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!

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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

• Squarespace

• 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)

• Is YouTube considered a vlog or social media?

  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).

• Do bloggers or vloggers make more money?

  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

• Which is better, blogging or vlogging?

  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.