Videodesign

Image film vs. employer branding film: The key to a successful company presentation

Niklas Jung — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 09:29:09 +0000

A company that wants to be successful today must not only offer high-quality products or services, but also have a strong market presence. Image films and employer branding films have become indispensable tools for appealing to potential customers and attracting top talent. In the following lines, we will explain the difference between the two types of films, examine their importance for companies and highlight the benefits they offer.

Distinguishing image film from employer branding film

The difference between an image film and an employer branding film lies in their respective objectives and target groups. An image film is a short film that presents the company as a whole. It shows the vision, values and strengths of the company and gives potential customers a comprehensive impression of the brand. An image film should present the company in a positive light and create an emotional connection with the viewers.

On the other hand, an employer branding film is designed to appeal to potential employees. It conveys the culture, working environment and career opportunities of a company. An employer branding film aims to attract talent by building an attractive employer brand and showing potential employees why the company is a great place to work.

Importance of moving image communication

Both image films and employer branding films are of great importance for companies today. An image film is often the first point of contact a potential customer has with the company. A well-produced image film can attract the audience’s attention, create a positive perception of the brand and arouse interest in the products or services.

An employer branding film, on the other hand, is a valuable tool for attracting top talent. In times of a shortage of skilled workers, it is crucial to convince potential employees that the company is an attractive employer. Through an employer branding film, companies can showcase their corporate culture, values and unique characteristics to attract highly qualified applicants and create long-term employee loyalty.

Why produce an image or employer branding film?

There are many reasons for producing an image and employer branding film. On the one hand, they offer a visual and emotional representation of the company that goes far beyond text and images. Films have the ability to tell stories and establish a direct connection with the audience.

Another advantage is the opportunity to strengthen our brand identity and reputation. By carefully designing the films, we can emphasize our uniqueness and values and show ourselves as an attractive employer, which leads to a differentiated positioning on the market.

In addition, image films and employer branding films can be distributed via various channels, including company websites, social media, careers pages and industry events. By disseminating information via these channels, we reach potential customers and employees in a broad and targeted manner.

First-hand reference

In around 60 seconds, Anoj Kanniah, Head of Marketing at Balmer-Etienne, explains the reasons behind the simultaneous production of her image and employer branding film. Find out in the following interview what inspired Anoj to take this step and what extraordinary response the results have triggered.

Conclusion - reasons for film production

To summarize, image films and employer branding films are essential tools for companies to build their brand identity, appeal to potential customers and attract highly qualified talent. The production of these films requires careful planning, creativity and expertise to create an impressive visual representation of the company. With their unique advantages, image films and employer branding films can have a lasting impact on the success and competitiveness of a company.

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Dustin Bättig | CEO

The post Image film vs. employer branding film: The key to a successful company presentation appeared first on Videodesign.

Storytelling: The perfect guide with tips (& examples!)

Niklas Jung — Fri, 19 May 2023 13:23:56 +0000

Historically, storytelling can be traced back to the first stories people told each other in the moonlight by the crackle of a campfire. As time went on, however, not only did the stories become more elaborate, more captivating, and more and more embellished – the campfire gradually gave way as well. The tales were recorded in writing in literature, whether in novels or novellas. The first theaters presented with their performances the Storytelling into the center of entertainment society. And with the development of film technology, nowadays we find it in the cinema, on television and online on social media. As the metaverse continues to evolve, storytelling will also take on a new dimension – completely immersive for immersion.

Today, however, this storytelling technique is also one of the most most effective marketing toolsavailable to you – and mainly on the Internet. If you can use a story to connect emotionally with your audience and captivate them in ads, videos or podcasts, you’ll be able to increase your Captivate, inspire, amuse target group. And then a possible purchase decision will be much easier for them.

Now if you want to know how to make an explainer video with compelling storytelling, then you should definitely read this article.

Storytelling: What is Storytelling?

Storytelling is a communication tool that allows you to convey a message using a very unique stylistic device. It depends, pick up the audience and touch them emotionally by telling a story. However, this is not necessarily done in the sweeping style of a novel – after all, the relevant information is still to be very briefly be conveyed.

Storytelling is often used in advertising, corporate communications and in video marketing. The meaning behind it: It ensures that a emotional connection to your product, brand or company arises. This usually generates a very strong emotional response in the audience.

Structure and dramaturgy: the be-all and end-all of storytelling

When building a classic story, it is important that the plot has a clear beginninga middle part and an end has. This creates an arc of tension within a typical 3-act-scheme:

Beginning: For good storytelling in marketing, the first thing is to create a Initial situation describe in more detail and create the initial situation. A special event then sets the actual plot in motion, the main character is about to embark on an adventure. Or to put it in Bilbo Baggin’s words, “I’m going on an adventure!”.
center section: This is then replaced in the middle section by a Complication explained in more detail. The protagonist must resolve a conflict and often finds himself at his lowest point. At the same time, you should never lose the thread, so that the story remains exciting and coherent.
End: In the third act, the protagonist now knows how to resolve and can change everything for the better. All the problems are out of the way and the resolution of the story leaves you with a good feeling, the happy ending.

Also important in storytelling is the Introduction of the characters (“protagonists”). This can be customers, a product, a company or other target groups. Tie also Moments of surprisethe so-called “Plot Twists“, one. They are what make a story exciting and interesting.

When it comes to dramaturgy, the important thing is, a common thread that runs through the plot. He keeps the audience engaged and Captures his attention.

You can achieve a good dramaturgy in storytelling, for example for a image film by creating creating suspense, unexpected twists and conflicts install. Make sure that the plot remains credible and comprehensible. The characters should be well developed and have a plausible motivation for their actions.

Examples: What is good storytelling?

As with any compelling story, storytelling for marketing or advertising is about a “journey of the hero“. So it’s about someone (or something) going on an adventurous journey to a specific target to reach. On his way he masters different challenges and learns important lessons. The story takes the reader or viewer on an emotional journey and keeps them riveted until the end.

From literature, for example, we know “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, who achieved world fame through his profound and poetic storytelling. “The Lord of the Rings” by J. R. R. Tolkien is another example of a successful story that excels in its sophisticated and detailed storytelling. In marketing and advertising, there are now plenty of examples of how well gripping storytelling can work.

Example 1: Disneyland Paris and the little duck

In the video from Disneyland Paris, a little duckling discovers his world and finds a comic book. Namely, an edition of “Donald Duck”. It sees the pictures and wants to be like Donald. Then the little duckling flies into a storm together with his parents. It goes off the path, becomes unconscious. And when it wakes up, right in front of it appears – that’s right, Donald Duck! The latter takes the duckling with him to Disneyland.

In this short storytelling video, Disney Studios use their well-known emotional storytelling skills to evoke in the viewer a magical longing to visit Disneyland. Disney skillfully sets the Anthropomorphism to remind us of the childlike enthusiasm with the help of the little duckling.

Example 2: Rank Tan in my Bedroom

The video, released by Greenpeace Canada, is about a little orangutan who goes on a rampage in a little girl’s nursery and then tells her origin story. The story is told from the first-person perspective of the girl in the first part and from that of the orangutan in the second.

In an impressive way, the perspective of an orangutan on rainforest deforestation for human products is presented here in poem form. Through rhetorical means, a comparison of the life situation of the two protagonists is also created.

So the storytelling approach is something special here. Unlike in example 1, no linear story is told. The first part raises the question of why the orangutan is in the girl’s room. The second part is a flashback that brings the actual message of the video to the viewer in an emotional way.

Example 3: Barclaycard Festival and wrestling

This is an excellent example of how, when it comes to storytelling, the creative approach knows no bounds. In the two related videos on the YouTube channel. Barclaycard the two protagonists share their thoughts with the viewer. The couple is in different situations that reflect each partner’s desired location. From the first-person perspective, the respective protagonist describes to the viewer that he himself would rather be in another place and only endures the unique passions of his partner.

Barclaycard Festival – His perspective:

Barclaycard Festival – Your Perspective:

The special feature: Barclaycard is skilfully using the mirror storytelling one. In the first video, the setting is a visit to a wrestling arena, on which he is only for the sake of his wife. However, he describes that with the help of Barclaycard, he can easily get to his “happy place”, a music festival, in the future. The following is a dream sequence of this visit. This setting is again the starting point of the second video. Here the couple swap roles and she describes at the festival how she can attend the wrestling event in the future.

Each video describes the real situation of a protagonist, which is presented in the other video only as an escape of thoughts. The storytelling approach is used here specifically to evoke a longing for experiences in the viewer.

