100 Best Software Apps And Resources For Video Blogging Success

If you’re looking for new ways to use that video camera you got last Christmas or just want to spice up your blog a little, consider starting up a video blog. Video blogging, or vlogging as it’s sometimes called, is the next step in getting what you have to say out there for everyone to see. It isn’t for the shy however, as you’ll no longer be able to hide behind all that text, and the whole world will know just what you look and sound like. Think you’re ready to get started or to improve your video blog? Here are 100 tools and resources to get you on the road to video blogging success.

Articles and How-tos

Get some advice from the pros on how to choose equipment, shoot video, and create great video blogs in these articles and how-tos.

1. What is Vlogging and How to Get Started: In this guide from O’Reilly you’ll find everything you need to get started creating a video blog. From instructions on creating, syndicating and posting videos, it’s a great place to find out all about the basics.
2. 8 Ways to Shoot Video Like a Pro: If you’re going to create videos to put on the Web you should try to make them look as good as possible. These 8 simple tips from Lifehacker can help you to create better home videos.
3. MetaCafe’s Production School: Take your video production to another level with this series of instructional videos from MetaCafe. Learn about shooting, lighting, sound and more.
4. CamCorder Info: You can’t very well make a video blog without a video camera of some sort and you can learn all about cameras by brand and format and get reviews and advice from the message board.
5. How to Make YouTube Videos Look Great: If you’re using YouTube to share your videos you’ll want to make sure you’re losing as little quality as possible when you upload them. This article can help you with several things to improve the quality of your videos.
6. Make Internet TV: Learn how to make videos fit for the world to see with this great site full of instructional videos. Check out chapters on equipment, editing and promotion.
7. Tips for Shooting Better Online Video: Learn step-by-step what you need to do to make your online videos better than ever with these tips from the Online Journalism Review. Get advice on equipment, editing software, and more.
8. Video Blogging Lessons from 3 Masters: Who better to learn about video blogging from than those who have been successful with it? This article focuses on three people who’ve made video blogging work for them and gives their advice on what makes them successful.
9. 8 Tips for Better Video Blog Testimonials: Depending on what type of video blog you have, you may from time to time have to interview people on camera. Learn how to make them feel at ease and get the best interviews possible using these tips.
10. 7 Little Tips that Make a Big Difference in Video Blogging: This article provides some basics to remember when shooting your videos to make sure they’re easier for you to create and easier for your viewers to watch.
11. 5 Ways to Create a Great Video Podcast: Whether you’re creating a video podcast or a video blog these tips from Datamation can help you make the most of your experience.
12. Video Blogging for Beginners: Learn the basics of video blogging in this informative post from LifeHacker.
13. How to Embed a YouTube Video on Your Blog: You can use YouTube to host your videos and stick them right into your blog. Learn how with this article from About.com

Free Video Editing Software

Why pay for expensive video editing software when you can get loads of features and great quality from free software? Here are a few programs to get you started.

14. Avedit: This small program is great for editing AVI files and you’ll not only get the basics for cut and paste editing but fancier features like video warping, color restore, and noise reduction.
15. Zwei-Stein: Enjoy the benefits of this freeware program to edit your online videos. Zwei-Stein offers features you won’t find in most other free video editing programs as well as the ability to edit up to 256 video, audio and still image clips, each with up to 64 effects chained at once.
16. FFMpeg: FFMpeg isn’t one program but a collection of free software, developed for Linux but that will work with Windows, that you can use to record, stream and edit digital video and sound.
17. Avid Free DV: This software for both Windows and Mac platforms is pretty basic, but will let you edit both audio and video and apply effects.
18. Jahshaka:This open source editing program is the first of its kind. Using OpenGL and OpenML it allows users to edit, apply effects, and create composites. It’s still under development and will become even more full-featured in the future.
19. WAX: This editing software was designed to be easy-to-use and good for general purpose editing. Users will find features to create 2D and 3D effects, and the program can work as a plug-in for other more expensive software like Sony Vega and Adobe Premiere.
20. Virtual Dub: Another open source application, this streamlined editor is great for video capture and processing and works well with both AVIs and MPEGs.
21. Avidemux: For those looking for a basic editing program that won’t cost you an arm and a leg this could be a good solution. It provides basic cutting, editing, and encoding for including AVI, DVD compatible MPEG files, MP4 and more.
22. Chopper XP: Filming your blogs on a DVD recording camera? This program will allow you to extract any part of your DVD easily so you can edit out the parts of your video you didn’t like.
23. SolveigMM AVI Trimmer: Cut and edit AVI files with little to no loss with this lightweight program. It’s great for preparing short commercials and getting videos ready to post on YouTube.
24. Virtual Edit: This semi-professional software can work well for both the expert and novice video editor. Edit your video by adding effects, titling and music.

