Why Starting Video Content is Still 100x Better Than Writing Online (Even If Newsletters Are Booming Right Now)

You may not want to hear it (I don't)

I am a wordsmith. I love writing. Blog posts were my intro to online business, and words have been the backbone of my success up until now.

That being said words can't compete with video. Even though newsletters are booming more than ever right now.

You hear about people growing their email lists, selling courses, or making bank from their written content.

It’s tempting to think writing is the way to go.

But to me, video content is still king, and starting a video channel now is 100x more powerful than writing online.

Whether it’s YouTube, TikTok, Instagram Reels, or Substack videos, video beats writing on nearly every level.

Let’s break it down and explore why, even during a newsletter renaissance, video is where your focus should be.

(And at the end, let's talk about why writing still matters.)

1. Video Builds a Deeper Connection Faster

When people see your face, hear your voice, and feel your energy, they connect with you in a way words can’t replicate.

Writing is powerful, but it’s like a one-dimensional handshake. Video? It’s a full-on coffee date.

People trust what they can see and hear. Facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language make your message more authentic.

It’s why a 2-minute video can establish trust more effectively than 10,000 words in a blog.

2. Video Content Has the “Repurpose” Superpower

A single video can morph into multiple pieces of content:

• Transcribe it into blog posts or newsletter articles.

• Chop it into short-form videos for TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts.

• Pull the audio to create a podcast episode.

• Use the screenshots for posts on Instagram, X, or Substack Notes.

You write one blog, and you’ve got… well, a blog. Sure, you create a short social post from it, but that's about it, in my experience.

You shoot one video, and you’ve got a week of content in different formats.

3. Video Platforms Still Have Insane Organic Reach

TikTok and YouTube Shorts are two of the best examples. These platforms still reward creators who show up consistently with organic reach—meaning you don’t have to pay to get seen.

Compare that to newsletters or blogs.

To grow your email list, you have to write a lot, you need a solid marketing funnel, partnerships, or paid ads. Getting blog traffic? That’s a long game of SEO, backlinks, and algorithm kindness.

Video platforms, on the other hand, have built-in audiences who are hungry for content. The algorithm works for you, not against you—especially if your content is valuable or entertaining.

4. People Consume Video Faster Than Ever Before

Short-form video is exploding because people are busy and want quick hits of value.

You could say that's bad. But in reality, it's a huge opportunity to cut the fluff and get to the point.

You might write the best newsletter in the world, but someone still has to find time to sit and read it. With video, they can consume your content in seconds while scrolling or multitasking.

The best part?

People retain more information when they watch a video. Studies show that viewers remember 95% of a message when it’s presented in video form, compared to just 10% when reading it. That’s a massive difference.

5. You Don’t Have to Be Fancy to Succeed

People usually don’t care about polished production as much as they care about value.

Some of the most viral videos are shot on iPhones, with bad lighting and zero editing. Raw, unfiltered content often feels more relatable and real.

In fact, overproduction can sometimes hurt you because it makes you seem less approachable. Start simple. Use natural light, your phone, and free editing tools like CapCut. If the content is good, it’ll land.

6. You Can Use AI to Speed Up the Process

AI can write. We all know that. And it's not even that bad. The tools are getting better by the day.

But ironically, AI tools can make video creation faster than ever, too. Platforms like Descript or CapCut let you edit videos in minutes with drag-and-drop simplicity.

Need captions? They’ll auto-generate them.

Want to slit a long-form video into multiple shorts. Just a few clicks away!

On the creative side, tools like ChatGPT or Claude can help you script videos, brainstorm ideas, or even come up with catchy hooks.

The difference here that when you speak AI-created content, it still sounds way less like AI than when you simply post an AI-written article.

AI tools take a lot of the heavy lifting out of the video creation process, so you can focus on delivering more value.

7. Video Monetization Opportunities Are Bigger

While newsletters rely heavily on sponsorships, affiliate links, or selling your own products (which can add up, of course), video content opens up a wider world of monetization in many cases:

• Ad revenue: YouTube pays creators directly through ads. It’s a steady income stream that doesn’t exist for written content.

• Brand deals: Brands pay more for video partnerships because video marketing is more engaging

• Products, affiliate marketing, sales

• Community building: Platforms like Patreon thrive on the fan loyalty video creates. Fans are more willing to pay for behind-the-scenes content or bonus material when they feel they know you.

8. Video Showcases Your Personality and Expertise

Want to be seen as an expert in your niche?

Video gives you the stage to demonstrate your knowledge and let your personality through. People don’t just follow for the information—they follow because they like you. Ideally.

Think about creators like Ali Abdaal. Sure, they provide value, but their unique personalities are what keep people coming back.

