Vlogging your way to the top
MANILA, Philippines - I started my video blog, WhenInManila.com, a mere eight months ago, and within that short time frame, the site has grown to amass an audience of over 58,000 viewers per month! However, I’ve long been waiting for more video blogs to emerge from the Philippines.
Just recently, I was asked by Supreme editor Tim Yap about emerging young video bloggers we should look out for. My mind went blank as I really couldn’t think of any new vloggers from the Philippines. Of course everyone already knows the widely popular Christine Gambito of “Happy Slip” and the more recent “Lady Gagita and Heronce” who do their music video parodies. Both of them emerged from the shadows quickly and are now strong voices that the masses listen to. Unfortunately, there isn’t much more “new blood” out there in the online video blogging scene.
The Next Big Wave
The thing is, advertising experts, web gurus, marketing specialists and tech consultants have all predicted that videos on the web are the next big wave that’ll reshape the Internet landscape. You may think it already has with YouTube, but in actuality, there is still so much more to come.
You can see new campaigns from clothing brands like Diesel where their online videos act as a catalogue. Their video, which can be seen on the official Diesel website, automatically stops when your mouse cursor hovers over it. At the same time, it also reveals more details of the clothing being shown by their actors at that very moment.
Another new way to use videos online can be seen with Adidas as they integrate brand-new shoes with games on their site. You can use your shoe as a gun or some sort of other device on their site. This brings a more interactive utilization of your new footwear.
New Media Powerhouses
More than that, videos online simply give consumers another outlet to take in their media. It can complement the pictures you’ve taken and articles you’ve written. I mean, let’s face it, more people would rather watch a movie than read a book. So videos online are no doubt an easier and more attractive way to consume online media. Moreover, I’ve no doubt that there is a need in the marketplace for this.
What I’m trying to say is that there’s a gap in the marketplace that needs to be filled. You, Supreme reader, could be that next website with hundreds of thousands of followers. You could be that next video blog from the Philippines that can attract advertisers.
The top bloggers of today are media powerhouses of their own. They get paid to promote and advertise. These influential bloggers even get more viewers than some magazines do. Anton Diaz of OurAwesomePlanet.com, Hannah Villasis of FlairCandy.com, Jehzeel Laurente of Jehzlau-Concepts.com, Bryan Boy of BryanBoy.com and more, each gained global fame and even earned through their online media portals.
So let me give you some advice right now: there aren’t a lot of video blogs out there in the Philippines yet. Get started and your video blog could be that outlet you need to be the next Internet superstar.
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Vince Golangco is the editor in chief and creative director of WhenInManila.com. Vince is also a DJ on Mellow 94.7 and a TV show host. Connect with him on http://Facebook.com/djVinceG
