I enjoy recording video podcast tutorials and with each screencast I create, I try to share solutions to common blogging problems with my fellow bloggers. I’m constantly on the prowl for other video blogs and when I see a YouTube icon on a site, I visit the channel and view their uploads, subscribe, or give them a thumbs up. Along the way, I’ve seen some really fantastic videos yet on the other hand, many of them leave “something to be desired”. I’m much too polite to leave a glaring negative comment for the world to see (and I do believe in Karma). Therefore I’ve compiled a list of what I think are the worst offenses and the top 5 things bloggers should refrain from doing with their videos.
Video Blogging Mistakes To Avoid
Blogging While Driving – I don’t understand something about blogging while driving, what is the message that you’re trying to get across to me – “I’m such a good blogger I can even blog while I drive”, or is it “I’m super-duper busy so you should feel honored I took the time to record a video while I’m en-route to something WAY more important”. Please! I beg of you, driving video bloggers, take the Oprah Pledge or something!
You Start Off Apologizing – You know the audio quality sucks and the video is too dark and the camera is out of focus, so why are you uploading it? There’s no need to upload every poor quality video to YouTube just to get your post published that day. I know you think Google is hungry for some new content, but as one of your faithful readers, I promise you, I can wait until you make a nice clear recording, so that I can actually watch it without being annoyed. So don’t apologize, just re-record it.
You’re Not Editing - You made a big boo-boo and forgot to hit the pause button so you end up with 15 seconds of “empty space” at the end of your video. I guess you’re thinking “Hey, well at least I know they watched all the way to the end 
”. Nope, we were actually thinking “Is it really over?” or better yet “What’s that about?”
You’re Smoking a Cigarette - You can’t be serious. Unless you’re trying to be really, really, funny – step-away-from-the-ashtray until you’re done recording. We can hear you puff, inhale and exhale and we have no doubt, that you must be smoking “something”
Your Audio Is Missing – What, are you kidding me?? You DO realize that you can add stock background music to your video for FREE don’t you? I understand that you think your message is so powerful that audio isn’t necessary. What YOU don’t understand is that 95% of us are checking to make sure we’re not missing anything, and we are WAY too distracted to watch the video! Just imagine this scenario, here’s what I do:
- Check that my speakers are connected properly
- Make sure the volume on my system is turned up
- Verify the audio slider on YouTube is all the way up
- Glance back at your video in disbelief, and at that moment I begin to realize…You just lost me
Take Your Videos to the Next Level
Even with the positive feedback I’ve received from my tutorials, by all means I recognize there’s plenty of room for improvement. That’s why I stay on the prowl, seeking advice and feedback in order to hone my craft. StayOnSearch and VitaminCM are two blogs I found recently that have some awesome resources and tutorials, but honestly, I’d love to hear what you have to say about video blogging.
Let me know if you’ve had some good (or bad) experiences when visiting video blogs.
Twitter: lavenderuses
says:
Good post Ileane. Too funny with some great practical advice. I haven’t ventured into podcasting or videos yet. Techie stuff and me don’t do too well lol thanks for sharing
Patricia Perth Australia
Patricia´s recent blog post ..Lavender Products-cheap but not so cheerful
Twitter: BasicBlogTips
says:
Hi Patricia, I’m glad this post gave you a chuckle. We all need a break from “heavy” blogging issues sometime. Thanks.
Ileane Smith´s recent blog post ..CommentLuv Video Tutorial Playlist on YouTube
Twitter: BlazingMinds
says:
Very nicely written post there Ileane, like Patricia I haven’t ventured into the realm of videos, but I can quite honestly say that your videos have always inspired me
Karen´s recent blog post ..Holy Moly! It’s The 1000 USD Blog Engage Blogger Contest
Twitter: BasicBlogTips
says:
Hey Karen, that’s why we have such a great blogging relationship. We inspire each other, give each other ideas, share resources, the whole nine yards. You’re a great blogging buddy to have! I look forward to our next collaboration.
