By Bronwyn Raitt

What is vlogging?

Vlogging, or video blogging, is a form of blogging which contains video content. Entries are made regularly, and often include video or a video link with supporting text and images to further explain the site. Like a text blog, a vlog is updated regularly, typically includes personal reflections, comments on other sites, and offers a simple mechanism for subscription and delivery through RSS feeds. Vlogging offers a richer web experience than text blogging because it combines movies, sound, still images, and text, which increases the information shared with users. Rich media allows authors to explore new ways of communicating; with many vloggers being of the opinion that video allows more natural expression than writing.

The small, but growing segment of the blogosphere devoted to vlogs is sometimes referred to as the vlogosphere. The vlogosphere is a very democratic arena. Unlike mainstream media, such as television or commercial websites, vlogs are not, for the most part, created to make money. As a result, vloggers are free to make their content about whatever they desire, no matter how controversial or obscure the topic. Vlogging gives average citizens an audience, and a chance to make their voices heard.

Who’s doing it?

Vloggers have followed in the footsteps of bloggers and podcasters, extending their posts to include video segments rather than just text- cheaper equipment and more prevalent software means that vlogging is becoming more common. Vlogging is attracting people who want to share commentary, stories, and opinions, in video format. Some vloggers maintain blogs, while others reject blogging because they feel it limits their expression. Vlogs represent a new, relatively untested instructional technological tool. Teachers and students are beginning to include vlogs in class and research facilities, and some academic disciplines even see vlogs as a natural fit for their needs.

How does it work?

Video is captured using digital cameras, webcams or digital video cameras. While it is acceptable to simply post raw video footage, many vlog sites are starting to incorporate titles, edited clips, sound, music and other effects to enhance their message. Due to storage and bandwidth limitations, an ideal clip is one to three minutes in length. The resulting video clip is compressed and placed on a web server. The content is also placed in an RSS feed and the URL shared with the vlogging community. Vlog aggregators, (Amatomu for example), automate the downloading and display of vlogs through easy point-and-click interfaces; they also provide a central access point for vlogs and a platform whereby users can rate and comment on other vlogs.

Why is it significant?

According to Jason Elk, co-founder and CEO of Zoopy, a social media playground based in South Africa, “Vlogging has added extra audio and visual dimensions to online lifestreams, and allows video bloggers to tell a more vibrant, compelling story than text alone conveys in standard blogs. Vloggers around the world have found freedom and creative inspiration in turning words into a living, moving (and sometimes live) version of events, by simply clicking the record button. Since video has become such a commonly used medium on the internet for uploaders and viewers, and as bandwidth speeds continue to improve, vlogging is increasing in popularity as bloggers start to enjoy having conversations with their audience straight to the camera, face-to-face.”

Adding video capabilities to web sites proves the old adage that ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’. The ability of vlogs to deliver rich content as opposed to sites that use text and still images, positions vlogs in a unique video-graphic web niche. Media-centric individuals are finding that video allows them to express themselves more naturally and with greater ability than static, text-based sites. As video software and hardware capabilities advance, and as the medium matures, video enthusiasts could have significant influence on website design and development for instructional purposes. Vlogging has the potential to expand communication options and individual expression with personal video posts. While still in its infancy, vlog content is increasingly sophisticated and may someday rival commercial offerings by appealing to the interests of niche groups. Vlogging may also gain significance because of the media literacy of today’s students. Their understanding of complex media has already influenced many classroom projects and informal activities, such as digital stories and reporting.

Vlogging also puts businesses at an advantage because new technology quickly captures interest and this puts these forward thinking businesses ahead of the rest. Andrew Baron of Rocketboom, a successful New York-based daily international news vlog, believes that, “When doing business, if you can position yourself with any two of the following three qualities, your business may have a great advantage: 1. Be the first 2. Be the best. 3. Be the most unique. When you are the first, you start with all three. Since we began "first", Rocketboom strives to remain unique and we work really, really hard to be the best. Other competitors have come along and some have already gone, but Rocketboom continues to flourish due to striving for these qualities.”

What are the drawbacks?

The greatest downside to vlogging is the bandwidth requirements and the resources required to capture, store and distribute video. Although the barriers to creating video content have come down, a significant investment of time and money may still be required. Internet-based video distribution has extensive space and bandwidth requirements: the larger the video files, the greater the network demand and download time. As a result, widespread distribution and use of vlogs will depend on the availability and affordability of broadband connections. Because videoblogs are new, it is unclear what impact storing, cataloging and retrieving them will have on ISPs; a popular vlog accessed simultaneously by thousands of users, could overwhelm servers.

Where is it going?

The tools to create vlogs are becoming more common, less expensive and better known to students. Camera-capable cell phones and digital cameras that can record short video sequences make it relatively easy to acquire and post video to the internet. Vlogs can also be used for personal expression and reflection. As a result, vlogs are being incorporated into electronic portfolios and presentations. The use of vlogs for digital storytelling may be one way to encourage strong student participation in projects.