Blogging vs. Vlogging (the solo creator handbook)
I love making content. I see it (and everything) like a creative project. Content is painting on a digital canvas. It builds your brand and it’s fulfilling, cathartic really.
But with so many options, which content style is right for you? If you’re not sure, I’m here to help.
This is my guide on blogging vs. vlogging (and social media).
Now let’s do this!
Hey, just a quick heads up that some links in this post may be affiliate links. This is at no extra cost to you, but helps me keep the lights on. Thanks for your support!
Vlog vs. Blog vs. Social Media
All types of content can grow a brand. And you may end up using more than one.
But they each have their own personality and nuance. So at a basic level, blogs are for writing, vlogs are for video and social media is for interacting.
While there’s a lot of overlap, this is a good starting point.
But let’s dig deeper.
Blogging 101
Blogging is long-form written content published on a personal website or a blogging platform (like Medium or LinkedIn).
It’s where I started my whole content journey — my first love — and it’s how I’m growing a personal brand.
Blogging Pros
It’s the most passive form of content and income
Builds SEO authority and trust in your niche
Great for building an email list
Content can last and rank for years
Tons of untapped keyword opportunities
Daily upkeep not necessary
Easy to repurpose for bite-sized social content
Blogging Cons
Takes a while to build authority and traffic
Takes a while to research and write a good post
Older posts need to be continually updated
More technical skills needed
Blogging Platforms
WordPress
Medium
LinkedIn
Explore more:
➤ Wait, Is Blogging Dead?
Vlogging 101
Vlogging — video blogging — is similar to a blog, but the content is in a video format (obviously) and usually shares personal stuff about your life, thoughts and day-to-day activities.
I recently started vlogging as a way to expand my reach and learn some new skills, like talking to a camera. It’s a pretty new domain for me, but I definitely see the value. Here’s one of my videos:
Vlogging Pros
Form deeper connections with your audience
Video builds trust quicker
Your audience connects with you more
Show off your personality more easily
It’s great for personal growth and development
Vlogging Cons
Less private — takes more vulnerability
Need to learn how to talk to a camera
It’s harder than it looks
It’s time consuming
Vlog Platforms
YouTube
TikTok
Instagram
Facebook Live
Twitch
Social Media 101
Social media is an interactive platform for sharing content, building an audience and engaging with people.
Eventually using at least one social media in your content strategy is a smart move. But it can quickly become a full-time gig, so don’t feel like you need to rush it either (it’ll never be ‘too late’).
Social Media Pros
Awesome for networking and connecting
Everyone is there, literally
Content creation is quicker and easier
Stay in the loop for the latest trends in your niche
Faster growth potential
Social Media Cons
Posts don’t last long, requiring daily work
Staying consistent is hard
Harder to move people off platform (e.g., an email list)
Organic reach isn’t always good
Heavily trend-focused (which can get annoying)
Can lead to unhealthy comparisons
Social Media Platforms
TikTok
Instagram
X
Snapchat
Facebook
LinkedIn
Blogging vs. Vlogging vs. Social (key highlights)
Vlogging Builds Strong Trust
Vloggers share their face, story, personality and struggles, which makes them super relatable.
Vlogs create strong trust and a deep connection.
But sharing your life like this isn’t easy. It takes confidence and vulnerability. It’s one part liberating and two parts awkward. For a lot of creators, this is a deal breaker.
Blogs Have the Longest Shelf Life
One of my favorite parts about blogging is how evergreen it is. Articles have a super long shelf life.
While this can be true for vlogs too, on blogs you can change the year and actually update the content — so things always looks fresh.
You can’t do this on YouTube or with video.
“I have posts that I wrote over two years ago still bringing me consistent traffic.”
Blogs take a while to research and write, but once they’re done, it’s one of the most passive forms of content creation.
Just keep in mind that blogging takes a while to get some good traction. But once you do, things snowball and last longer.
Social Media Is the Most…Social
In my experience, social media requires the most engagement and interaction. It’s more hands-on.
This means spending a lot more time in the comments, engaging with other creators and being, well, more social (which is both fun and draining).
With social media, just posting and waiting for followers and brand deals won’t cut it. You need to engage — like, a lot.
Crossing your fingers and hoping for virality isn’t a sustainable strategy.
They All Look Good Together
Blogs can be turned into vlogs and vlogs into social media (and backwards too).
All of these platforms complement each other really well and your content can be repurposed in lots of different ways. Naturally, bigger influencers use multiple platforms to expand their reach and impact.
But if you’re just starting out as a solo creator, stick with just one — too many too fast can lead to creative burnout.
They All Can Work Equally Well
Whatever content style you go with, it can work.
Whether you blog, vlog or post on social media, you can grow an audience and a personal brand. They all open doors and establish authority in your niche.
The trick is to choose the right one for you.
So let’s keep moving.
How to Choose (4 tips)
1. Go to Your Audience
The most practical way to decide your content style is to simply follow your audience.
Choose the platform your audience spends the most time on.
For example, if you create for business owners, then LinkedIn may be your best option. But if you’re doing fashion, then blogging, Pinterest or Instagram are all solid choices.
Get clear about who your target audience is (demographics, etc.) and then research each platform. Choose the one that makes the most sense.
2. Go Where You’re Most Authentic
If you love to write (but feel awkward on video), then blogging or writing on X is probably the better choice.
But if you come alive when talking to a camera or creating artistic video edits, then go with vlogging or social media.
That is, go where you can be your most authentic self. This is probably the best advice on how to choose the right content style.
You can always get better at stuff later on. But for starters, go where you’re most comfortable.
This should give you better results faster.
3. Match Your Skills or Knowledge
Do you already use a specific platform? If so, then you’ve got a leg up. You understand that platform’s nuances and what works (or doesn’t work).
Similarly, take stock of any skills you already have and lean on them.
For example, if you know how to work a camera and edit video, then maybe social media or vlogging is the right option for you.
But if you’re a solid writer and understand SEO, then blogging may be better.
Put another way, use what you already know — it’s an unfair advantage.
This is probably the only true ‘shortcut’ for growth online, which is really more like a head start anyway.
4. Batch Test Everything
If you’re really not sure where to start, then try everything.
Test every platform and try every content style. Pay attention to what resonates with you and your target audience.
Through testing, you’ll naturally find your home. The answer may even surprise you.
So go be a researcher — and explore!
But that’s all I’ve got for you here.
Later ✌️
Blog vs. Vlog (faqs)
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YouTube establishes itself as a social media platform. But it's also a search engine.
So I see it as a hybrid.
However you define it, it's perfect for vlogging or social media content (via Shorts or YouTube posts).
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Both can be profitable. It depends on your niche, audience, content and monetization skills.
But here are some common ways to monetize both vlogs and blogs:
Ad placements
Affiliate marketing
Sponsorships
Selling your own products or services
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Both options are perfect. It just depends on your goals, preferences, audience and brand.
Just try to go where you can be most authentic and where your audience spends most of their time.