Online Tools for Editing, Mixing and Fun

If you’re going to be putting your video online anyway, why not edit it there as well. Here are some tools that are great for everything from creating serious videos to fun and carefree mashups.

25. Zen Mix: Create simple overlays for videos using pictures from your own archives or online using Zen Mix. Slightly eccentric but a lot of fun, Zen Mix can add a bit of pizzazz to your video blogs.
26. Eyespot: Eyespot is a great place to create transitions, add effects and put together videos using your own footage or that from the Eyespot archives. When you’re done, you can upload it to the site and share it with other users.
27. MuveeMix: MuveeMix gives you an easy way to edit your videos online. Add music and effects to your uploaded videos, then move them to your blog on MySpace, Blogger, TypePad and others.
28. MotionBox: This online program allows users to upload videos which can be cut and put together easily with the online software, even giving you the ability to create flipbooks. Sign up for membership to the site and enjoy even more features.
29. Cuts: Cuts allows users to add sound effects, loops, captions to videos or create what the site refers to as RiffTrax.
30. Jaycut: This site has a quick, step-by-step editing guide to turn your uploaded video into a complete mix.
31. JumpCut: This online site makes it easy to upload and edit your videos. Users will gain access to free key frame editing, effects and the ability to upload photos from Flickr and Facebook.
32. Vmix: Vmix is more than just a place where you can edit your videos, it also provides a community to share your videos and hosting for your files. While you could use it for a variety of videos, it’s geared towards those wanting to create remixes and add music to videos.
33. MovieMasher: This Flash-based video editor is a must for those looking for online video editing. Navigate through your video, trim, transition, add audio and more.
34. One True Media: You can use this site to splice, add transitions, background music, text frames and more to your videos and the program supports a wide variety of file types.
35. StashSpace: This site is a great place to store, edit and organize your videos online. Cut videos down to the best parts, put them together, and keep them online for use in your blog or share with others.
36. BubblePly: This fun tool allows users to edit their videos by adding text bubbles and annotations directly.
37. Veotag: Make your video blogs more interesting by using Veotag. This program allows you to add clickable text to your videos allowing you to link to ads, information or even back to your own blog.
38. MixerCast: This site gives you the opportunity to mix your video with that of other users, as well as music. As a bonus, you’ll get the ability to share and track your videos across the web.

Blogs

Other bloggers can be a great resource for discovering the ins and outs of the world of video blogging. These blogs provide helpful insights, how-tos and news on everything vlog related.

39. From the Desk of Mike Stewart: Find loads of information on video blogging and podcasting on this blog by Mike Stewart, a professional in multimedia production.
40. Freevlog: Not sure where to get started when it comes to blogging? This site will tell you everything you need to know and help you get started with step-by-step guides.
41. VlogBlog: Get the latest in video blogging news, technology and ideas with this blog. Posts fall into helpful categories like Tools for Vloggers and Video Sharing Sites helping you learn and keep up with what’s going on in the vlogging world.
42. BloggingTips: While this isn’t an exclusive video blogging site, it does contain numerous posts related to the issue which can be a big help when trying to learn the basics or improve your technique.
43. VlogLab: Here you’ll find news, reviews and how-tos on creating great and successful video blogs.
44. 25 Hour Day: This blog by Bruce Sharpe covers topics relating to audio engineering, video production, DVD authoring, and podcasting bringing you the latest news and his views on the topics.
45. IzzyVideo: On this site you’ll find literally hundreds of instructional videos on how to shoot online video. Example videos include “What to Wear and What Not to Wear” and “Voiceovers”.
46. Vlog Razor: This site isn’t a blog in and of itself, but is an aggregator which gathers the best news and information on vlogging from other blogs all over the Internet and locates it in one easy to read place.

Video Sharing Sites

Why keep your videos to yourself after you’ve done so much work to make them look good? Use these sites to share your videos with others or as places to post videos you can link to from your blog.