Advantages: Storytelling as part of your own marketing strategy

Storytelling works even better when those being addressed can participate. Storytelling is the most modern way to tell stories. The method first uses the usual content of storytelling. But then options are added to Motivate the audience to interact.

Storytelling, then, refers to the creation of stories that allow viewers to actively participate in shaping the plot.

One of the main goals here is to put the viewer in the position of, to make decisions. To subscribe to a newsletter, to make a purchase or even to influence the course of the story.

This is achieved in a number of ways. For example, through the use of Multiple choice options. Viewers can thus choose between storylines. Or simply with a quiz, a playful element or simply with a click on the CTA button (call-to-action button).

This way you can even create an interactive recruiting video that potential employees of your company are sure to enjoy looking at. And the Success rate should also be a lot higher than with a conventional job advertisement.

Hyper-trendy are stories that use the virtual reality technology be told. Here, the viewer is especially enabled to empathize with the story and react to the action. Dive into the metaverse and decide for yourself where to go in the fantasy world – this freedom will definitely be remembered by your audience. An immersive experience with lasting anchorage.

Storytelling has a lot of potential to really push your marketing. We explain the exact advantages below:

More trust thanks to storytelling

With stories you hit the emotions of your audience. You make them empathize, feel sympathy, and connect emotionally.

Interactive Stories reinforce this effect. Because they bring through the interaction another level of feeling into play. The user has the possibility to influence and decide something himself. That makes him proud, satisfied, happy – and creates trust in you and your brand.

Interactive stories also offer a vivid and lively way to communicate and acquire knowledge. Active participation in the action lets users better internalize what they have seen, read or heard.

Increased reach of your campaigns

Storytelling is eye-catching, user-friendly and, most importantly appeals above all to the play instinct of the viewer.. He sees an emotionally effective video while listening to the specially selected sound effects. By scrolling, filling in or clicking, he collaborates to keep the story going and reach a new level. The reward effect is triggered and the gamification principle is completed.

This means that the time your target audience spends on your website, for example, will automatically increase. This alone strengthens the identification with your brand, your product or your company enormously.

The same goes for your social media accounts. Yours Fans and followers identify with what your storytelling shows them. If they like it, they share it with their friends. And there goes your storytelling-created Product video viral.

Long-term advertising success

Basically, the audience is capricious and the Internet is an enormously fast-moving medium. What meets the taste of a large target group today may be completely out of date tomorrow.

An interactive story, however, can break this cycle in a positive way.

For example, if you create a story that is always a little different depending on the viewer’s reaction, with a little luck you’ll have a real long runner. Continuation stories work also excellent in this context. The audience is highly motivated to watch the content more often and longer. This strengthens brand loyalty.

This allows you to run an advertising or marketing campaign for a longer period of time with just one video, without the tension decreasing. That in turn saves you the time and money of having to produce new content over and over again.

Storytelling: The 4 best tips for compelling stories

Good storytellers are often very well paid professionals. But that doesn’t mean no one else can tell a compelling story. Because the genius of it is: Storytelling can be learned – you too! To do this, it’s best to look at a lot of content that uses storytelling elements. It doesn’t matter if it’s video content, an image only, or text.

Then just try to apply what you particularly like yourself. Swap the product advertised in the story for yours.

Next, try to find your own words.

And always remember: Even with storytelling, practice makes perfect!

Little by little, you’ll find that your stories become more and more understandable, smooth, and memorable. Of course you should Consistently adhere to the principles of storytelling.

To ensure that your story resonates well with your audience and strengthens your brand, product or company, consider the following four tips:

1. the story should reflect the brand

Just following a trend or aimlessly appealing to customers’ emotions usually doesn’t do any good. More importantly, that the story fits the company. The values and convictions of the “narrator”, his USP (“Unique Selling Point”) should be reflected. That’s why, when it comes to storytelling in marketing, it’s so important that the so-called brand tonality is maintained is maintained.

For example, it would be unbelievable if a fashion brand for young fashion explained in a serious voice that its hip shirts do not shrink in the washing machine. With products like these and this target group, it’s all about fun and the lifestyle, not about doing laundry correctly. Unless the self-deprecation is intentionally used to create the plot twist in the storytelling.

2. the story is about the target group (and not about the company!)

It may sound confusing at first glance, but it makes sense. Because ultimately, that’s what storytelling is all about, impress the customer – and not about showing what a great storyteller you are.

This also means that a good story is not simply a listing of the career of a person, a company or a product. Rather, you should tell what connects the company to the customers. How and why this or that product helps solve customers’ problems.

So it’s not you who is the hero, but the target person to whom the storytelling is directed. The target group should be able to recognize itself in the main character and identify with it.

If a car manufacturer only talked about how great, innovative, economical and environmentally friendly its latest model is, potential buyers would probably quickly get bored. The provider would most likely be perceived as showing off.

But if he shows them in an emotional story, that the buyers are innovative, economical and environmentally friendly because they buy the car, the customer is a hero. The image and lifestyle associated with the product are transported and thus sold.

3. the story addresses the emotions

A good story captivates the reader, viewer or listener from beginning to end. It’s almost like a compulsion to get the whole story.

You will succeed if you manage to hit the emotions of your target person. That can with a humorous story work just as well as with a warmhearted story. Tension may and should be built in – disappointment, love, fear, disgust, joy, sadness, surprise. Any feeling that serves to want to know the end of the story. In the end, we are all human beings and are shaped by emotions.

If you can pull this off with your storytelling, the audience will even experience happiness hormones poured out. And these lead to the fact that they automatically Have a good feeling when they see your product or brand again. An emotional, sustainable anchoring with your target group.

Imagine you’re one of many bakers in town. To promote your business and attract more customers, you want to post a video on social media. In which should be highlighted the specifics of your business.

Possibility 1: You make a video by standing behind the counter of your bakery or at the oven and telling how delicious your breads are. Of course, you also mention the healthy ingredients and praise the good old craftsmanship. You might even let your employees have their say, and if you’re smart, even a few enthusiastic customers.

So far, so good. But unfortunately, such a video would probably be pretty interchangeable.

Possibility 2: The video shows you standing in the bakery at the crack of dawn, baking breads and rolls. Then you take one of those fresh, still-steaming loaves, wrap it up, and head outside. It’s just getting daylight when you take your bread to an elderly single lady who can’t very well leave the house to go shopping. You put the bag with the bread in front of the door and ring the bell. The lady finds her gift, smells it, closes her eyes with pleasure and looks gratefully into the camera.

What do you think: Which video do you think would get more views and maybe even go viral?

3. the story addresses the emotions

It is usually the small everyday things that occupy us the most. To tell this one, it doesn’t have to be a bombastic “from dishwasher to millionaire” story.

It is much more important that the story is relevant to your target audience is. The topic should engage your customers, their Picking up on goals, wishes, needs or even problems.

Complexity is actually only a hindrance in a story. So find out what engages your target audience, what annoys them, delights them or what they want to achieve. If your product or service matches, you already have a strong foundation for your next story with storytelling.

Conclusion - Why does storytelling work so well?

Storytelling is not but it takes time and a lot of know-how.. It is about telling simple incidents in such a way that an emotionally gripping story with a beginning, main part and logical end is created (dramaturgy according to the 3-act scheme).

Then viewers – your potential customers – will be captivated by it and are often willing to share it with their friends. willing to share the content with their friends. The benefits here are universal and often work despite language barriers:

People love stories – Complex issues are much more easily understood by most people in the form of a story.
Images create emotionality – In addition to the story itself, images can make it easier to absorb and understand the message of a story. Moreover, images speak a universal language.
Storytelling targets the wishes, problemsThe actual product recedes into the background, but is stored as a possible solution.

As a result, videos created with the elements of storytelling, for example, often go viral on social media.

If that’s a bit too much for you and you’d like to use your time elsewhere, we’ll be happy to do it for you. We’ll help you tell and execute your story in a way that your audience will love. Take to this with pleasure directly
Contact with us and let us apply storytelling to your marketing.

Let's go

Are you ready to start?

Schedule a free consultation with our video experts.
Together we simplify your communication.

Dustin Bättig | CEO

Photo Credits: Tumisu, Kelly Sikkema, Kumpan Electric

The post Storytelling: The perfect guide with tips (& examples!) appeared first on Videodesign.

Creating a Storyboard: Features, Examples, and Templates

Niklas Jung — Fri, 05 May 2023 09:27:49 +0000

Video content is now indispensable for getting off to a flying start on social media and in marketing. After all, nothing can tell a story as visually as a short, well-made film with gripping storytelling. You are sure to get the attention of your followers and visitors.