Ileane Smith´s recent blog post ..GASP Another WordPress Plugin from Andy Bailey
Twitter: MrsMoodyGermany
says:
Hey Ileane!
Nice to read your post!
Well the post really matches with my blog’s niche LOL.
From my experience, my old videos quality were not good, but i am lazy to re-do it again. I instead try to make my coming videos better.
I have ever got a complain that my voice was monoton, my cursor moves so fast, etc.
I really appreciate those criticism to make my blog better.
Same with Karen above, your videos inspire me too.
Keep the good job up, i am with you!
Have a nice day/night
Kimi´s recent blog post ..WordPress Privacy Policy Plugin
Twitter: BasicBlogTips
says:
Kimi, I remember one of the first videos I created when someone left an awful comment. They said I spoke to slow, my voice was weak and that there was some distracting background noises. My feelings were hurt at first (notice I didn’t list any of these things in my post) LOL. But once I got over it, I realized they were absolutely right. The point is you can’t be “thin skinned” once you start doing videos. I mean sometimes people can be rude (especially on YouTube) but we need to get tough and learn from our mistakes so we can make steady progress over time.
I think you’re doing a great job and the next time you get complaint you can tell them this – At least I wasn’t driving while blogging! HA!
You have a good one too girl. Thanks for the feedback and talk to you soon.
Ileane Smith´s recent blog post ..FeedBurner Delicious Links and CommentLuv
Twitter: MrsMoodyGermany
says:
Ileane,
Thanks for the idea about what i can tell them next time i got complain LOL
I start to use YouTube not so long ago, this is why i haven’t got any complains yet, but in my blog i do.
I agree, if we are promoting ourselves, then we should accept the consequence, like a complain, infact this complains can build ourselves better.
Thanks for your nice words, Ileane!
Kimi´s recent blog post ..WordPress Privacy Policy Plugin
Ileane, I could relate to your first video blogging experience. When I first did it on my blog, I think there was a little bit of background noise there and people were wondering what that is They gave me some advice to make a clearer one next time. Although it was quite embarrassing, It was a good learning experience.
bryanps´s recent blog post ..The Only Web Hosting Review To Read Before Considering Hostgator
Twitter: BasicBlogTips
says:
Bryanps, as long as we keep getting better it’s really fun to go back and laugh at yourself, but back then it wasn’t so funny.
I’d like to check out your videos. Send a link on Twitter to @ileane Thank you for your comment.
Ileane Smith´s recent blog post ..Learn the Basics of Guest Blogging
Hey Ileane,
Sorry for the late reply. Will send you the link now.
bryanps´s recent blog post ..10 Blogging and Social Media Infographics For Businesses
Twitter: tristanhigbee
says:
Thanks for the tips, Ileane! Because of you I actually just uploaded a screencast to my second to last post! I was planning on doing it at some point, but your post got me thinking about it more and hastened the process
I love video blogging. I think that for bloggers it’s a very untapped way to get traffic (through YouTube searches). Plus some people don’t like to read much.
I do NOT like it, however, when there’s only a video and no transcription or anything. Sometime’s I don’t want to watch a video, and I can read a lot faster than I or anyone else speaks. Transcribing out the video is also great for your SEO purposes.
Tristan´s recent blog post ..Should Every Word in a Post Headline Be Capitalized Or just the first word
Twitter: BasicBlogTips
says:
Tristan, I saw the screencast and it’s great work. Your voice is clear and understandable, the instructions are easy to follow and best of all you’re not behind the wheel of a car!
Another great tip I picked up from Tia at BizChicksBlog, be sure to upload your videos to Viddler in addition to YouTube. I include your blog link in the description because the links on Viddler are DoFollow.
I predict a bright video blogging career for you and pretty soon you’ll be a star.