47. Brightcove: Brightcove allows users to build an launch their own Internet TV channel, interact with others, monetize content and more.
48. DailyMotion: Search through loads of videos or upload your own on DailyMotion. You can also group your videos in with those that share similar interests or topics.
49. Google Video: With Google’s purchase of YouTube, Google’s own site has fallen by the wayside but you can still upload your own videos much in the same manner as before and easily link them up with your blog.
50. LiveVideo: Create your own channel on this site and fill it with all your great vlogging content which you can then share with anyone, anywhere.
51. MetaCafe: MetaCafe helps weed out the truly bad stuff from the world of Internet video with a community that rates and filters videos daily. Get yours reviewed and who knows you might even make the cut.
52. MySpace TV: If you’re already blogging on MySpace, this can be a way to easily integrate your videos with your existing content. Simply upload them and you can share with others and have them linked on your site.
53. Revver: This site can be a great way to make a little extra cash off of your video blogs or other videos by adding advertising content. Users will also be able to easily upload and share any videos they wish.
54. Veoh: Videos on Veoh are generally a little longer in format and often play as TV shows. If this fits your blogging format then it can be a great place to share you videos.
55. Viddler: Viddler makes it easy to integrate your videos with Flickr and Twitter, as well as providing the standard video sharing features.
56. Vimeo: If you’re worried about privacy (probably not a concern if you’re running a video blog, but nonetheless) you can use Vimeo to only share videos with those you want to see them as well as network with other users.
57. Vlip: Vlip focuses on a slightly different element of sharing videos. Post your videos and allow users to respond to them or create your own video responses to other users. It can be a great place to discuss issues and debate over the Internet.
58. Yahoo Video: Yahoo! Video allows users to search existing videos or upload their own. Create your own channel for repeat posting.
59. YouTube: By far the most popular of the video sharing sites, YouTube is one of the best places to get you and your videos seen. Upload your files, embed them in your blog, and search for other user’s videos as well.
60. ClipShack: This community oriented site will allow you to share your vlogs, save your favorites, make new friends and even link up your videos with GoogleMaps.
61. Ourmedia: Start up your own video channel with Ourmedia, share it with anyone, and even use the site to upload your footage to multiple sites.
62. Blip.tv: This site is still in the beta stages, but nonetheless allows users to create their own online shows. Easily upload your videos send them to your feed for users to see and even add ads to make some money.
63. Livevideo: Livevideo is another online site that allows users to create personal channels for sharing videos. Viewers will be able to subscribe to your channel as well as leave you comments and votes.
64. Kewego: This basic video sharing network allows users to upload their own videos and search and comment on other’s videos.
65. Crackle: This video sharing site focuses on videos for music, film shorts, comedy, and other entertainment type videos. If that sounds right up your blogging alley, you’ll find the ability to create your own channels and easily upload and share your videos.

Video Organization

Help keep your videos in order and easier for both you and your viewers to see with these online tools.

66. Aggrega: Upload your videos to Aggrega and create your own video channel. Unlike many other sites of this nature, you’ll also be able to take your video channel with you and add it to your blog or any other website.
67. Feedbeat: This site will allow you to create playlists of your videos even if they’re from different sites all over the web. It’s fully customizable, allowing you to create multiple channels, and have them displayed how you’d like.
68. Ajaxilicious: While this program is still in the beta version, you can still use it to help you gather your videos in one spot. Keep your videos organized and share them with others through an RSS feed, making vlogging easier than ever.
69. Cliproller: Create your own custom “cliproll” with this site, allowing you to organize your videos into one central channel where you can direct users or store your videos.
70. Cozmo TV: Bring together your videos from all over the Web with Cosmo TV. Here you can create your own “TV” channel filled with your own content.
71. uVouch: This is one of the most unique video sharing and organization sites on the Web. Add video to your uVouch account on the fly with helpful browser buttons and even bookmarking for your videos or new favorites though Del.icio.us.
72. PikSpot: PikSpot allows you organize your videos by grouping them under a particular category. Users can then find them by searching for that category or by looking for you or your blog’s name.
73. FeedBeat: Compile your vlog posts with this tool to create your own channel. Add videos from YouTube or by putting in your blog URL. Or, if you want to go another route you can pull your videos together on FeedBeat and then embed them in your webpage or blog.

