At the start of this year I wrote a post about vlogging and why I’ll never be able to do it. Being the rebellious person that I am, I then decided to post a few book haul videos to test the waters and I’m now trying to take the big step into booktubing on a permanent basis.
Making the decision to booktube is definitely something I think you should think carefully about. In January, when I wrote the post, I wasn’t at a stage where I was confident enough to show my face to the camera and I just wouldn’t have known what to talk about.
I’ve been watching booktubers for a while now and so I’ve picked up on a few things that I think you should be aware of when vlogging. I’m in no way an expert so please don’t take my word as the law. Just have fun!
1. Good lighting.
This is a really important one to me. There’s nothing worse than a video where you have to squint at the person talking, as I learned in the first video I ever uploaded. Yes, I was sat in a dark corner and it pains me to watch it back now.
2. Speak with confidence.
Even if you’re not feeling confident, it’s always a good idea to put on a brave face because this will make the audience feel more comfortable watching you. This will definitely come with time, though.
3. Interact with the community!
I love watching YouTube videos and they’re always nice to have on in the background when I’m writing reviews or commenting on blogs. Just leaving a comment after I’ve watched a video makes me happy and I know it makes my day when I see that somebody has taken the time to leave a reply or comment on one of my own vlogs.
4. Have fun!
When I’m blogging, I sometimes feel pressure but, so far, I haven’t felt this when booktubing and so it makes it so much more enjoyable. I’m hoping that this won’t change and will try my best to keep it from happening because I’m loving it! Booktubing is fun and I’d love to share that with you all.
Booktubing is becoming more and more popular and there are so many channels out there now. I went on a massive subscribing spree the other day and I love seeing new videos pop up in my feed.
Leanna from Daisy Chain Books wrote a great post that mentioned vlogging and Melissa from Harley Bear Book Blog did too. Check them out!
Here are a few things I’m going to be doing on my channel:
Are you a vlogger? Would you like to be? Do you like watching booktube videos? Let me know below!
8 Comments
Erika
2 October, 2013 at 10:24 amI tried Booktubing once but I don’t think it will work out for me. I naturally prefer blogging. I’m really glad you enjoy doing it and I’m really looking forward to seeing ‘Literary Loving Lucy’.
By the way, just wanted to let you know that I actually created a new blog (general, life, fashion) called Girl Say So What?
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Ashley
2 October, 2013 at 10:59 amGreat tips! I definitely agree that lighting and speaking up are both important.
BookTubing isn’t for me though. My problem is that I don’t like watching YouTube videos (about any subject, really) so I don’t want to make them either! Everyone just has a different preference I guess.
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Melanie (YA Midnight Reads)
2 October, 2013 at 11:07 amI love watching vlogs however I would probably suck at vlogging because I’d take years to edit and stuff, lol.
Thanks for sharing, Lucy! I hope you stay active on your blog too though! <33
Melanie (YA Midnight Reads) recently posted…Blog Tour: Find Me by Romily Bernard
Sarah @ TotalTeenFiction
2 October, 2013 at 12:17 pmI’ve been watching more and more booktube videos lately and it’s really given me the urge to give it a go! It would great to be more involved instead of just watching and lurking. Maybe this post will give me the push I need. Thanks for the tips Lucy! 😀
Sarah @ TotalTeenFiction recently posted…Review: Briar Rose by Jana Oliver
Maya @ The Book Nook
2 October, 2013 at 1:21 pmI don’t really watch blogs because I often use my laptop in cafes (as I am now!) or in the same room as my family and I don’t like playing stuff out loud when others can hear it. I always try to watch yours though, Lucy – I really enjoy them!
Maya @ The Book Nook recently posted…REVIEW: The Rig by Joe Ducie
Eve @ AbH
2 October, 2013 at 10:18 pmNever is a word I would describe in terms of vlogging! I would ramble on, off topic, forever. Yours are so fun to watch, though. I loved your Stacking the Shelves vlog, and this one! Will watch out for your tag vlogs 🙂
Eve @ AbH recently posted…REVIEW: Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Caroline Taylor
4 October, 2013 at 7:54 pmI can’t give you any tips because I have never recorded a vlog in my life but I am just here to say you are a natural at it and so I look forward to viewing your future vlogs! 🙂
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9 September, 2018 at 5:02 amHmm is anyone else encountering problems with the images on this blog loading? I’m trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.