Whether it’s a documentary, a commercial or an explainer video – it always starts with a storyboard. This sketchy representation of the project helps with planning and even more so with later implementation. Here you’ll learn how to create a storyboard and what digital tools can help you do it.

Definition: What is a storyboard?

The storyboard is the first step in the production of a film. Animators, illustrators, directors, and other media creators use the storyboard up front to create an engaging video design. They visualize their ideas on it and create a more or less exact “roadmap”. Only then does the actual production of the film begin.

In simple terms, a storyboard is the pre-created visual representation of a planned film. It contains the most important scenes and ideas and therefore consists of a series of images. These are arranged in exactly the same order as they will appear later in the finished video. This means, conversely, that the sketches in the storyboard will determine the
plot of the film in individual sequences.

When creating a storyboard, it doesn’t matter whether the images are drawn by hand or on the computer. Often, filmmakers add the spoken text already in the storyboard, much like a comic book. Experts also often write texts into the storyboard that explain the plot or give further instructions for later shooting.

Changes in the subject, changing camera angles, people – everything can be recorded using a storyboard. Purely technical aspects such as sound effects, background music or lighting are also covered, as are cinematic tricks, axis jumps or connection scenes.

The advantage of a storyboard is that it quickly becomes apparent whether the idea for a film or video is actually feasible. It also shows whether there is a common thread in the plot. If something is unclear, it can be corrected in advance quickly, easily and, above all, inexpensively. The same applies even if the implementation of a particular action would be possible only with great effort. In general: For a successful video production, you should always create a detailed storyboard in advance.

Tip: Before you start creating a storyboard, you should first create a screenplay (or also called a concept or script). Because the script is the basis of every film and also makes it easier for you to work on the storyboard.

The storyboard: The cornerstone for successful films and videos

A well-prepared storyboard can make planning a film, commercial or product video much easier. After all, every screenwriter or director has very specific images in his head of what the later work should look like. These are precisely the images that need to be conveyed to the people involved in the shoot. And this is where the storyboard comes in: it helps filmmakers visualize their ideas and put the film’s plot down on paper accurately.

The storyboard thus plays a key role in ensuring that cooperation within the film team runs smoothly. It ensures that everyone involved has a clear idea of what the later result should look like.

When creating a storyboard, it strongly depends on what is to be shot in the first place:

For example, in a feature film – which can be quite long – usually only the most important key scenes are recorded in the storyboard. In addition, there may be descriptions of technically demanding settings. This ensures that lighting technicians, actors and camera operators later know what the director or animator had in mind.
The situation is different for a TV spot, a commercial, a recruiting video or an image film Such productions are usually much shorter than a feature film . That’s why all scenes, transitions and shots are usually recorded directly in the storyboard.

Whether it’s a clip, video or film, a good and informative storyboard is indispensable to ensure that everything goes smoothly in the subsequent production.

Tip: It is important to select and arrange the individual images and sequences so that it is immediately clear what they are about. Ideally, it should not be necessary to explain the images with additional captions and text elements.

A good storyboard must also meet the following requirements:

Individual images (or panels) for each scene: These images are numbered according to the scene sequence or camera setting. One new image is created per setting. Here, identical numbering to the shooting schedule and shot list has proven successful.
Rough stage directions: Depending on the goal of the video and its complexity, the image panels are accompanied by brief annotations Further descriptions – for example, about the plot – are only used if they cannot be visualized.
Camera angles: The script or shooting template should include multiple perspectives and camera angles. This also includes notes on the setting size of the respective scene.
Specifications for camera movements as well as the respective type of movements of camera, persons and objects. Motion design should also be taken into account here, if this is envisaged.
Sound settings: Details about the sound, rhythm, background noise, speech and montage of individual elements.

Checklist for your successful storyboard creation

To help you create a clear storyboard, we have prepared this checklist of questions for you:

Traceability: Can everyone follow the plot that was created with the storyboard? Is it clear why the filmmakers chose to portray it this way?
Comprehensibility: Do the pictures, drawings, symbols and annotations help to understand the planned film? Is everything so understandable and self-explanatory that really everyone can see the finished product already in front of his inner eye?
Clear communication: Did you create the storyboard on your own or did you team up with the director and camera from the start? You should always consult with your colleagues to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.
Cinematic realization: Are all aspects relating to the film language (such as the size of individual shots, perspectives and transitions) noted on the storyboard?
Clear objective: Is it clear what requirements the later film should fulfill?
Clear structure: Does your storyboard almost seem like a graphic novel? Or does it really provide clarity and ensure a clear line? The common thread should be clearly recognizable.
Relevance of annotations: Do your annotations to the images add to what can be seen or do they just describe? Are your comments on tone actionable or could you also do without for better understanding?

So you see: In order to be able to create a good and comprehensible storyboard, you should already give some thought to it in advance. Because only if your drawings are expressive and your comments are clear, you can be sure that the later film will actually correspond to your ideas. In the following, we’ll show you what (still) matters when making a good storyboard.

Create a storyboard: Here's what you should look out for

Whether you draw the storyboard for your next film project by hand or use software to create a storyboard with it: There is no such thing as “right or wrong”. It always depends on what:

you want to achieve with the storyboard,
for which project it is intended
and how well future employees can recognize and implement your ideas behind them.

So it’s up to you whether you feel more comfortable on a piece of paper or on the computer. To make things a little easier for everyone, you can follow these tips:

Procedure: A good storyboard not only reflects the later montage of images. Rather, it also shows why the images should be cut exactly this way afterwards and not differently.
Perspectives: To create clarity, you should also include the foreground, a middle ground, and a background in each image.
Blank spaces: If you want to show a person/object in an empty room or in a neutral environment, you can work with blank spaces. This is especially important if motion design or animations are to be inserted later.

You can learn more basic things you should pay attention to when creating a storyboard below.

Make it easy for the others - as easy as possible!

One of the basic rules when creating a storyboard is: keep it simple! This means that it’s best to use simple drawing styles and not accommodate highly complicated patterns and representations. And avoid including too many details that will only unnecessarily confuse others involved later.

In your drawing, place the people and objects as you want them to appear later in the movie. It is helpful to display everything in a certain three-dimensionality. You can achieve this relatively easily by creating a grid pattern for the images. On the basis of this it can be seen well

who or what is in front
and who or what is located how far behind or to the side of it.

The goal of your storyboard should ultimately be to plan the action and timing. The refinement of the visual representation has lost nothing here, it belongs to the shooting or post-processing of the video.

Use symbols and short explanations

You can make the movements and timing of the movie super clear with arrows and little annotations. For example, arrows can indicate what movement people or objects in the movie should make. The direction in which the camera should turn can also be mapped in this way. You can save yourself a long textual explanation. However, short annotations can be used to show the chronological sequence or to provide further information on the individual image sequences.

Your drawings do not have to be works of art - but convey a clear message

When storyboarding, be sure to think about perspective. It should be constant in every image. Correct representation of the proportions between people and objects is also essential. Only then will it be clear later which camera setting you want to have. You should think about these for each individual image. Because whether you use long shot, medium shot, or close-up can affect the action and mood of the video.

The camera setting is also essential for elements with motion design, as sufficient white space must be planned for during filming.

Therefore, avoid unclear image compositions and overly artistic depictions. An absolute no-go is also a picture composition that leads neither the story nor the viewers to their destination.

Make templates that make it easier for yourself

If you make some templates for a storyboard ahead of time, you’ll have an easier time later. With the help of such a template, you can use layout and images variably without your sketch looking squashed. At the same time, you still have space for additional text or notes. Otherwise, the storyboard will look slightly cluttered and confusing.

Digital or analog: These options and tools are available

There are several ways to create a storyboard. In general, you can simply sketch out your plan by hand , for example. There are also various programs that you can use to create your storyboard.

Option 1: Create storyboard analog - very oldschool with pen and paper

Drawing pad and pencil are still the easiest way to create a storyboard. The advantage: You can get started right away without having to deal with the software you have chosen in advance. However, you should make sure that everyone who has to deal with the project after you also understands everything. If your sketches and notes can’t be recognized or read afterwards, the implementation is difficult.

Option 2: Digital storyboards with tools in the browser - ideal for beginners

The more convenient method for many to create a good storyboard quickly and easily is to use digital tools. Meanwhile, there are a variety of programs that you can use to design a storyboard. With such tools you usually already get very usable templates for the design of your storyboard. They allow even laymen in this field to draw the individual scenes directly on the computer. It is also very easy to add, move and change images, annotations and icons. Examples of such tools are Storyboard That, Canva or Adobe Express.

