A friend ask me the other day this question and I tried answering him but I think he was more confused than ever before by the end of the talk. So, I did some research and came out with the best possible answer on what are the main differences between these two terms.

So what`s the difference between Vlogging and Blogging?

The main difference lies in the fact that blogging uses text format to deliver content in the form of articles for the user to read, and vlogging is focused on using a video format for the user to watch and enjoy the same type of content. Blogging format is found on a variety of websites, whereas Vlogging can be shown through a website or using social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. 

Vlogging vs. Blogging: Pros and Cons

Although both methods have the potential to reach a large audience, earn money, and grow incredibly, there are some differences we have to consider in order to figure out what are the possibilities we have if we enter one or the other.

Pros and Cons of Blogging

• A little bit more control on your online presence and identity. As people can`t see you they won`t relate as much with you, but at the same time, you can appear as an expert on the field, if your writing is good enough, with much ease.
• Improve your memory and develop a laser-focus to synthesize your words. It can also help writing good scripts if you are interested in Vlogging eventually.
• Able to optimize your text as many times as you so that way you can improve the final product before it`s even ranking. This is not a possibility you have once you`ve uploaded a video.
• You can become a better writer, and/or even a published author. If you follow this path and you feel comfortable enough you could end up writing your own book someday!
• You can rank on Google by improving your SEO! Videos from YouTube can too, but the difference that favors bloggers is that they can optimize their SEO (Search Engine Optimization) in a much greater way through the text, a video doesn`t allow that once you`ve uploaded your content that`s it.
• Collect emails has never been easier. Blogging allows you to build an audience of your own with much ease so you can contact them whenever you want!
• One Con that Blogging has nowadays is that conversion rates are not as good as they used to be. Video marketing is leading the world right now. People love to connect with other people through video.
• If you want to relate to the user and captivate them to convert into customers then blogging is a much slower and ineffective way than vlogging is. People can`t connect, build trust, and relate to you as well as if they would do if they could see you and hear you.
• Blogging can be cheaper! You just need a laptop and a few bucks to set up your hosting! (if you want to do it the right way). Vlogging can be cheap too but the reality is that the camera sets the tone for the content in a much “exposing” way than writing a good article does.
• And last but not least, it is obvious to say but if you are skilled at writing, or you don`t feel that comfortable in front of the camera, you can express yourself with blogging through great articles that help the user and make a good resource and grow your business.

Pros and Cons of Vlogging

• If you like to talk then vlogging is for you. In a way, it can be easier than blogging is. Your content can be delivered in a much faster way. Think of it, writing an article takes several hours, if not days. Filming a good piece of content could take up to 20 or 30 minutes with some light research and with almost no editing, of course.
• Creates more engagement with your audience and helps to build a community. As people can relate to you and your persona it becomes easier to create a community and a brand. Depending on the niche and your content, of course.
• One of the pillars of vlogging is confidence. If you are already confident enough to face the camera you`ll be able to take down a good amount of the competition. The most underrated trait on the internet world is confidence, and that takes a whole new level on Vlogs. In case you`re in the need of a confidence booster then Vlogging can help too!
• A good foundation to improve your public speaking skills. It will help to improve your communication skills for good.
• Become an Internet Celebrity! This doesn`t happen with bloggers, at least not that often. Being a vlogger can even set the path to Hollywood, that`s how powerful it can be.
• Another thing is that video marketing is hot right now! Take advantage of that and let people see you and get to know you.
• A vlog builds relationships. It is not a cold, one-time transaction waiting to happen like with most blogs. It builds up and can create lasting relationships from all over the globe.
• Many misconceptions. There are only a few types of vlogs, you have to have the best possible equipment, everything has to be “perfect” before you even start filming, just to name a few. The main Con of Vlogging is that it is a little intimidating.
• Exposure. This is something to consider seriously before entering the vlogs world. People are going to judge you, criticize you, “hate” you and your content in ways you couldn`t ever imagine. Acknowledge that beforehand and stick to your videos and the audience that actually values your content.

Which One is the Best to Start With on 2018?

So, what is the best possible way to go about it? well… there isn`t one. It is a personal choice you have to make for yourself considering all the variables I`ve just laid out for you.

The truth is that both are great ways to get your content out there and find your audience. Both have a big potential to take advantage of.

You are the one that has to decide whether you prefer to be in front of your audience and get to connect with them in more intimate level, or just keep things simpler and easier by writing awesome articles that help people to solve their queries.

There`s yet a “slight” difference to consider, so think deep and think well before making a choice.

Related Questions

How bloggers and vloggers earn an income? In both cases, you have the possibility to use advertisements to make money. Whether if you show ads on your videos, like YouTube does, or you just simply put ads all over your website. When people click or you have a certain number of impressions you earn money. Another common way is through affiliate marketing. That is when you offer other people products and get a commission everytime somebody makes a purchase of that product (or maybe service) through your link. That same link can be on the articles of your blog post, or in the description of your YouTube video.