10 Things to Know Before You Start Vlogging in 2025

Vlogging is more than just pointing a camera at your face and talking. In 2025, it’s a full-blown career path—and for some, a business (sa facebook, lahat vlogger na!). But with more creators entering the space, standing out takes more than good lighting and a trending topic.

Whether you're vlogging for YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, or your personal brand, here are 10 essential things to know before you dive in.

1. Your Niche Matters More Than Ever

Gone are the days when you could vlog about everything. In 2025, the algorithm (and your audience) wants clarity.

Pick a niche that balances three things:

• Something you genuinely enjoy

• Something people are already searching for

• Something you can consistently talk about

Examples:

• Daily life as a freelancer

• Budget travel in the Philippines

• Fitness tips for busy moms

• Tech reviews for beginners

The more focused your content, the faster you grow.

2. Your Phone Is Good Enough—to Start

You don’t need a fancy camera to begin. Most smartphones today shoot in 1080p or 4K, with built-in stabilization and great audio.

Focus on:

• Clean audio (use an external mic if possible)

• Natural lighting (record near windows or use a ring light)

• Framing and background (keep it tidy and clear)

Upgrade your gear only when your content and skills grow.

3. Editing Takes Time—And Skill

Editing is where raw clips become watchable stories. Whether you’re on a laptop or phone, you’ll need to learn the basics of:

• Cutting dead air

• Adding text or subtitles

• Background music and sound effects

• Color correction

• Transitions and pacing

Start with beginner-friendly tools like:

• CapCut (mobile/desktop, free)

• VN Editor

• iMovie or DaVinci Resolve (desktop)

If you can, develop your own editing style. It’s part of your brand.

4. Vlogging Consistently Is Harder Than It Looks

A 10-minute vlog can take hours of filming, editing, uploading, and promoting. If you're juggling a job or school, it’s easy to burn out.

Tips:

• Start with one video per week

• Batch shoot content ahead of time

• Don’t aim for perfection—just be consistent

You don’t need to post daily. You need to show up regularly.

5. You’re Not Just a Vlogger—You’re a Storyteller

Even if you're sharing your “day in the life,” your vlog needs structure. People won’t stick around unless you give them a reason.

Use this simple formula:

• Hook: Grab attention in the first 5 seconds

• Build-up: Give context or backstory

• Climax: Show the main event (the trip, the struggle, the result)

• Wrap-up: Final thoughts, lesson learned, or a teaser for the next vlog

Good storytelling = more watch time = better algorithm boost.

6. Watch Time Is More Important Than Views

In 2025, algorithms (especially on YouTube) care about retention—how long people actually watch your content.

• A 3-minute vlog with 90% watch time beats a 10-minute vlog with 20%

• Short-form content (YouTube Shorts, TikToks) can grow your audience, but long-form builds deeper connections

Analyze your retention stats and learn where people drop off. Then tweak your content accordingly.

7. Your Personality Is the Brand

You don’t need to be loud or funny. You just need to be real.

People subscribe to you—your perspective, your energy, your vibe. That’s what makes vlogging different from traditional media.

Be yourself, but also:

• Show emotion (enthusiasm, frustration, humor)

• Speak clearly and confidently

• Share small personal details to build connection

Authenticity beats acting every time.

8. Monetization Takes Time (and Strategy)

Vlogging can be profitable—but not instantly. Don’t expect to earn right away unless you already have a following.

Common income streams:

• Ad revenue (YouTube Partner Program)

• Brand sponsorships

• Affiliate marketing (Shopee, Lazada, Amazon, etc.)

• Merch or digital products

Requirements to monetize on YouTube (as of 2025):

• 500 subscribers

• 3 public videos in the last 90 days

• 3,000 watch hours in the past year or 3M Shorts views in 90 days

Wala pang ads sa mga video mo nito, you'll be unlocking membership, super star and shopping.
If you really want to have ads on every video you have, you should reach the 1,000 subscriber and 4,000 watch hour.

While waiting, focus on growing your audience and building trust.

9. Copyright Issues Are Real

Don’t use random music or clips from the internet without permission. Platforms now automatically detect copyright violations, and your content can be:

• Muted

• Demonetized

• Taken down

• Your account could even get flagged or banned

Use royalty-free music from:

• YouTube Audio Library

• Epidemic Sound

• Artlist

• InShot / CapCut music options

If you film in public, avoid showing faces without consent unless it's a public event or area.

10. Growth Takes Time—Don’t Chase Virality

Everyone wants to go viral, but chasing trends won’t build a lasting audience. Instead:

• Build around your niche and voice

• Engage with your viewers in comments

• Improve 1% every video—better storytelling, editing, or delivery

• Use SEO-friendly titles, thumbnails, and descriptions

Focus on value, not views. That’s how long-term creators win.

Final Thoughts

Vlogging in 2025 is full of opportunity—but like any business, it requires effort, patience, and strategy. You don’t need perfect gear or a big budget. You need a voice, a message, and the discipline to keep going even when growth feels slow.

Start small. Stay consistent. And remember—everyone started with zero subscribers.

Thinking of launching your vlog this year? Follow The Hustlers PH for more no-fluff guides, gear reviews, and creator tips made for Filipino hustlers just like you.