Option 3: Create storyboards with software

For many, specialized graphics software is also helpful when creating a storyboard. With a little experience, for example, the Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator or a freeware program such as Gimp can be supportive. The advantage of such software: You can directly edit images that are important for the creation of your storyboard and also adjust them afterwards.

Option 4: Create storyboard with PowerPoint or InDesign

Presentation programs such as Microsoft PowerPoint or layout programs such as Adobe InDesign also give you the opportunity to structure your storyboard in a meaningful and appealing way. Especially with InDesign, you have very solid options if you want to focus on an appealing design when it comes to layout. PowerPoint is suitable for all users, since it is very user-friendly.

The right planning tool for your film project

Which method or tool you end up using depends on your own preferences and skills. However, before you get carried away, remember that a storyboard is the plot of the film, clip or video. It’s a handy planning guide designed to make your video production easier, not more complicated! Only then can you successfully realize your film project.

Price overview: How much does the (professional) creation of a storyboard cost?

The prices for an explainer video, product video and other moving images sometimes differ greatly. Similarly, there are costs involved in creating a storyboard. Because here, too, several factors play a role. This includes, for example, the talent and expertise of the storyboard artist. For agencies, it is usually the experience, but also the scope of the film project or the number of people involved that determine the price.

The external appearance of the storyboard is also a cost you should consider when hiring professionals to create your storyboard. This is because colored images are generally more expensive than pure black-and-white motifs. If the storyboard artist not only has to draw the picture, but also color it, this logically means more effort. Monochrome motifs, which are limited purely to form and content, are accordingly cheaper.

As a guideline, however, you can expect a storyboard for your film or video to cost between 50 and 200 CHF per image created.

By the way, when it comes to the cost of a professional storyboard created by an external agency, the method (digital vs. analog) hardly matters. Only the calculation of the effort can be done in different ways. For example, some charge for each edited image individually, while others base their calculations on daily rates or flat rates, on the basis of which they then create the storyboard.

Conclusion: Creating the storyboard - The cornerstone for a successful video

A storyboard helps you structure your film and video ideas. It shows you clearly whether your idea is feasible as you envision it. Basically, a storyboard doesn’t have to be perfect. Most of the time, simple sketches and a few notes, symbols and instructions are quite enough to create a successful storyboard.

If you want it to be a bit more professional, you can also resort to software, illustration programs and special tools for creating a storyboard. However, the focus should always be on the goal. That way, those who produce the film or video later can understand exactly what your vision is.

You have more questions about creating a storyboard? Then just get in touch with us. We’re here to help – no matter what kind of video you want to produce.

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Video SEO: How SEO works with video content

Niklas Jung — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 10:48:39 +0000

Videos as a marketing tool entertain and inform at the same time. And they are popular with almost every target group. For example, if you have a good product video, you can even get a double benefit from it. Because it is not only advertising and communication tool for you and your customers. This type of content also significantly influences your ranking in search engines like Google & Co. This is called search engine optimization (short “SEO”). Here, we’ll show you why that is and how to get your video SEO to take off like a rocket.

Definition: What is Video SEO?

Video SEO includes all optimization measures of videos for search engines such as Google or YouTube.

Video content is becoming increasingly important when it comes to SEO strategies. Search engines rank video content higher than other types of web content because it typically provides a better user experience.

To achieve good SEO with video content, it is important to choose the right strategy and use the right words. With good video SEO, you have a technique at hand that optimizes your videos to achieve better rankings in search results.

In addition to the craft and quality of, say, an explainer video, it’s also the use of specific keywords and keyword phrases that make the difference. These are placed in the part of the video and in the description, tags and other metadata. Likewise, the thumbnail has an impact on whether your video is clicked on YouTube or not.

Another important factor in video SEO is the distribution of the film on other websites. Because this will give you more links and valuable referrals.

If you apply these techniques consistently, your video will rank higher in search engine results. And that attracts even more viewers.

Advantages and benefits of video SEO: This is what search engine optimization for YouTube and Co. brings

Video SEO offers a whole lot of benefits for businesses that use video marketing as part of their online marketing strategy. Not only that they have another advertising and marketing tool at hand. There are also direct benefits that are felt in both the short and long term.

These include:

More visibility on the net

If your website is highly visible in search engines, more people who are interested in your offers will call it up. This gives you the chance to generate more leads and conversions. As a result, your brand becomes better known and your image is strengthened. This means that higher visibility on the Internet also leads to higher sales, for example in the online store (e-commerce). Or to more applications from professionals for your company, for example, if you optimize a recruiting video.

Higher social engagement on social media channels

With YouTube SEO optimization, you don’t just get off to a flying start on the video platform. Other social media platforms also show a much higher engagement through a good and optimized video. When more people see your movie and like it, they are more likely to comment, like and share it. And so the wheel of viral marketing takes its course.

More traffic on the website

If you include links in the video that lead to your website, you will automatically receive more visitors (increased traffic). This will make your website more interesting for search engines again and it will therefore rank higher. If you embed your video on your website, then the length of time users spend on your website will also increase due to the playback time – another sign for Google & Co. that it is obviously an interesting, valuable homepage. And the search engines also want to pass these on to their other users.

Eventually, this will all lead to your website getting more referring links – called backlinks – from other websites or social media profiles / groups. And for off-page SEO, there is nothing more valuable than these backlinks.

Better advertising results

For example, if you have an image film made for your company and you place an ad with it, you will quickly feel the difference. Without video SEO, the response to it can be good. With the search engine optimization measures, however, it will most certainly turn out much better.

Google vs YouTube: These forms of video SEO exist

Google is the world’s largest search engine with a market share of almost 90 percent (as of 2022). That means: Everyone wants to be placed there in the search results (SERPs) as far ahead as possible.

In many cases, companies only succeed if they put up the corresponding financial resources. Be it for extensive SEO measures or through a high budget for Google ads by means of SEA measures (English for “Search Engine Advertising”).

With around 2.5 billion monthly active users, YouTube is the most used social media platform after Facebook. Many people use the video portal to search specifically for answers and solutions to their questions and problems. So YouTube also serves as a search engine. This holds tremendous potential for you and your content!

So if you don’t start a proper video SEO here, you’re giving away a huge opportunity.

To get started with your own video marketing on YouTube, the principles for optimization are initially very similar to those for Google. This means that you must first and foremost take into account the user’s search intent. So the first question about video SEO is:

“What does my target audience want to see? What are they interested in?”

Once you’ve figured that out, you can take further SEO measures to move your content forward.

How to do good video SEO: tips for implementation

To date, YouTube is the most important platform for ranking well with video SEO. However, comprehensive search engine optimization also involves Google. This means that you should not only upload videos to YouTube, but also embed them on your website. In addition, Google has also offered a special video search since 2005. This means that in addition to the classic text and image search, users also have the option of searching specifically for video content. By optimizing your videos for Google as well, you thus also provide additional visibility.

That’s why the following tips for video SEO apply both to the video platform and to actions on your website. In the following, however, we will first go into the optimization of videos on the YouTube platform.

YouTube: Video SEO with keyword optimization and meta data

Video SEO distinguishes between optimization on YouTube and technical integration on the website. First, we’ll go over the possibilities on YouTube before moving on to the technical component.

Title: Short and flush eye catcher

Be sure to write your video title with strong keywords, secondary keywords, and semantic terms. A keyword-optimized title helps YouTube – and Google – index your videos better and display them in search results.

In the optimum case the YouTube title approx. 60 characters long. In case of overlength, most search engines abbreviate the title with “…”. This often happens at the expense of the click-through rate.

Also, it is very important that the title you choose encourages users to click in the best possible way. Equally, however, the title should not promise content that the video does not cover. If the title does not match the content and encourages clicks through false promises, this is called “clickbait”. These practices violate YouTube’s “Spam, Deceptive Practices and Fraud Policy” and may even result in YouTube channel closure.

Description: Summary of the video

The description mainly helps YouTube to better understand the video. Provided with appropriate keywords, they are therefore better displayed in the search results for a search query and thus more likely to be found by users. In addition, a good video description can also positively influence the click-through rate when the video is displayed in the search results of a search engine.

YouTube sets a limit of 5,000 characters in the descriptions. However, these do not have to be fully utilized. Basically, the description:

Summarizes the content of the video in a short and easy to understand way,
offers further information on its own website or social media channels (links),
and topic-relevant terms (keywords) for the algorithm of search engines should contain.

