Vlogging: Your Next Favourite Hobby (And How to Start)

Vlogging isn’t just for creators looking to make money online—it’s for the girlies who want to have fun, too! If you love the idea of documenting your life, sharing your stories, and capturing your passions on camera, vlogging might just be the perfect hobby for you. Not only is it a fun creative outlet, but it’s also a great way to capture memories to look back on in the future. Let me walk you through everything you need to get started!

The Gear You’ll Need

One of the biggest misconceptions about vlogging is that you need a professional camera to get started—but that’s so far from the truth! If you’re just starting out for fun, there’s absolutely no need for a fancy setup. Here’s what I began with:

• A Phone Camera: That’s right, babes—your smartphone is more than enough! Most phones today have amazing cameras that work perfectly for vlogging.
• A Power Bank: Filming drains your phone’s battery fast, so carrying a power bank is a must to never miss filming those perfect moments just because your phone ran out of juice!
• A Mini Microphone: These are a lifesaver when recording yourself (or someone else) talking in noisy environments. If you’re only recording in really quiet spots, however, you can save some money and skip this purchase until needed. 
• Lighting: Carrying a mini light can be incredibly useful when the standard lighting in a room or outdoors isn’t quite right!
• A Tripod: Game changer. No more stacking books or risking your phone falling mid-shot. A tripod keeps your phone secure and unlocks angles you didn’t know were possible.

Already have a smartphone? Great! The rest of these are super affordable and easy to find on Amazon or TikTok Shop. Starting your vlogging journey doesn’t have to break the bank!

More Expensive Gear You DO NOT Need

Let me say it again for the people in the back—you don’t need fancy gear to start vlogging! That said, if you’re in the mood to splurge and want to take your vlogging game to the next level, here are two cameras I personally use and absolutely love. Both have helped me create amazing vlogs!

Canon G7X

• Delivers stunning video quality.
• Carry with multiple backup batteries for non-stop filming.
• Doubles as an amazing camera for 10/10 photos.

Osmo Pocket 3

• Delivers stunning video quality.
• Easily film in both portrait or landscape mode, just by flipping the screen.
• The Creator Combo includes a microphone, portable battery and more accessories, making it super convenient and an amazing offer.

Insert comparison video here

Remember, these are extras, not essentials. If you’ve got the budget and want to invest, go for it—but your smartphone is more than enough to create amazing content!

What Should You Vlog About?

That’s entirely up to you! Personally, I love vlogging simply to document my life, giving me, my friends and family something exciting to look back on in the future. However, your reason might be completely different. If you’re not sure what to vlog about yet, here are some thought-provoking questions to help you decide:

1. Do you have any hobbies or skills that you’d love to capture on camera?
2. Is there something you could talk about for hours without getting bored?
3. Is there anything you’re good at that others might find valuable?

1. Have you overcome challenges or gained unique experiences others can learn from?
2. What advice do people often ask you for?
3. Do you prefer storytelling, tutorials, reviews, or personal updates?
4. Do you enjoy showcasing real-life experiences or creating scripted content?
5. What type of vlogs do you enjoy watching, and why?
6. Is there a specific creator or genre you’d like to emulate or add your own twist to?
7. Are there moments from your daily life that could make amazing content?

Editing Your Vlog

When I edited my first vlog, I was surprised by how simple it can be—whether you’re using a phone or a laptop. Just trim the boring parts, add some cute music, and maybe throw in a funny meme or two—voilà! Your vlog is ready to shine. I recommend starting with the free app CapCut, available on both desktop and mobile. It’s perfect for learning the basics, especially with the help of a quick YouTube tutorial!

Sharing Your Masterpiece

Even if you’re only vlogging for fun, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t share your masterpiece with friends and family so you can all smile together. I personally post my vlogs as reels on my Instagram Close Friends, allowing only the people closest to me to see them.

Other ideas for sharing your vlogs include:

• Private YouTube Channel: Create a channel to share videos with a select group using unlisted or private settings.
• Group Chats: Send your vlogs directly to friends and family through messaging apps like WhatsApp or Messenger.
• Google Drive or Dropbox: Upload your videos and share the link with those you want to watch them.
• Video Journaling Apps: Use apps like Day One or Journey to keep your vlogs private but accessible for personal enjoyment.

No matter how you share, the most important thing is enjoying the process and making memories worth revisiting!