Chapter 12: The Evolution of Vlogging

Vlogging is a blend of video and blogging, has undergone significant evolution from 2016 to the present, becoming a memorable part of my childhood growing up. Vlogging was already gaining momentum before 2016, but the past decade has witnessed an explosion in its popularity, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer behaviors, and the rise of new platforms.

In 2016, vlogging was primarily dominated by platforms like YouTube, where creators would share their daily lives, hobbies, and interests. The content was often raw and unfiltered, offering viewers a glimpse into the vlogger's world. This originality is key to building strong, loyal followers around individual creators.

Back in the day I used to be obsessed with YouTube and would constantly be rewatching videos or seeking new ones from my favorite creators. Some of my favorite vloggers included David Dobrik, Jake Paul, Logan Paul, and on occasion, Casey Neistat. I know what you're thinking and yes, it's true. I was one of the "Jake Paulers" and a "Logangster." They had me hooked on the everyday content they would produce, and it made me feel left out if I missed a video. I feel that around this time many influencers provided a big turning point in the YouTube industry as they began to gain millions of followers, brands began to recognize the value of influencer marketing, and collaboration between vloggers and companies became more popular.

By 2018, vlogging had diversified beyond YouTube, expanding onto other platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Twitch, and Facebook Live. Live streaming offered a more interactive and real experience, allowing creators to engage with their audience in real-time. TikTok and Instagram Reels also changed the game by allowing creators to post shorter and more high-quality updates of their lives.

In current times, vlogging continues to thrive, but creators now have to juggle multiple platforms, each with its unique audience and content requirements. Despite these changes, the core appeal of vlogging remains the same: the ability to connect with an audience through real relatable content. As technology continues to evolve and new platforms emerge, vlogging with undoubtedly continue to adapt, offering endless possibilities for the relationships between content creators and brands.