Ileane Smith´s recent blog post ..Your Blog Is Your Baby Treat It Like One
Twitter: CoachNotesBlog
says:
Hey Ileane! Beautiful focus and humorous to boot! I’m guilty … my first foray into creating a video was a walk-thru of a technical process. No audio. No music. I plan to remedy that at some point. I just watched one of your tutorials last night. Short, to the point, solved my problem. (Fixing up that BloggerLuv profile.) Thanks for sharing these tips!
Vernessa Taylor´s recent blog post ..Rocking Those Customer Referrals – Your Virtual Sales Team
Twitter: BasicBlogTips
says:
Vernessa, while audio quality is super important, don’t let the lack of an expensive studio mic stop you. I got my first USB, headphone-mic from Radio Shack for 20 bucks! It served it’s purpose long enough to get me used to the process. Early on I would right out my scripts – which kind of explains why I was speaking so slowly like I mentioned to Kimi in a previous comment.
Now that I’m using Screencast-o-matic Pro, I can pause the recording and edit out any stutters or computer glitches. The pro version removes the Screencast-o-matic watermark too. Screenr is a good alternative except there’s no pause button 
I think your videos will be the perfect addition to your Squidoo portfolio. Go for it girl!
Thanks for commenting and for bringing your positive energy.
Ileane Smith´s recent blog post ..Tweet Videos To Your Followers With Screenr
Twitter: sweetsfoods
says:
Hi Ileane,
So timely post when I learning about videos! Agree with you is better to not put a down in public and to suggest it in private. I can’t believe videos not edited…this isn’t good.
I take the opportunity for one question about audio on videos, I’ve seen great videos with tons of visits and the audio are commercial-songs, just some credits for them at end of the video.. Isn’t there a copyright issue?
Cheers,
Gera
Gera´s recent blog post ..Interviewed by Ileane of Basic Blog Tips!
Twitter: BasicBlogTips
says:
Gera, I’ve wondered the same thing myself but I don’t know where YouTube draws the line. It might have to do with how popular a video gets before it catches their attention. For example, I’m a huge jazz fan and I found a classic video featuring a live performance of John Coltrane playing “My Favorite Things”. I embedded the video in a blog post last year. One day out of the blue I saw a notice that the video had been removed and now I can’t find it on YouTube anywhere!! On a positive note, I did download it, so I can watch it on my computer whenever I need a Coltrane fix.
Ileane´s recent blog post ..Interview With Gera From SweetsFoods Blog
Twitter: AskKim
says:
Great post Ileane! I’m not sure however that I entirely agree with you about skipping publishing videos that have poor lighting. My Business Roadtrip Series videos are not so much designed to be watched as heard. Yes perhaps I need to rip the mp3 from them but as far as versatility they’ve gotten a ton of love for the honest, uncanned, off the cuff, and carry a disclaimer of as much. They were crazy fun to create (some folks think they were shot driving but frankly my car makes too much wind noise to shoot while driving although I’d have loved to) sitting at the gas stations on my drive breaks. They let me put my thoughts, on the fly, onto recording (and without the 5 minute limitation that my AudioBoo application has.)
Now, that said – those same terrible quality videos would never ever work for sales videos, technical training videos, or frankly anything less off the cuff, ballsy and edgy. There is a time and place for everything (and a time and place those same things need a bath before being presentable in public!)
Good pointers!
Kimberly
Kimberly Castleberry´s recent blog post ..Hot Facebook Tip- Invite All of Your Friends At One Time
Twitter: BasicBlogTips
says:
Hi Kim, thanks for sharing your experience. I’m glad you had fun making those vids and you got a good show of support from your readers. I’m thinking in terms of making a first impression – for example I was on a very popular SEO website the other day. I’m not really a fan of SEO but I recognize that the site has tons of good advice for bloggers who do focus on SEO so I respect that. I went to the about page and saw yet another “driving while blogging” video and “respect” went right out the door. LOL
Maybe I shouldn’t be so critical, but it’s something I personally would never do.
Thanks Kim and enjoy the rest of your weekend. Maybe I’ll hook up with you over on Facebook sometime soon girlfriend.