Tip: Use the links in the description to give viewers an easy way to visit your website. This way you get traffic, which you can convert into conversions.

Tags for YouTube videos

Use the option to add the appropriate tags to your video. These should be thematically related to the content of the video and address the general theme. Tags help search engines to better rank and sort the video.

We recommend you to go into the content of the video with 4-6 tags. Additionally, you can use 4-5 tags that relate to the company.

Categories: Assignment in terms of search intention

Platforms like YouTube divide videos into different categories. They are used to sort videos by topic, making it easier for users to search for specific content.
For example, you can choose the following categories for your video:

Music
Entertainment
News and politics
Film and animation
Education
Games
Sports
Science and technology

In order for your video to be found by as many users as possible, it is important to select the appropriate category here. Therefore, think about which topic your video fits best in terms of content. For YouTube as well as Google Video Search, this information is very important to satisfy the users’ search intention for topic related searches.

Thumbnail: The visually appealing thumbnail image

The thumbnail is a key element to positively influence the click-through rate of a video. It is the preview image that is displayed to users as a placeholder. It will be played out in searches on popular search engines as well as in YouTube search results and suggestions.

In the best case, the thumbnail presents the video content in a simplified way and attracts the user’s interest through the design, presented content or even questions in writing .

It quickly becomes apparent that there is no “best practice” for a video thumbnail. In different ways, different thumbnails can work well. Last but not least, choosing the right thumbnail depends heavily on the target audience, the content of the video and the way the content is presented. Try different approaches and compare them in the form of A/B testing.

Transcript

This is a written record of the spoken words in your video. The transcript reproduces the content of the video in text form, word for word. Inserting a transcript is especially helpful when someone can’t or won’t watch the video. You can also use the transcript to translate videos into other languages.

Usually transcripts are available in the form of a text document and contain the spoken words exactly as they appear in the video. Sometimes information is also given about who spoke.

Subtitle

While the transcript is provided as a text document, the subtitle appears as text directly below the image in the video. Subtitles can also be displayed in different languages and convey the content of the video to the viewer in text form. This is how you ensure accessibility, so that people in other languages or with hearing impairments can also understand the video.

This makes it all the more important to remember that the majority of videos on YouTube are viewed without sound. This can be attributed to different circumstances:

Workplace: You don’t want to disturb your teammates and you don’t have any headphones close at hand
On the road: The currently playing Spotify playlist should not be interrupted or you don’t have headphones at hand at the moment
At home: the calm and silence is preferred to concentrate

Accordingly, subtitles are highly recommended for every video.

To create the subtitles, you can, for example, use the transcript at hand or enter the text manually. In certain cases, YouTube will automatically create your subtitles and translate them into different languages, further increasing your reach.

Website Video SEO: Structured data for search engines

When videos are included on a website, it is also important to provide structured data for smooth search engine crawlability.

Markup with schema markup

At best, you organize your metadata using schema markup. Google provides a useful guide for this.

Schema markup is microdata about the video that helps search engines to output, for example, a thumbnail in search results. In addition, they enable the generation of so-called rich snippets, which are an important clue for most searchers on Google & Co. and encourage them to click.

However, this microdata is also important for the interpretation of video content made by search engines. To integrate this microdata, a special schema markup generator is recommended, e.g. from TechnicalSeo.

For example, there is the possibility of using video meta tags to detect the video type and format. This makes it easier for search engines to play the video. They can also be used to provide information about a video in a video sitemap.

Different search engines also support different video meta tags.
To use video meta tags on your website, you simply need to add them to the section of your HTML document. The most common are:

: Indicates that the video is in MP4 format.
: The video is 480 pixels high.
: This video has a width of 640 pixels.

Good to know: If you manage your website with a content management system (CMS), these details are often automatically made for you and inserted in the source code. However, it is worth checking to be on the safe side.

Video sitemaps

With these special sitemaps you also give the search engines more detailed information about your video such as a description, title and keywords. This is a file that contains a list of all URLs on a website that search engines should crawl.
The video sitemap tells search engines that your website contains videos. To take advantage of it, you create a file directly in sitemap format and then upload it to your web server. However, it is easier if you let a special video sitemap software do this work for you – e.g. Yoast Video SEO if you use WordPress as CMS.

Responsive videos

A large proportion of videos are now watched on mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets. Therefore, make sure that your video is also optimized for mobile viewing, i.e. responsive. If you embed your video via YouTube or Vimeo, the video players are already optimized for mobile devices. However, you should make sure that the content is optimized accordingly – for example, with sufficiently large fonts or a portrait format (9:16 ratio).

Link building with YouTube videos

If you can get other websites to link to the video content on your own website, you’ve already won SEO-wise. The easiest way to do this is to simply include your website link in the video description or as a clickable link in the video itself.

Conclusion: This is why Video SEO is worthwhile

Video content appeals to users on an emotional level – especially on mobile devices such as tablets or smartphones. Moving images are now an important factor for marketing measures, as the majority prefer to watch videos instead of reading texts. With video SEO, you optimize your videos on search engines like Google and YouTube so that more people watch your content. Sooner or later, this can have an extremely positive impact on the growth of your business, your brand, and your visibility online. By taking appropriate action, you’ll get more clicks, more traffic, and more customers.

So video SEO helps your videos rank better on YouTube and other platforms. This way, extra attention will be drawn to your company. This alone makes video SEO a very worthwhile investment in almost all cases.

You still have questions about Video SEO? Then contact us today – we will be happy to help you.

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Schedule a free consultation with our video experts.
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Dustin Bättig | CEO

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Motion Design: definition, advantage, tips and examples

Niklas Jung — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 13:39:30 +0000

Motion design uses graphic elements such as colors, shapes, surfaces and fonts.Animates them and thereby creates unique visual experiences. You probably know the opening credits of the “Star Wars” film series. The moment when the type slowly moves from the bottom of the screen into the infinite expanse of space: An impressive experience created with motion design.

But also in marketing and in Advertising unique storytelling can be achieved with such “motion graphics”. Learn how to use motion design for your next campaign in this article.

Definition: What is Motion Design?

Motion design is an innovative design format that combines visual illustrations and animations. This is where traditional graphic design, classic audiovisual disciplines and modern digital technologies meet. Motion graphics are the perfect way to present a product in a fun, almost playful way.

Whether on social media, in advertising, or in internal communications, it’s best to rely on strong images and visual storytelling to ensure your brand message resonates with your target audience. Moving images – i.e. videos, films or clips – are particularly well suited for quickly recording information and conveying it in an appealing way. Because both complex ideas and simple messages can be communicated particularly easily via images and videos. Provided they are attractive enough to attract attention.

Motion design can be used to arouse the interest of potential customers – and also maintain it in the long term. Accordingly, motion graphics are often used in videos and presentations as well as in the form of interactive media.

How does motion design work?

A good motion designer uses moving images and visual effects to convey a very specific message. The special way of presentation increases the attention span of the audience. Your Concentration on the film lasts longer. At the same time, the video also appeals to users on the emotional level level.

In order to achieve this Techniques for dynamic animations for use. With clever transitions and a well chosen background music/narrative voice an impressive video is created in this way.

The process begins, as with any video, with the creation of a storyboard
.
This serves as the basis for the individual animations, scenes and lettering.. But graphics, text blocks or video sequences are also essential components of a modern motion design.

Subsequently, these individual elements are transformed into an animation and combined with audio and other visual effects. At the end of the process, the finished animation is exported as a playable file.

Techniques for use in motion design include:

Keyframe animations: This makes it possible to change and move individual images or elements in an animation. This creates the illusion of movement.
Particle effects: Small, detailed elements in an animation increase the appeal of the video. Such particles can really make a film round.
Mask animations: This is a simple way to hide or highlight certain parts of an image or animation. The effects are thus particularly impressive.

Motion Graphics: These are the advantages

A study of TechSmith Corporation in 2021 concluded that most people who are looking for information information, they prefer to consume it in the form of video.. At the same time, there is currently no better technique to convey information in an entertaining and interesting way than with the Use motion graphics in videos.

Since motion design is often found in social media videos, you can use it to reach younger target groups in particular. However, animated commercials are also very popular with older consumers. This is because they are mostly more emotional, closer and more involving than conventional films.
Studies have also shown that
videos are shared almost 1200% more often on social media than
than text and still images combined.

