as the title says, I'm wondering if there is any kind of devlog required. This is my first Jam I'm participating in, so I'm not sure how this is handled usually.
Nope. You don't have to create any devlog of any sort. You can if you want to, but it's not necessary. Just make a game and submit it; and you're good ;)
Just cause you see some dudes do it on youtube does not mean it's necessary. Because remember how I said 'some' dudes. And I don't think 'some' dudes make up the entire population that is doing a game jam.