Ileane Smith´s recent blog post ..How to Run Your Blog Like a Business- 10 Tips
Twitter: fmsseo
says:
I think it became quite fashionable due to a few IM ‘gurus’ creating videos while they were driving from A to B and doing a soft-sell on their latest must have course (some good and some bad).
Great stuff as usual Ileane.
Karl Foxley´s recent blog post ..So You Want to be a Famous Blogger
Twitter: BasicBlogTips
says:
Karl, I was wondering who started that whole blogging while driving craze. I guess they want to send the message that they’re going places
I just pray no one ever crashes because they aren’t paying attention to the road. Thanks for shedding some light on the situation – you always do.
Ileane Smith´s recent blog post ..SEO – The Act of Mingling Two Opposite Worlds!
Twitter: justkissie
says:
Hey Ileane, I concur with the others. I knew before I logged onto the site to expecting nothing less than what’s posted.
I do have to say that I’m guilty of taking pictures while driving and now that you mention it, I probably should do more video recording … I’ve done that too. However, I don’t post my work (operative word). I took the pledge and will add this to the no-texting oath.
Okay, as far as apologizing for my latest crappy video, the recording was pretty good. What do you do when your editing job sucks? Don’t answer that. Going forward I will not post until it is post worthy. But do these rules apply to all videos or just the technical ones?
I hadn’t noticed video blogging enough to know which or how many were good or bad. But, I know oh so well about the ones who have the cigarettes dangling.
Good post, B!
Kissie´s recent blog post ..Beware The Devil’s Hug
Twitter: BasicBlogTips
says:
Hey Kissie, LOL, you always make me laugh. This advice (except the driving while blogging thing) relate more to techie videos.
I remember the video your cousin Rocky did with the cigarette hanging – that one was hilarious, maybe that’s the one I was thinking about. She was preforming a skit so she gets a pass.
Thanks for the comment Kissie. Talk to you soon on skype!
Ileane Smith´s recent blog post ..Reach a Wider Audience With Podcasting
Twitter: femininebravery
says:
loved this post! it was funny and easy to follow, good advice.
Charlie´s recent blog post ..Feminine bravery 1st edition
Twitter: BasicBlogTips
says:
Hi Charlie, Thank you.
Ileane Smith´s recent blog post ..How-to Tweet Your Blog Post from RSS
Twitter: dragonblogger
says:
To this day video blogging is still something I need to get more comfortable with, I can do screencasts without issue, but I don’t like recording myself on camcorder. Part of the problem is I don’t like the video quality of my JVC Everio camcorder and it takes me an hour to edit and publish a 5 minute recording which is a real time waster.
How about making sure that stuff hanging in your background is appropriate for your audience, nothing more embarrassing than a shoddy poster or image on some bloggers wall that they weren’t paying attention to and might not want to share.
Twitter: BasicBlogTips
says:
Justin, I thought your video post was great. I know what you mean about the background distractions. I’ve focused on the screencasting too and I’d like to make them more interactive and SEO friendly too. Thanks for your input.
Ileane Smith´s recent blog post ..How to Create an Interactive YouTube Video – Overview
Twitter: nandoism
says:
Girl, you rock my world! I should get you to thoroughly review my stuff before I post to make sure it’s ROCK STAR DIVA quality! I love it. great tips and yes please, stop the driving videos blogs–really?
nandoism´s recent blog post ..Date Night Challenge- Date 3- Liar Liar- Pants on Fire!
Twitter: BasicBlogTips
says:
Hi Nandoism, I will certainly take a look at your videos and give you some feedback but you have to promise to do the same for mine
Btw – do you have a free CommentLuv account yet? Let me know if you need help registering. Cheers!
Ileane Smith´s recent blog post ..Sesame Street and Willow Smith on Black Hair
Twitter: MacNutrition
says:
I don’t actually video blog yet, well, not publicly….. I have started making a library of them to release on my website …..but when watching blogs I find the occasional ‘driving blog’ interesting… Maybe it relates to your specific area but rather than seeing someone blog in the same chair, in the same office, over and over again, I quite like the change of scenery once in a while…
I intend to do 1 or 2 blogs whilst driving because I spend a lot of time there and do a lot of ‘thinking’ there… what exactly is it that is wrong with it?