To go viral on social media, your videos don’t even have to be particularly long. On the contrary! So called Snackable Video Content is currently the most popular on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Other direct benefits of Motion Graphics include:

Attention span: Motion design videos are visually appealing and capture viewers’ attention. They are particularly well suited for conveying complex information in a simple and understandable way. That’s because motion graphics are entertaining and can keep viewers’ concentration longer than text-only or image-only presentations. If you want your advertising message to stick in the long term, you should therefore also use motion design.
Flexibility: Motion Graphics can be created in various sizes and formats. Thus, it is possible to attach a graphic in the blink of an eye to
to suit different platforms or devices.
Time saving: This animation style is based mostly on icons and typography. Their creation therefore takes much less time than character animations or the frame-by-frame animations.

Explanation of complex concepts: Motion design is particularly well suited to explain complex ideas and concepts. Playful visualization helps to increase the comprehensibility of information. Especially in the creation of explainer videos the use of motion graphics has proven its worth. It doesn’t matter if it’s an instructional video for school or an educational video for corporate communications.
Increase brand awareness: Using motion graphics can visibly increase awareness of a brand, product or company. Videos generated on the basis of motion design are made to capture the viewers’ interest.

Motion design: examples and possible applications

Due to its numerous advantages, motion design is used in many different areas nowadays. And this is always the case when the communication of information is to be improved by animated content. Motion design elements are widely used, especially in marketing.

This is the case in films and video games, among others: to animate characters, costumes or entire sets, producers often resort to elements of motion design. Moreover, modern video design is made for conveying even complex learning content in a vivid way. But motion design elements are also widely used in marketing.

Motion design for explainer videos

You can recognize a good motion graphic by the way it presents a complex issue in a precise and clear way – like this video, for example, in which Google explains the Internet of Things and how it works in a short and simple way.

For this reason, motion design is also ideally suited for the design of instructional and explanatory videos or tutorials. The dynamics of the moving shapes automatically catches the attention of your users.

Presentations and infographics

In presentations and lectures, the topics are conveyed vividly with the help of motion design or individual motion graphics. And that, without the attention of the listeners and viewers diminishing. Experienced motion designers are able to transform complex information into comprehensible graphics and images within a short period of time. It is therefore hardly surprising that motion design is also used in the creation of infographics is also applied to the creation of infographics.

Ever wondered what actually makes a good video design? At theSchool of Motion, you’ll learn what it takes to create motion graphics through workshops and online courses. Of course, it’s no coincidence that the learning platform also uses various elements from motion design in its own promotional video.

Commercials with Motion Design

The goal of motion design is to capture the attention and interest of the target audience. The potential buyers or users should be entertained, surprised and excited. Almost a piece of cake with motion graphics that are very much aimed at the viewer’s emotions. For this reason, the innovative technology is now used in numerous marketing areas.

In commercials (television commercials) and product videos. Experience shows that a product video in particular benefits from motion graphics. However, the prerequisite for this is that the video has been professionally created and the product is appropriately staged. This Porsche commercial, for example, no longer has anything in common with the worn-out advertising clips in which attractive women pose in front of fancy sports cars.

Instead, the renowned vehicle manufacturer relies here on a distinctive color scheme, perfectly coordinated motion graphics and a compelling advertising message.

Social media videos

The use of motion design elements has also proven successful on social media. For your Facebook or Instagram posts, you can use animated videos to give your texts that extra something. But you can also spice up your TikTok and YouTube videoswith the targeted use of motion design. Less is often more here, as you can see from this short – comparatively minimalist – video from Slack.

The message is as simple as it is powerful: Whether it’s a pitch or a brainstorming session – Slack is THE tool of the modern working world.

Micro Animations

You can also use Motion Design when designing your landing pages for example in the form of animated call-to-action buttons or animated illustrations. This is also referred to as “micro animations”. The content is enhanced with such animations (often called
Lottie animations
integrated) significantly loosened up and improved the user experience.

image films

A recruiting video or image film can, with an appropriate and above all appealing animation, lead to more more success in the search for employees lead. Young professionals such as Generation Z often feel more attracted by a modern video produced in this way than by a job ad.

If you use motion graphics for your next campaign, you will automatically attract and retain more viewers. At the same time, you’re communicating your information on a new level. After all, you’re conveying your brand’s message or story through a modern medium that fascinates and captivates us all in some way.

This video from “We are Playgrounds” shows how you can combine animated objects, different shapes, colors and sounds in a targeted way. With a creative mix of sound effects and animated images, the Dutch event platform is here promoting “The Art Department” festival in Berlin in 2022.

User-friendly websites thanks to motion design

Even the user-friendliness of websites can be significantly improved by the targeted use of animations. Here, for example, entire illustrations, interactive elements, menus and buttons (for example, contact buttons) can be animated. In most cases, this has a positive impact on usability, user experience (UX), and thus user engagement.

But beware: Especially with the last point, however, a bit of caution is also required. Because websites that are overloaded with motion design can deliver exactly the opposite of the desired result. On the one hand, purely technical problems can occur. This is because many motion graphics are relatively large and therefore require a lot of memory. This may slow down the page, especially in terms of loading times. From an SEO perspective, this can become a problem.

On the other hand, too many videos can also disturb and downright overwhelm the viewer. When he doesn’t know where to look anymore, he doesn’t look anywhere anymore, but seeks the distance.

The solution is that motion design is best used in conjunction with an expert in interfaces, a UX designer. Together, he and the motion designer identify the ideal amount of animation on a website, for trouble-free enjoyment.

The future of motion design

Where the journey of motion graphics will go in the future remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that it is far from over. With the advent of artificial intelligence, motion design will also become easier and more accessible for marketers.

Most certainly, motion design will become more and more common in digital applications as well. The following are examples virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). called.

The right tool: Find the right software for motion design

Want to use motion design for your online marketing, ad campaign, or social media posts? Then, as so often in life, you are spoiled for choice. You can find suitable software to produce great videos and clips at various providers.

Recommended tools are for example:

Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator:
They are virtually the basics for the production of animated representations. With this, you first create high-quality image material. It allows you, for example, to create vector illustrations, edit text windows or design layouts. These can then be animated in a further step. Using Adobe Photoshop / Illustrator requires some prior knowledge of image editing programs and can be challenging for beginners. For this we rather recommend PowToon (cf. 3rd point below).

Adobe After Effects:
This software is one of the most widely used tools for motion design and animation. The program provides you with a wide range of tools and functions. The name says it all in After Effects. Thus, the software is ideal for creating animations and visual effects.

Adobe Premiere Pro:
An optimal tool to add sound and professional video editing to your motion graphics.

PowToon: PowToon is a perfect beginner’s tool for getting started in motion design because it is easy to use. Moreover, it is a web-based application that eliminates the need for installation. With the software you can create your first motion graphics directly in the browser for free and with little effort.

Wideo: If you have no experience in creating motion graphics, this software is also a viable solution for you. The tool makes it possible to create short animated videos that are mainly suitable for social media posts.

Blender:
This is a free open source software that offers good 3D modeling, rendering and animation even for beginners. However, creating 3D models is very complex and requires some practice.

Cinema 4D:
Professionals rely on this professional 3D modeling and animation software. It is not for nothing that the program is extremely popular with many motion designers. The effects you can generate with it are just phenomenal. Above all, they convince even the most critical user with their attention to detail.

Toon Boom Harmony 22:
Another animation software with which skilled users can achieve impressive results. It is used exclusively when creating 2D animations.

Autodesk Maya:
This gives you a really comprehensive 3D modeling and animation software in your hand that is also used for motion design.

Of course, there are several other software options for implementing motion design. Ultimately, however, it always depends on what requirements you yourself place on the tool. But your goals and preferences also play an important role here.

When choosing the right software, it is important that you take enough time. Explore the different options first and then decide which one best fits your individual needs.

Conclusion: Move your audience – with motion design

All in all, animated graphics are a powerful tool powerful tool for creating dynamic and engaging audiovisual content. Thus, motion design helps businesses and organizations effectively communicate their messages and achieve their marketing goals.

If all this is too much effort for you, you can also seek professional help and support. As experienced video marketing agency we are happy to support you in creating an impressive video with motion design.
Just contact us
and arrange a free consultation.

Let's go

Are you ready to start?

Schedule a free consultation with our video experts.
Together we simplify your communication.

Dustin Bättig | CEO

Photo Credits: rizki1123, any_street_photo, izouuss, brechtcorbeel
Video Credits: BUCK, Cento Lodigiani, School of Motion, Google Cloud Tech,

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TikTok: The latest TikTok trends

Niklas Jung — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 08:03:04 +0000

With more than one billion monthly active users, TikTok is the fastest growing social media platform outside of Meta Group. Especially the young audience is one of the excessive TikTok users. However, the trend shows that not only Millennials and Generation Z, but also more and more people beyond 30 are engaging with the short films and songs.

