Vlogs—short for video blogs—are among the most direct ways people share parts of their lives online. They aren’t about perfection. They’re about perspective. Whether it’s a camera propped up on a cluttered desk or a sweeping drone shot over a foggy coastline, the story starts with the person holding the lens.
A vlog might be a daily check-in, a tutorial, or just someone’s thoughts from the front seat of a parked car. The shape varies, but the core stays the same: it’s personal, often casual, and grounded in the creator’s voice.
Where It All Started
The first known vlog surfaced in 2000. Adam Kontras filmed a quick update for his blog as he moved across the country. It was short, basic, and meant for friends. Still, it planted a seed. He didn’t set out to change how people tell stories online, but he helped start something that would quickly evolve as other pioneers recognized how compelling the format could be…
Adam Kontras
Kontras didn’t have an audience in mind beyond his circle. His updates were mostly functional—a way to keep people posted. But the honesty and simplicity in those clips became a kind of template: no script, no gloss, just moments.
Casey Neistat
Years later, Casey Neistat brought more structure to the format. He had a filmmaking background, and it showed. His vlogs had pacing, arcs, and visual rhythm. They weren’t just recordings. They were stories with lift. By 2015, his daily uploads were drawing millions. He showed that even everyday events could carry narrative weight when edited with purpose.
Michelle Phan
Michelle Phan took beauty tutorials and made them personal. Her calm voice, step-by-step approach, and eye for presentation built trust. She wasn’t just showing how to apply eyeliner—she was building a relationship with viewers. Her early work helped define the beauty vlogging space and opened the door for countless creators.
Jenna Marbles
Jenna Marbles hit a nerve with humor and transparency. Her breakout video in 2010 was a mix of parody and truth. It felt like a chat with a friend who wasn’t trying to impress you. That tone became her signature. She wasn’t polished. She was relatable. And that, in itself, was the appeal.
Why Do People Vlog?
Motives differ. For some, vlogging is a way to stay in touch with family. For others, it’s a form of journaling. Creators document trips, share opinions, teach skills, or just speak out loud.
There’s something about video that creates closeness. A voice, a face, a real-time reaction—these things pull viewers in. And for the person filming, the process can clarify thoughts or turn everyday details into stories worth saving.
A few common reasons people start:
- To share experiences and routines
- To explain or demonstrate things
- To build a personal connection with an audience
- To feel seen and understood
- To explore their own creativity through video
It’s not always about views or fame. Sometimes it’s just about being heard.
How Vlogs Are Different from Blogs
| Feature | Blog | Vlog |
| Format | Text, sometimes images | Video with sound |
| Tone | Usually edited | Often spontaneous |
| Platform | Websites, email | YouTube, TikTok, Instagram |
| Interaction | Comments, likes | Replies, shares, live chat |
Watching someone speak—even through a screen—feels more immediate. A blog might be thoughtful and polished. A vlog is more like being let into someone’s day.
What Makes a Vlog, a Vlog?
It’s not high-end gear or flashy cuts. It’s the point of view that shapes it.
Good vlogs usually share a few traits:
- They speak to the viewer, not at them
- They include real-world moments—mundane or messy
- They let personality shape the flow
- They reveal more than they explain
The result feels more like time spent than content consumed.
What You Need to Film a Vlog
You don’t need much to start. What matters is ease. Gear that works with you, not against you.
Action cameras for vlogging are ideal. They’re small, tough, and quick to use. You can pull one out, tap a button, and be filming in seconds. No fiddling.
Insta360 Ace Pro 2 and Insta360 X5 both check all the boxes. They both have built-in stabilization that smooths out jitters. Insta360 Ace Pro 2 also has a flip-up screen for framing yourself. Pair either with a telescopic selfie stick (that disappears in 360º footage) and the Insta360 Mic Air, and you’ve got a complete setup. Light, versatile, and doesn’t feel like a production.
Or if you want something even more portable for capturing that POV life, then Insta360 GO 3S is the ideal camera. Clip it to your hat, on your t-shirt, or around your neck with the magnetic pendant. It even has automatic interval filming to capture moments throughout the day.
If you are in the habit of filming with your phone, then you need a gimbal for on-the-go stabilization. Insta360 Flow 2 Pro is the go-to for serious vloggers with buttery smooth 3-axis stabilization. It also has built-in DockKit support, which means it will work with the native iPhone camera and >200 other iOS apps for AI-powered subject tracking…that’s right, it will automatically follow to keep you in frame!
The right tools don’t just make vlogging easier—they let you focus on the story. If you need help choosing the right gear, then check out our article on choosing the right vlogging camera.
Types of Vlogs
There’s no single format. But here are a few common ones:
- Day-in-the-life: A look at everyday routines
- Travel: Exploring new places with a personal lens
- How-to or educational: Walking through a process or idea
- Lifestyle: Conversations around health, habits, fashion, or home
- Topic-specific: Focused on one interest—books, games, tech, etc.
- Driving Vlog: Hands-free filming on the road—creativity with a safety first approach
Platforms That Host Vlogs
- YouTube: Still the biggest home for long-form vlogs
- TikTok: Good for short, quick updates or thoughts
- Instagram: Blends video and photos across Reels and Stories
- Twitch: Used by gamers and live streamers
- Patreon: Offers private content for supporters
Each platform shapes the vlog a little differently, but the core remains.
More Than Just Content
Vlogs aren’t just videos. They’re part of how people connect. A way to say, “This is what I see,” and maybe have someone respond, “I get it.”
They’ve shifted how audiences relate to creators. Viewers feel closer. They follow not just for the content but for the person.
But there’s a line. What to show, what to keep private—these are decisions vloggers make constantly. If you're just starting out, this guide on how to start a vlog can help you find your balance. The pressure to stay “real” can be tricky.
What Lies Ahead
Formats will shift. Short videos, livestreams, AI-generated clips—they’ll all play a role. But the heart of vlogging is still one person sharing with another. And that kind of connection tends to last.
Whether you’re thinking of starting a vlog or just want to understand why people watch them, it’s this simple: vlogs make distance feel smaller.
Keen to keep up to date on Insta360 stories? Keep an eye on our blog and sign up for our mailing list. Got a story to share? Email yours to communitystories@insta360.com and win up to US$50.
%20(1).svg)
%20(1).svg)
.svg)
