Motorcycle vlogging is an exhilarating way to share your adventures on the road with the world. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting out, capturing your experiences through video can be a thrilling and rewarding endeavour. In this blog post, we’ll explore ten essential tips to help you create engaging and high-quality motorcycle vlogs that will captivate your audience.

1. Invest in quality equipment:
   To ensure your vlogs stand out, invest in a high-quality camera and microphone. Opt for a camera that can capture clear footage even in challenging conditions, and a microphone that can capture your voice effectively while riding at high speeds.
   
   My kit: I use a GoPro Hero 10 and 11 and a Purple Panda Lavalier Microphone Kit. I also use my iPhone to capture extra footage to use in my social media posts.
   
2. Plan your routes and stops:
   Before hitting the road, plan your routes and stops in advance. This will help you have a smooth and efficient trip, and allow you to capture the most interesting and scenic moments along the way.
   
   My approach: Vlogging around an event always give you a timetable to work with and a clear subject matter to cover. Google Maps is your friend when it comes to planning routes, but there are a number of route planning apps out there too.
   
3. Use stabilising devices for fixed shots:
   To capture steady and professional-looking footage, use a tripod or other stabilising device for fixed shots. This will minimise shaking and ensure smooth visuals.
   
   My kit: I have a small tripod for my GoPro that fits in my tank bag or rucksack. I use this for those shots where I want to capture my bike riding by (e.g. from the ground level). I also use a DJI Mini 3 drone to record fixed shots from a higher angle.
   
4. Consider helmet-mounted or chest-mounted cameras:
   For a more immersive perspective, consider using a helmet-mounted or chest-mounted camera. This will allow your viewers to experience the ride from your point of view, providing a unique and engaging vlogging experience.
   
   My kit: I have tried many chin mounts to mount my GoPro, some better than others but I now use a Dango Design chin mount. These are flexible and allow you to clamp your camera in various locations on your bike not just your helmet.
   
5. Take breaks and vary your filming angles:
   Avoid filming continuously for long stretches. This will eat up your batteries very quickly and can make the footage a bit dull. Taking breaks and switching up your filming angles to keep your viewers engaged and add visual variety to your vlogs.
   
   My approach: Taking a break can actually presents opportunities for great footage or additional B-Role that supplements the theme or story behind your vlog. Think about your vlog as a story with chapters, so taking a break between each chapter or making the break itself a new chapter can be a useful approach.
   
6. Save, save & save again, as you edit your footage:
   Editing is a crucial step in the vlogging process. Take the time to carefully trim excess footage, add transitions, and include necessary captions or annotations. This will enhance the overall quality and storytelling of your vlogs.
   
   My process: Editing is the hardest part of my vlogging process, it can take hours to pour over the footage and piece together a vlog that is engaging, accurate and gets across the subject matter or story I am trying to convey to the viewer. Everyone has there own style, approach and abilities with editing. However, I would say that trial and error is a great way to learn and also don’t be too critical of the end results. You will constantly improve, and you will find your own cadence and style.
   
   However, my main editing tip is save your edits regularly throughout the process, there is nothing worse than working for hours on a project only for you application to crash and you loose all your hard work. So save, save and then save again.
   
7. Engage with your audience:
   Don’t forget to interact with your viewers. Respond to comments, answer questions, and consider hosting Q&A sessions or live streams to create a personal connection with your audience.
   
   My approach: I go back on every comment on each of my vlogs. I also follow lots of other content creators and make an effort to engage with them. The motorcycle community is a very positive one and I’ve experienced great camaraderie and support from the various motorcycle vloggers & bloggers that I’ve interacted with. The same can be said for those doing motorcycle related social media, it really does feel like a community, so I always try to be kind, supportive of others. You never know where it may lead but you will certainly make some new friends on the way.
   
8. Select high-quality music:
   Music can significantly enhance the mood and energy of your vlogs. Choose high-quality tracks that complement the tone of your videos.
   My tip here is to be mindful of copyright restrictions and consider using royalty-free music available on platforms like YouTube Studio. Copyright infringement is taken seriously and YouTube can knock back your videos if they contain copyrighted music in the footage.
   
9. Promote your vlogs on social media:
   To expand your reach and gain more views and subscribers, promote your vlogs on social media and other relevant platforms. Share links to your videos, engage with other users, and consider utilising paid promotion options to reach a wider audience.
   
   My approach: I tend to promote my vlogs with additional YouTube Shorts, I use snippets of the footage in Instagram reels stories and posts and now combine the vlogs into the blog posts you will find here on my site. I could always do more by using other platforms such as Twitter more and I’ve just signed up for Threads but it’s a bit early to give my thoughts on using this platform.
   
10. Embrace the fun:
    Let your passion for riding shine through in your videos, and have fun while creating content. A genuine enthusiasm will resonate with your viewers and keep them coming back for more. However, above all, remember to enjoy the experience of motorcycle vlogging and never let it take precedent over enjoying a safe and lawful motorcycle ride.

Conclusion:
Motorcycle vlogging is a thrilling way to share your adventures and experiences on the road. By following these ten essential tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating engaging and captivating vlogs that transport your viewers into the exciting world of motorcycle riding. So, grab your camera, hit the road, and safely start capturing the thrill of the ride!

Click on the Vlogs button in the menu to watch my attempts so far or visit my KILNmoto YouTube channel

Thanks for reading

Craig aka KILNmoto