But this is precisely what poses a real challenge for companies that want to play a role in this billion-dollar market. Because TikTok is extremely fast-moving. It’s important to recognize trends and implement them in your own videos, preferably right away.

Find out what’s going viral on TikTok in this article. We’ll also explain how you can make the most of the popular video platform for your content marketing.

The best TikTok videos: How to create a TikTok trend

There are many factors that determine whether a video becomes a trend. Usually this happens when a video is particularly entertaining, funny, touching, or unique in some other way. But a particular hashtag or challenge can also become a trend.

Influencers and celebrities on TikTok also play a role in trend development that should not be underestimated. Often, well-known faces are followed by many users, so that their product videos receive a particularly large number of views.

Of course, there is no exact formula that shows you how such a TikTok trend is created. Basically, though, the popularity of a video, just like the relevance of a hashtag or challenge, can be instrumental in creating a trend .

Discover TikTok Trends: This is how it works

If you want to discover the latest TikTok trends, you’ll first need to get really familiar with the app. This is because viral TikTok videos can be played on different pages within the app. If you are on the “wrong” page, the trends will simply rush past you unnoticed.

Another difficult thing about trends is that they are often impossible to grasp at first glance. At best, a particular topic may literally flood your feed. In this case, of course, the probability of it becoming a trend is quite high.

But luckily, you don’t have to be a trend scout on TikTok alone. Because this platform has also developed an outstandingly well-functioning algorithm for this purpose. This accurately filters out exactly what video content every user wants.

But you can also actively search for the upcoming trends yourself. You have the following options:

The “Discover” feed: On the “Discover” page, you can scroll through popular hashtags and topics as you please. You will always get a preview of the best TikTok videos within each category. You can also see how many videos are in a particular category. This can give you an initial indication of whether there may be a trend lurking. At the same time, you get an overview of what has already proven itself in the respective category.
The “For You” Feed: TikTok’s algorithm will get to know you pretty well pretty quickly. For example, it recognizes which content you are most engaged with. Accordingly, he will suggest content in the “For You” feed that he believes is important to you. That’s why the “For You” page, which is also the home page, looks different for each user. However, the focus of the algorithm is basically on current topics. Thus, the content in your feed will always give you information about current TikTok trends.
The search bar: Here, too, you have the option of actively browsing for topics. As I said, TikTok suggests topics that are “in” on the platform at the beginning. Using the search bar, you can then click on the respective topic and see what videos are available for it. If there are many and new ones are constantly being added, you’ve probably tracked down a new trend.

Hashtag pages: A hashtag whose content generates a lot of engagement is the harbinger of a trend. Track these search terms and see how they perform. A good reference point for this is TikTok’s trending hashtag page. Keep these hashtags on your radar and create a video yourself under the same hashtag. This way you can test if the algorithm works for you.
Learn from others: By following accounts of particularly popular TikTokers, you can learn a thing or two. Just look at what content the “pros” are publishing and what trends they are using. After that, you can do the same to them.
Use other social media to identify TikTok trends: A look at Facebook, Instagram or YouTube can tell you many a secret. Because even there, with a little social media practice, you can quickly see what’s trending right now. With some probability, this will then also be the case for TikTok.

Tip: You can read about what you need to consider when placing YouTube ads here.

Using TikTok trends for your own marketing: Why it's worth it

It is definitely worthwhile to get to know the latest TikTok trends and to use them profitably for your own video production.

If you manage to expose the most popular video content, you’ll reach a larger audience and thus a wider audience. That’s the reason why successful marketers mostly produce content based on current trends. Because they know exactly that their content is more likely to reach the right people that way.

Whether it’s an explainer video, an image film or a short video on TikTok: At best, your video should be aimed at people who have already been interested in similar content in the past. This not only increases the number of your viewers and followers, but also the probability of a conversion. For example, in this case, users are more inclined to buy your product or subscribe to your channel. Logically, this helps to increase brand awareness, get more engagement, and ultimately increase sales.

But finding new professionals is also relatively easy on TikTok. With a well-made recruiting video, suitable employees can be found quickly on the platform. It also ensures that you can score points with your company and brand with younger people like Generation Z. Because these days, they mostly stay on TikTok.

A well-thought-out social media strategy is based on three fundamental pillars:

Niche
Uniqueness
Authenticity

But of course it is impossible – and not even necessary – to reinvent the wheel over and over again. Why complicate things when they can be simple? Instead, you can follow the latest TikTok trends – and benefit from the work of others along the way. However, you should always stay true to your own line as well as the style of your video design. Especially on platforms like TikTok, Instagram or YouTube, it’s important to stay with yourself.

Only if your videos have a recognition value, you will also bind the users to you and your brand in the long run. For this purpose, rely on recurring elements or concise faces. For example, you can place your logo or emblem in your video or always choose the same background. This way you automatically stand out from the crowd.

Sooner or later, viewers will automatically make a connection between the video and your business. So, with a few simple means, you make sure that your brand is remembered by users. Even if the trend itself is already old news. Ideally, this way you directly draw the attention of several target groups to your product or service.

With a little luck, there’s a chance your video will go viral on TikTok. This means that your post will be liked and shared by many people. That, in turn, attracts even more people to watch – and re-share – your video.

Vlogs, challenges and more: current TikTok trends at a glance

You have never dealt with the topic before? Then you might feel overwhelmed by TikTok with its umpteen trends and challenges. That’s why we’ve picked out a few current TikTok trends for you that the whole world is really talking about right now.

All you have to do now is find the trend that best suits you and your business. And then you can start producing a video that has the potential to go viral.

TikTok trend number 1: #innerchild

Did you know that there is an “inner child” in each of us? This is a psychological concept used mainly in behavioral and trauma therapy. According to this, experts assume that the experiences people have in their (early) childhood significantly influence their thinking, feeling and acting in adulthood. Negative beliefs such as “I can’t do this” or “I’m not lovable” play an important role.

Under the hashtag #innerchild or #innerchildhealing, TikTok users around the world are showing how it is possible to get in touch with the inner child by working through their own past and challenging negative patterns of thinking and behavior. Other TikToks, however, deal with unhealthy relationship patterns.

The good news: If we consciously deal with ourselves and deliberately throw overboard obstructive beliefs, it is possible to heal our own inner child.

@janette.xzeto #ad If you've ever wanted to try online therapy, check out @betterhelp! #betterhelppartner #attachmentstyle #innerchildhealing #toxicrelationshipsbelike ♬ original sound - Janette

TikTok Trend Number 2: #TellingMeWithoutTellingMe

Most people are very fond of talking about themselves. However, this TikTok trend is not about unpacking all the details about your partnership or your job. The aim is rather to talk out of one’s own sewing box, but to be rather subtle about it. You can do this by phrasing things in a rather general and non-specific way. But if you can read between the lines, you’ll still learn a lot about you. The sympathy of the users is guaranteed.

TikTok Trend Number 3: #POV - Change of Perspective?

Take on a different point of view and step into the role of the actors in a video? The new TikTok trend makes it possible: Instead of showing the main characters from the perspective of an outsider, the creators deliberately record the video from their own point of view. The abbreviation POV stands for “point of view. This hashtag is especially popular with travel bloggers. Thanks to the unusual perspective, you can be there live when your favorite Influencers travel to the Caribbean or complete a year or semester abroad.

@sofiareise POV: Du verbringst deinen Geburtstag in der Karibik #pov #karibik #karibikurlaub #karibikfeeling #venezuela #reisen ♬ Happy Birthday - Jovanie

TikTok trend number 4. #DailyVlog

Daily vlogs, or video diaries, have been one of the most popular trends for quite some time. Originally a YouTube-only phenomenon, this trend has long since reached TikTok.

The focus here is on the everyday life of a person. For example, you can give your viewers an insight into your daily routine . Short, concise and always up-to-date on your regular TikTok postings. As a rule, the videos for this on TikTok are barely longer than 60 seconds. This, of course, forces the creator to cut the collected sequences cleverly and excitingly fast. This makes the vlog look a lot more interesting.