Video Converters

Chances are that if you’re doing a lot of video uploading at some point you’ll need to convert file types. These online tools make it easy to convert all kinds of files.

74. Zamzar: This all-in-one conversion tool can be used to convert your online videos into a number of other video formats. The completed files are then sent directly to your inbox.
75. All2Convert: Use this speedy program to convert files from YouTube to a number of other file formats. You can also upload FLV files from your PC to be converted as well.
76. Movavi: Simply upload your videos and convert them with this easy-to-use program. When they’re done you’ll receive an email notification to download them.
77. HeyWatch!: Need to convert your videos to carry on a portable device like the iPod? No problem, just use this simple online converter.
78. Vixy: This simple program allows you to convert Flash and YouTube videos into other popular formats like AVI, MP3, and many more so you can more easily edit and use them.
79. Media Converter: While not the fastest of the online converters, this program can still give some great conversation results. Convert your own videos or those you find online at YouTube.
80. Flvix: This online program can convert files from YouTube, GoogleVideo, or directly from your own FLV file into a wide variety of other formats including MP3, MP4, and AVI.
81. TubeFish: Instantly convert your videos from their original format to MPEG, AVI, MOV, 3GP and DivX files with this online program.

Video Hosting

Video files can be large and unless you have a large amount of personal online storage you’ll likely need a place to keep them online. Here are a few places to try.

82. TinyPic: Easily upload, share, and store your videos and images on this site. You can also easily link them to MySpace, eBay, or most conveniently your own blog.
83. Vidilife: This site has no limit to the amount of files you can upload, so go ahead and use it to store all your videos in one convenient place.
84. Mydeo: Mydeo makes it easy to share and store all of your videos online. Upload and store videos, email them to others, and embed them in your blog.
85. Rupid: This free site allows users to upload and store as many videos as they would like. Use it to store or backup your videos.
86. DropShots: Quickly upload and store videos on this free video hosting site. Additionally, it’s completely private and you can even embed the files directly into your blog.
87. ZippyVideos: For smaller video sizes, Zippy Videos can be a good choice. Uploading and storing is free, but there is a 20 MB limit on the file size.
88. Supload: Supload is another site that works best for small videos and clips, with a maximum file size of 20 MB.
89. Pixilive: For your tiniest files, Pixilive can be a good choice for free file hosting. Simply upload your 10MB or smaller file to the site and easily share it in MySpace, Facebook or on your blog.
90. YourFileHost: This free hosting service gives you the storage for any video files you might need, provided they remain under 25 MB, and gives you easy to use links so you can embed the files in your blog.

Miscellaneous

Here are few additional tools to help you make video blogging easier and more productive.

91. PureVideo: Search for videos on the biggest sharing sites with this search engine. Check to see if your videos come up!
92. Vloggercon: Want to meet your fellow vloggers? Sign up for next year’s Vloggercon and you can do just that as well as learn about the latest and greatest technology in video blogging.
93. Revlayer: Make some money off of your video blogs with the ads from Revlayer. Small ads are displayed over your content advertising other merchants products or even your own.
94. ScanScout: Add unobtrusive ads to your vlogs and make a few bucks in the process with ScanScout. The program scans your content and displays ads that are related.
95. Revver Plugin: Make posting money making videos to your WordPress blog easier than ever with this plug-in. It allows you to combine the great services of the video sharing site Revver with the blogging powerhouse of WordPress.
96. HeySpread: Make uploading your videos to multiple networks and sharing sites easy and painless with HeySpread. Upload your videos to YouTube, MySpace, MetaCafe, GoogleVideos and more all at once!
97. TubeMogul: TubeMogul makes it simple to upload your videos to the big video sharing sites all at once. You’ll also benefit from powerful analytic software that tells you who is viewing your videos and how they’re viewing them.
98. BlogCheese: BlogCheese makes it easy to create and share a video blog. All you need is a webcam and a free account from the site to get your videos up on the web and out there where viewers can see them.
99. Jabbits: Originally designed as intuitive Q & A software, Jabbits can now allow you to add permanent video capabilities to your website or blog. Of course, the service doesn’t come without a fee, so whether or not you need it will be up to you.
100. WordPress: Don’t have a blog to add videos too? WordPress is great for standard blogging but can work just as well for video bloggers. Best of all, the basic version is totally free to use.

Tags: Video