When people see you on video, they feel like they know you, and that connection builds loyalty.

9. Video Content Has a Longer Shelf Life

A great video can continue to bring in views for months or even years.

YouTube is essentially a search engine, and evergreen content there has incredible staying power.

Blogs might fade unless you constantly update them, and newsletters? Once they’re sent, they’re done. Unfortunately.

A well-made video, on the other hand, works for you 24/7. And people often rewatch great stuff, not for the info, but for you and your personality.

10. Video Helps You Stay Ahead of the Curve

The trend is clear: video content isn’t just popular; it’s becoming the default way people consume information.

Platforms like YouTube and TikTok went huge with short video, Instagram is prioritizing Reels, and even other platforms like Substack, Pinterest, and X are pushing video.

It's a no-brainer.

While newsletters and blogs are booming now, they’ll plateau at some point, if only because AI is overtaking rapidly.

With video, AI can help as we discussed earlier, but it will never deliver the same experience as a full-on personal video on something.

Why Video Content is Harder (And Why That’s a Good Thing)

Let’s not sugarcoat everything, though: creating video content is harder than writing.

You’re not just dealing with words on a page—you’re juggling scripting, filming, lighting, editing, and, sometimes, the crippling self-consciousness of seeing yourself on camera.

Here are the main challenges:

1. Time-Intensive Production

Writing takes time, but with video, you have to think about framing, sound quality, video length, and post-production. Editing alone can eat up hours if you’re not used to it.

2. Steeper Learning Curve

Writing is straightforward—you just need a keyboard and some practice. Video, on the other hand, has tools, techniques, and tech to master. Learning how to shoot decent footage, use editing software, and optimize for algorithms can be overwhelming.

3. Equipment (Real or Perceived) Costs

While you don’t need a fancy setup, many people think they do, which stops them before they even start. Cameras, lighting, microphones—it can feel like a lot to buy and learn.

4. Performance Anxiety

Being on camera can be intimidating, especially if you’re not used to it. Stumbling over words, worrying about how you look, and facing the judgment of the internet can be stressful. Writing lets you hide behind the screen; video puts you out there.

5. Audience Expectations

Video audiences can be less forgiving than readers. They want to be entertained, informed, and engaged—all at once. If a video doesn’t hook them within seconds, they’ll scroll right past it.

Despite these challenges, there’s a silver lining: it’s harder for everyone. 

This means fewer people stick with it, giving you a better chance to stand out if you persevere. The difficulty creates a barrier to entry, and crossing it puts you ahead of most would-be creators.

The Winning Formula

Don’t choose between video and writing—combine them.

A well-executed video strategy paired with a newsletter can amplify your growth and deepen your audience connection.

They complement each other perfectly:

1. Use Videos to Attract Attention

Video is excellent for visibility. Platforms like YouTube and TikTok bring in new audiences, who then discover your other content. Use your videos to build awareness and direct viewers to your newsletter for deeper engagement.

2. Use Newsletters to Nurture Relationships

Once someone joins your email list, you can deepen the relationship by sharing more personal stories, offering exclusive insights, and delivering value that’s harder to convey in short videos. Newsletters let you maintain consistent contact, even when social media algorithms shift.

3. Repurpose Content Between Platforms

• Record a video and then summarize it in your newsletter.

• Share behind-the-scenes insights or video links in your emails.

• Use your newsletter to announce new videos and drive traffic back to your channel.

4. Build a Community Ecosystem

With video and newsletters working together, you’re creating a multi-channel ecosystem. Video builds trust and reach, while newsletters deepen loyalty and turn casual viewers into fans—and fans into customers.

Bonus Tips for Starting Video in 2024

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, here are some lesser-known tips to make starting easier:

1. Batch Content: Record multiple videos in one sitting. It saves time and helps you stay consistent.

2. Use Trends Wisely: Hop on trending audio or topics to increase discoverability, but make sure to add your unique spin.

3. Keep It Short: Start with 60-second videos. Short-form content is easier to produce and has a higher chance of going viral.

4. Focus on the Hook: The first 3 seconds matter the most. Grab attention immediately with a bold statement or intriguing question.

5. Consistency Beats Perfection: Post regularly, even if your videos aren’t perfect. Showing up consistently builds trust and momentum.

The Bottom Line

While newsletters are a hot trend, video content still wins for one simple reason: it does more.

It builds trust faster, grows your audience quicker, and gives you more ways to monetize.

Plus, with the rise of AI tools and the simplicity of modern video creation, there’s never been a better time to start.

If you’re debating whether to fire up a camera or write another blog post, choose video first. Then, do the rest.