Seems I wasn’t logged in last time…
I don’t actually video blog yet, well, not publicly….. I have started making a library of them to release on my website …..but when watching blogs I find the occasional ‘driving blog’ interesting… Maybe it relates to your specific area but rather than seeing someone blog in the same chair, in the same office, over and over again, I quite like the change of scenery once in a while…
I intend to do 1 or 2 blogs whilst driving because I spend a lot of time there and do a lot of ‘thinking’ there… what exactly is it that is wrong with it?
Mac-Nutrition´s recent blog post ..Glucosamine
Twitter: BasicBlogTips
says:
Hi Mac-Nutrition, it certainly is nice to see your lovely gravatar now instead of “shadow man”, plus now you’re getting all that DoFollow LinkLuv from your CommentLuv post! Whew, glad that’s taken care of. Now to your comment, since I focus on video tutorials, you might have a good point. I’m not a huge fan of watching what I call “talking head” videos, but I’m sure many people don’t mind them.
I have a friend that would walk around his college campus while he was blogging. The camera was shaking all over place and the volume was going up and down, I was getting tired just watching him, LOL
Thanks for sharing your point of view, if you do decide to drive and blog, please be careful
Ileane Smith´s recent blog post ..How-to Tweet Your Blog Post from RSS
Twitter: robertbravery
says:
Well I guess smoking a cigarette won’t apply to me, I don’t smoke.
But I most like would apologise.
Sound and editing, I think I got that in the bag with Adobe Premiere.
BTW, is this Video Blogging while driving serious. Who does that?
Robert Bravery´s recent blog post ..Cloud Computing- News and Reviews With Web2 and More
Twitter: BasicBlogTips
says:
Hi Robert,
I gave up smoking cigarettes back in 1980 but I still remember how hard it is to kick the habit (boy I just gave away my age, didn’t I?)
Since you asked here’s one example of blogging while driving that I mentioned in the post. There’s nothing against this blogger, I don’t even know him, it’s just that it was the first time I’d ever seen it done, so of course I bookmarked the video,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3O5tvPL-Bs
I actually like the topic and you might remember that after seeing this, eventually I ended up doing a screencast tutorial for the Wibiya Toolbar. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fr2JfUnajIA Somehow I feel much safer, when the camera isn’t moving.
As bloggers we get so used to multi-tasking that sometimes we go just a bit too far, don’t you think?
Ileane Smith´s recent blog post ..Amplify What You Find On The Web
People really do those things? Man…I’ve only done three vlogs so far and I do so many takes, it’s not funny. I haven’t worked out the software either but I still feel I do a credible job.
alisongolden´s recent blog post ..Mad As A Hatter
Twitter: BasicBlogTips
says:
Good for you alisongolden. It’s a good feeling to finally get your video content out there for the world to see. I’ll take a look at your vids asap!
Ileane Smith´s recent blog post ..FeedBurner Adds Real Time Stats From Twitter
Twitter: stevendean4
says:
Nice Lleane
I enjoyed this post very very much, From start to finish. This is the first post that I have read from you and wasn’t sure what to expect, but I think you got everything covered here in this one. I like the humor content that you laid out. Show’s nice character about you for sure. I give you a A+ for originality and execution. Look forward to checking out more of your work.
Twitter: BasicBlogTips
says:
Hi Steven, nice to meet you here. Thanks for giving me such good grades. Have you tried video blogging yet?
Ileane Smith´s recent blog post ..FeedBurner FeedFlare to Google Buzz- Branding and Stats
Twitter: stevendean4
says:
No Lleane, I haven’t yet. I tried a few just out of practice but I will eventually. Still a little new to the concept but not completely. But I will try and not make those mistakes. I have a decent camcorder, but I probably could get a better one but it should get the job done.