How to start an online diary blog

A "diary blog" typically means a blog where you write about your life – somewhere between fully private (just for you) and fully public (anyone can read). You might share some entries, keep others locked, or write anonymously.

Private diary vs. diary blog

A private diary is for you only. A diary blog might be shared with friends, family, or the internet. Some people like the accountability of knowing others might read; others use a pseudonym to write more freely while still publishing. Decide what you want before picking a platform.

Platform options

• For private with optional sharing: Day One, OhDiary – designed as private diaries, but let you share individual entries if you want
• For public or semi-public: WordPress, Substack, Medium – built for blogging, with privacy options
• For anonymous: Use a pseudonym on any blogging platform

Staying anonymous

If you're writing publicly but want privacy: use a pen name, don't mention identifying details (job, city, real names), use a separate email for the account. Many successful diary bloggers are completely anonymous.

Getting started

Pick a platform. Write your first post. Decide how much to share and with whom. You can always adjust later – start private and open up, or start public and lock things down.