When I want to make money online, two of the most popular options are blogging and vlogging. Both of these creative outlets let me share ideas, information, and stories with a large audience. They also offer real opportunities to earn income. But each one comes with its own unique workflow, startup requirements, and earning potential. If you’re thinking about getting started, it’s helpful to understand the main differences between these two paths before choosing how to move forward.
Blogging is mostly about writing and publishing articles on websites. I get to use my words to educate, entertain, or inform. Vlogging focuses on video content, usually hosted on platforms like YouTube, with a strong visual and storytelling element. Both can grow into full-time online businesses if approached with consistency and a good monetization plan. I’ll break down the differences to help you decide if blogging or vlogging is the best way for you to make money online.
Table of Contents
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Understanding Blogging and Vlogging
What is Blogging?
Blogging is a digital form of writing where I regularly publish articles on topics I care about. I can host my own blog or use web platforms like WordPress and Medium. With blog posts, I get to share expertise, personal stories, reviews, recipes, and just about anything my readers might find interesting. Blogging lets me build trust through written content, and over time, I can attract regular readers who value my insights.
Who Should Consider Blogging?
- Writers and storytellers who express best through the written word
- People who enjoy research and longform explanations
- Anyone interested in SEO and driving traffic from search engines
- Those who want more control over their website layout and content organization
Blogging Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Lower startup costs (just web hosting and a domain)
- Easy to scale and update older content
- More control over monetization choices (ads, affiliate links, sponsored posts, digital products)
Cons:
- Can take months to start earning steady traffic and income
- Writing, editing, and SEO require patience and learning
- Tough competition in many popular niches
What is Vlogging?
Vlogging, or video blogging, is all about recording and sharing videos. My vlogs can cover daily routines, travel stories, how-to guides, entertainment, or product reviews. YouTube is the most popular platform for vlogging, but there are others like TikTok and Vimeo. Vlogging lets me show my personality and communicate with viewers on a more visual and emotional level. Building a successful vlog often depends on creating engaging videos and connecting with an audience through visuals and storytelling.
Who Should Consider Vlogging?
- People who communicate confidently on camera
- Those comfortable with basic video editing and production
- Anyone who wants to build a visual brand
- Creative types who enjoy trying different content formats and trends
Vlogging Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Often builds a loyal audience faster due to visual appeal
- Great for sharing howto guides, product demos, or entertainment
- Multiple income streams (adsense, sponsorships, merch, crowdfunding)
Cons:
- Higher startup costs (camera, microphone, editing tools)
- Editing and producing quality videos can be time consuming
- Subject to algorithms and platform rules on sites like YouTube
Key Comparisons: Blogging vs Vlogging
1. Startup Costs and Tools
Why It Matters: If I’m on a tight budget, understanding what I need to get started helps me plan smart.
Blogging: I can get started for a low monthly cost, just hosting, a domain, and maybe a decent template. Most other tools for writing and publishing are free or inexpensive.
Vlogging: Good video quality means I’ll probably invest in a decent camera or smartphone, microphone, and video editing software. Depending on the setup, that can get expensive quickly.
Recommendation: Blogging is less expensive for beginners.
2. Content Creation Process
Why It Matters: How I work best matters. Some people love writing, while others are happier on camera.
Blogging: Content is mostly written, but I can include images and infographics. I need to spend time planning, writing, editing, and optimizing posts.
Vlogging: Most of my time goes into planning, filming, editing, and publishing videos. Filming in different locations and adding graphics can increase the production work.
Recommendation: Go with the format that matches your skills and personality.
3. Monetization Options
Why It Matters: Making money is often the main goal, so I want to know how each method pays off.
Blogging: Top blog income streams include affiliate marketing, display ads, selling ebooks or online courses, and sponsored posts. With careful planning, many bloggers earn steady, passive income from evergreen content.
Vlogging: Ad revenue through YouTube, brand sponsorships, product placements, and selling merchandise are popular. Some vloggers use platforms like Patreon for fan support.
Recommendation: Both ways have strong earning potential, but income from vlogging is more tied to audience engagement and platform rules.
4. Audience Growth and Engagement
Why It Matters: The way I attract and keep followers depends on my content style.
Blogging: Blogs rely on search engine optimization and sharing on social media. Growth can be slow, but a wellranked blog post can continue earning for years.
Vlogging: Platforms like YouTube use algorithms to recommend videos. Viral videos can spark quick growth, but trends change fast. Engagement comes from likes, comments, and direct interaction.
Recommendation: Vlogging offers faster audience interaction, but blogging gives me a more stable traffic flow with good SEO.
5. Longterm Stability
Why It Matters: Different approaches affect how steady my income is over time.
Blogging: Once my posts rank in search engines, they can bring in a steady stream of readers and earnings. Content updates help keep a blog profitable for years.
Vlogging: Video content can also earn for years, but depends heavily on staying active on the platform and keeping up with video trends.
Recommendation: Blogging tends to be more predictable in the long run; both need regular updates to stay relevant.
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What Other Creators Say
- Bloggers: Many bloggers say they appreciate the freedom to work at their own pace, the ability to work behind the scenes, and the ongoing income from older posts.
- Vloggers: Popular vloggers often mention the excitement of community interaction and instant feedback, but some find it stressful to keep producing new videos every week.
General Reputation: I’ve found that both blogging and vlogging offer plenty of success stories. My choice depends on my strengths and what makes me enjoy the work.
Which Should You Choose?
Both blogging and vlogging are real ways to make money online, and each has its own path to success. Picking the right one depends on your style of communication and what you find enjoyable.
- Pick blogging if you:
- Prefer writing and want more control over your platform
- Like building a business that’s less tied to social media trends
- Want a lower cost way to start
- Try vlogging if you:
- Love making videos and interacting with an audience
- Can invest time and money in video production
- Prefer the excitement of rapid growth and community feedback
Get the Training You Need to Succeed
Whether you’re leaning toward blogging, vlogging, or a mix of both, one thing’s for sure, solid training can make the journey smoother (and a whole lot more profitable).
Wealthy Affiliate is the platform I personally recommend for learning how to build an online business from scratch. You’ll find step-by-step courses, expert support, and an active community of creators just like you.
Here’s what you can explore inside Wealthy Affiliate:
Blogging Training: Learn everything from keyword research to writing high-converting content and ranking your posts on Google.
Vlogging & Video Marketing Classes: Master YouTube creation, video SEO, and growing a channel that attracts engaged subscribers.
Affiliate Marketing Strategies: Discover how to monetize your content effectively, no matter which platform you choose.
Live Weekly Classes & Replays: Stay ahead of trends with in-depth video training and tutorials covering blogging, vlogging, and everything in between.
If you’re serious about turning your content into an income stream, I highly recommend checking it out.
👉 Click here to start your free Wealthy Affiliate account and explore the training
You don’t have to pick blogging or vlogging alone…. learn BOTH, test what you enjoy, and build a business that fits your style.
Conclusion
If you enjoy writing and want a long-lasting online presence, blogging is a solid choice. If you love performing and creating visual content, vlogging gives you a chance to grow an engaged, loyal audience.
Both take patience, creativity, and regular effort. I recommend picking the one that matches your interests and trying it for a few months to see what you enjoy most. Over time, some people even blend blogging and vlogging to reach wider audiences and enjoy the best of both worlds, so don't hesitate to test what feels right for your goals.
Ultimately, the best path is the one you genuinely enjoy and can stick with consistently.
Elizabeth teaches people how to make money online through affiliate marketing. Her tips and strategies help readers earn a Full-Time Income from home. She shares easy steps for success on her blog. Follow her to start your journey!
