Becoming a recognized face is a common desire, but the dedication it requires is often overlooked. Many, including myself, have dreamt of instant fame without putting in the effort. That’s where vlogging comes in, or so it seems. It appears to be an easy path to recognition, especially among the younger crowd at the skatepark. This guide is for all the aspiring vloggers out there looking to score free gear and build a following, I’m about to spill the beans on some “hacks” to achieve skate vlog stardom.
Skateboard vlogging header image
Invest in Top-Tier Camera Gear
The first step to becoming a vlogging sensation is investing in quality equipment. This means shelling out for a well-reviewed mirrorless camera and microphone. It’s a crucial move because the vlogging community is quite exclusive and gear-obsessed. If your equipment doesn’t meet their standards, they are unlikely to offer any help or collaboration. Camera equipment is the main topic of conversation within this tight-knit group.
If you succeed, you might even get a brand ambassadorship with Sony or Nikon. This role would require you to produce numerous videos showcasing your setup, while emphasizing how the brand’s products are the best for everyday use, such as documenting your coffee shop visits or city explorations. If the brand is particularly impressed, they might invite you to exclusive retreats with other vloggers from different niches. These trips, while not reflecting real experiences, are likely to generate good content.
Skate vlogger focusing on camera gear
Minimize the Skateboarding
Surprisingly, your actual skateboarding should only constitute a small percentage, around 10-20%, of your skate vlogs. Just film a bit of your warm-ups and maybe a couple of bails for entertainment. Avoid filming complete tricks or long skate sessions. It is also crucial to ditch your old skate friends, especially if they tend to say, “Dude, can you please stop filming me?”
Instead of focusing on your skating, film yourself buying coffee, navigating bike lanes, striking up conversations with strangers, and showing off your studio, which you’ll need to pretend you can afford with your YouTube earnings.
Vlogger ignoring skateboarding
Speak to Your Viewers Like Children
Having distanced yourself from your old friends and associated with a more bland group, it’s time to eliminate profanity from your speech. The less you curse, the higher your chances are of getting noticed by brands like Braille Skateboarding, which can lead to wider YouTube fame.
If you find it difficult to avoid cursing, use an online tool, like an English-to-Ned Flanders translator. This will help you express your frustration in a more family-friendly manner.
Vlogger talking to a younger audience
Embrace Elevator Music
The goal is to keep the focus on you, not the background music. Therefore, you need to get familiar with forgettable music. Based on the success of other skate vloggers, royalty-free electronic music is the ideal choice. This type of music ensures that your content is not overshadowed by distracting sounds.
Vlogger listening to generic music
Shamelessly Seek Freebies
Once you have abandoned all shame, it’s time to start begging for free bikes, cameras, apparel, and anything else you can promote on your vlog. This may seem like the life of a sponsored skater, but be aware that it’s a lot more degrading.
Brands are unlikely to give away freebies to any vlogger, so you need to prove your numbers. You could try to buy YouTube subscribers, comment “sub for sub” on every video you watch, and ask every family member you have to subscribe to your channel. Once you hit the 5k subs mark, you’re ready to approach that ethically-sourced hard kombucha company.
Vlogger accepting free gear
Plan “Unique” Content
Creating daily or semi-daily episodes can be challenging. Some people might even tell you to quit because it’s pointless. But you should ignore the haters and take inspiration from popular vlog ideas:
- Ride around the city on your new electric skateboard or bike.
- Climb a tall building or bridge.
- Take trick requests, but only film the easy ones.
- Explore an abandoned building while acting scared.
Vlogger filming a generic scene
Sell Cheap Merch
To help pay your bills, consider creating T-shirts with a catchphrase that you say often. Some generic options could be “Skate. Coffee. Vlog.” or “Don’t skate me because you ain’t me.” For something with a bit more edge, you might try “Your girl subscribed to my channel last night.”
If everything works out, Zumiez might start buying your shirts in bulk, pushing you into the higher ranks of vlogging. You’ll also be contributing to the overabundance of clothing and content the world already has.
See you at 100k subscribers, baby!
Vlogger promoting merchandise
Words by: Larry Lanza
Illustrations by: Daniel Dyemond
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