Blogging vs Vlogging: What Makes The Most Money?

Introduction.

Ever wondered whether starting a blog or launching a vlog would bring in more money? You’re not alone.

This is one of the most common debates among content creators—and for a good reason! Both blogging and vlogging have become lucrative careers for many people. But which one is the real money-maker?

In this article, I’ll break down the differences between blogging and vlogging, how each can make money, and which one might be a better fit for you. I’ll also share real-life examples, pros and cons, and strategies to maximize your income.

Let’s dive in!

What’s the Difference Between Blogging and Vlogging?

At its core, blogging is all about written content. Think articles, personal stories, tutorials, and reviews published on websites.

On the other hand, vlogging revolves around videos—whether on YouTube, TikTok, or other platforms.

Both can cover similar topics, but the way you connect with your audience is different. Bloggers often rely on SEO (search engine optimization) to attract readers, while vloggers focus on creating engaging, shareable videos.

How Do Blogging and Vlogging Make Money?

Both blogging and vlogging offer plenty of ways to earn. Let’s break them down:

Blogging Income Streams

Ads: Platforms like Google AdSense pay bloggers for showing ads on their websites. Earnings depend on traffic—more visitors, more money.
Affiliate Marketing: Promote products or services and earn a commission for every sale through your referral link. This works especially well in niches like tech, beauty, and travel.
Sponsored Posts: Brands pay bloggers to write articles promoting their products.
Selling Products or Courses: Many bloggers create their eBooks, courses, or merchandise to sell directly to their audience.
Memberships or Subscriptions: Platforms like Patreon let fans pay for exclusive content.

Vlogging Income Streams

YouTube Ads: YouTube’s Partner Program lets vloggers earn money through ads placed on their videos.
Brand Sponsorships: Companies pay vloggers to feature their products in videos.
Affiliate Marketing: Like bloggers, vloggers can earn commissions by promoting products with affiliate links.
Merchandise and Products: Selling branded merch or launching personal products can be a big money-maker.
Super Chats & Donations: Platforms like YouTube and Twitch allow fans to support creators directly.

Which Makes More Money: Blogging or Vlogging?

Now, the big question: which one pays better?

It depends on a few factors:

1. Audience Size and Engagement

Vlogging tends to create a stronger emotional connection with audiences. People love seeing faces, hearing voices, and feeling like they’re part of your world. This often leads to higher engagement and, in turn, better monetization opportunities.

That said, bloggers with a loyal readership can still make serious money. A single well-optimized blog post can bring traffic (and income) for years!

2. Startup Costs

Blogging is cheaper to start. All you really need is a website, which costs around $50–$100 per year for hosting and a domain.

Vlogging, on the other hand, might require a decent camera, microphone, and editing software, which can add up quickly.

3. Time Commitment

Blogging generally takes less time per post compared to shooting and editing videos. But success in either field requires consistency, creativity, and patience.

4. Platform Opportunities

YouTube vloggers can tap into the platform’s massive audience, with over 2 billion monthly active users. Bloggers, however, rely more on search engines and social shares to grow their audience.

5. Earnings Potential

According to a 2022 survey by Influencer Marketing Hub, bloggers earn an average of $38,440/year, while vloggers on YouTube average $52,000/year. However, top bloggers and vloggers can make six or even seven figures annually.

Pros and Cons of Blogging

Pros:

Lower startup costs.
Long-term traffic potential with evergreen content.
Perfect for people who prefer writing.
Easier to scale with guest writers or outsourcing.

Cons:

Growth can be slow at first.
Relies heavily on SEO and algorithms.
Less personal connection with readers.

Pros and Cons of Vlogging

Pros:

Highly engaging content format.
Huge earning potential through YouTube ads and sponsorships.
Easier to go viral with shareable content.
Stronger audience loyalty.

Cons:

Higher upfront costs (equipment, software).
Time-intensive production process.
Requires confidence in front of the camera.

So, Which One Should You Choose?

If you love writing, enjoy SEO, and want to build passive income over time, blogging might be your best bet.

But if you’re comfortable on camera, have a knack for storytelling, and want to tap into YouTube’s huge audience, vlogging could be the way to go.

The good news? You don’t have to choose just one! Many creators combine blogging and vlogging to maximize their income.

For example, a travel vlogger might have a blog to share itineraries and tips, while a blogger might create video tutorials to attract a wider audience.

FAQs

Can I make money from blogging or vlogging right away?

Not usually. Both require consistent effort and time to grow an audience. But once you do, the earning potential is huge.

Is one easier than the other?

It depends on your strengths. If you enjoy writing, blogging feels natural. If you love being on camera, vlogging is easier.

Can I do both?

Absolutely! Combining the two can help you reach a larger audience and diversify your income streams.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, both blogging and vlogging offer incredible opportunities to make money online. The key is to choose the one that aligns with your skills, interests, and goals—or combine the two for even more potential.

So, what do you think? Are you leaning toward blogging, vlogging, or both? Let me know in the comments below!