversation. They could also feel that, because the vlog is coming direct from the corporate, the video has more authority, for want of a better word.
Do you watch any video blogs, other than those mentioned in the post? Would be great to find more to watch.
Glad you’re a Zoopy TV fan Matt
Lots more coming, so make yourself comfy!
@Jason: Thanks Jason. Looking forward to it.
Interesting thread I’m reading here. Has anyone encountered a corporate or large company that uses vlogging to talk to their staff? Instead of a memo, use your webcam and make it streamable on your intranet. If you have encountered this already, please let me know and whether its feasible to pitch to corporate clients.