TikTok Trend Number 5: #TrustTheProcess

These videos show that real change cannot be expected overnight. Users film themselves achieving a very specific goal over an extended period of time. In doing so, they make it clear that change and progress always take time. This can be learning a new language or growing up your own child. But also for all those who want to play or pick up a new instrument, the principle applies: Good things take time. This trend should motivate and encourage other users. Because often it simply takes a little patience to achieve your goals. For this reason, you can also find inspirational messages and quotes under the hashtag – such as in this short TikTok video:

@positivitypixiedust trust the process, never give up #keepgoing #dailyreminder #quoteoftheday #trusttheprocess #thebestisyettocome ♬ original sound - Jesse J. Pedigo

TikTok Trend Number 6: #ExpectationVsReality

Life doesn’t always go according to plan – and that’s a good thing! Surely, small mishaps happen again and again in your everyday life or things go completely differently than planned. This TikTok trend picks up on this phenomenon in a humorous way. The result is entertaining short videos that (almost) everyone can identify with – like this TikTok video, for example, in which a traveler pokes fun at the rather fickle weather in the Dutch capital.

@roshini.ramasamy No one warns you about the wind #expectationvsreality #amsterdam #wind #foryoupage #fyp #foryou #voorjou ♬ FOLLOW US - Tik Toker

TikTok Trend Number 7: #ToxicChallenge

Sounds dangerous at first, but in reality it’s quite harmless and great fun! The trend is based on the fact that TikTok users like to share videos where they are dancing. At the Toxic Challenge is all about moving as lasciviously and smoothly as possible – just like Britney Spears in her “Toxic” video.

The amazing thing: All age groups are participating in this trend, from the digital natives of Gen Z to the inquisitive millennials and baby boomers. Also, it doesn’t matter if the person filming can dance at all. The fun is clearly in the foreground here. The marketing advantage is that dance challenges often appear in the “For You” feeds.

Identify TikTok Trends: How to get started on TikTok

TikTok offers a great way to take your business marketing to the next level. The video platform is very fast-moving and one trend chases the next.

However, caution is advised if you compulsively want to follow every new trend. This can quickly come at the expense of credibility and, in the worst case, even make the company look ridiculous. It is more important to clearly define the target group in advance. You know exactly who you want to reach with your service or product? Then it will be much easier for you to convince these people with good and, above all, authentic content.

Incidentally, TikTok itself has predicted that the following three trends are very likely to win the race in 2023:

Actionable Entertainment
Making Space for Joy (Making Space for Joy)
Ideals from the Community (Community-Built Ideals)

Still not sure how to make the most of TikTok for your marketing?

With our many years of expertise as a video marketing agency, we support you in developing an individual TikTok strategy. To do this, we first take a close look at your existing marketing strategy. Then, together, we’ll determine the next steps needed to get you up and running on TikTok in the future.

Interested? Then feel free to contact us!

Let's go

Are you ready to start?

Schedule a free consultation with our video experts.
Together we simplify your communication.

Dustin Bättig | CEO

Photo Credits: Solen Feyissa, @roshini.ramasamy, @positivitypixiedust, @sofiareise, @janette.xzeto

The post TikTok: The latest TikTok trends appeared first on Videodesign.

YouTube Ads Made Easy: A Step-by-Step Guide

Niklas Jung — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 08:37:42 +0000

For a promising online marketing strategy, it is imperative to also have a presence on the world’s largest video platform, YouTube.

For younger people in particular, YouTube has become as much a part of everyday life as breakfast or a meeting with friends. For marketers, the popular video portal is again interesting because of its enormous reach and its extensive targeting functions. This also includes, for example, the placement of YouTube ads in videos that a very specific target group gets to see .

Definition: What are YouTube Ads?

YouTube Ads are a special form of video advertising. They are advertisements that are placed in YouTube videos for a fee. Depending on the setting and ad format, the ad is then displayed to a previously defined user group.

How you can successfully place ads on YouTube and which advertising formats are useful at all, you can find out here. We’ll also show you what else you need to consider to ensure your video ad campaign gets the results you want.

The advantages of YouTube Ads - What are the advantages of video ads?

Whether it’s a product video or a professional recruiting video: Content in video format attracts attention much better than pure text content. You can take advantage of this by placing your ads on video portals. The targeted placement of YouTube ads in particular has proven its worth here.

YouTube ads give you the opportunity to get your brand out there quickly and easily. In this way, it is easy to make your products or services better known and even attract new customers.

The advantages of YouTube Ads are obvious: Especially with a limited budget, it pays off to place ads on the popular video platform.

Advantage 1: YouTube has a high reach

Since 18- to 49-year-olds watch much less TV on average than older people, classic TV advertising is only conditionally suitable for reaching young target groups. While the average age of TV viewers in 2022 is around 59, streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime are very popular with the younger generation. But as much as consumer behavior differs between the age groups:
YouTube is highly popular with both young people and the older generation.

In December 2022 alone, the number of monthly page views on YouTube was about 35 billion
.
The potential reach of the videos shown is therefore enormous. YouTube advertising is therefore highly likely to reach a broad target group. What’s more, you can decide in advance who should see your video. This way you can get the most out of your advertising campaign. Whether it’s an explainer video or a vlog: YouTube is King!

Advantage 2: Manageable advertising costs

In terms of input/output ratio, ads on YouTube are vastly superior to other advertising measures. One of the reasons for this is the billing model of the video platform: Since you are only asked to pay for in-stream ads once users have watched your ad for a certain amount of time, the wastage is significantly lower than when you run a TV ad. This results in a lower cost-per-view (CPV) compared to traditional video advertising.

Advantage 3: Target group targeting made easy!

On YouTube, you can address your product or image film to exactly the people you want to appeal to. Finally, when running YouTube Ads, you have the option to pre-define your target audience. Depending on which target group you want to reach with your YouTube Ads, you can select appropriate segments. These are user groups with certain demographic characteristics (age, gender, income, etc.) or similar interests. At the same time, you can make sure that only people who are in a certain phase of life, such as those who have already graduated or gotten married, are shown your YouTube ads. So you have full control over who sees your ad and who doesn’t.

Advantage 4: Visible results with full cost control

You can always keep an eye on the cost of your YouTube Ads. First of all, you pay only if a user watches the video with your ad for at least 30 seconds. It doesn’t get any more efficient than this!

Advantage 5: Better Google ranking - through convincing YouTube Ads

YouTube videos are also displayed in Google’s organic search results. In terms of marketing, that means your business has a presence on yet another channel. For your SEO measures, this can mean the decisive booster.

Advantage 6: More traffic on your website

With appropriate links, you direct YouTube users directly to your website. This is then also a sign for Google that your site obviously provides very relevant content. The reward: a better ranking in the results lists of Google, Bing and Co.

Advantage 7: YouTube Ads as a data source

You can evaluate all activities on your YouTube channel in detail. This way, you always have an overview of all relevant figures and KPIs. It has never been easier to record and use all important key figures at a glance.

Cons: The disadvantages of YouTube Ads

Admittedly: Given all these benefits, we won’t hide from you that ads on YouTube also bring disadvantages. However, these are often mistakes that you can avoid with the right approach.

Problem 1: Not every advertising campaign leads to success

Of course, it’s possible that your ad won’t be as effective (at first) as you’d hoped. The causes for this can be very diverse. Maybe you placed your ad at the wrong time, maybe your target audience is not a typical YouTube user. The key here is to analyze why your campaign was a flop – so you can do better next time.

Problem 2: Your target group is not sharply enough defined

Of course, it is always difficult to identify and then reach the right target group. Do you have little experience with YouTube Ads or do you not have the necessary data about your target audience? Then the display can hardly provide the expected results.

Problem 3: Fewer conversions than expected

There is also the possibility that many people click on the ad, but the conversions (for example, in the form of product purchases) fail to materialize. This is especially the case if you haven’t defined your target audience clearly enough. The result is often financial losses due to a lack of sales in the face of increased advertising expenditure.

Problem 4: YouTube Ads: Less success due to competition

The video streaming market is highly competitive. That’s why running YouTube ads is always about setting yourself apart from the competition. It is not uncommon for other companies to have more money and resources available to place ads. These are then more likely to be played and accordingly seen and clicked on more often.

Problem 5: Lack of time

Not to mention the time you have to invest in a campaign. You simply need them to manage and create your advertising campaigns. And before that, of course, you need to create the YouTube Ads themselves and shoot a corresponding video.

YouTube advertising: YouTube Ad is not equal to YouTube Ad

Before you place an ad on YouTube, you should first familiarize yourself with the common types of ads. They ultimately determine in what form and when your ad is played out to the audience in the video. The most important thing here is to distinguish between skippable and non-skippable YouTube Ads.

Skippable in-stream displays (TrueView)

Such an indicator appears before or optionally during the video (also known as “pre-roll” or “mid-roll”). This way, viewers can easily click away the ad within the first 5 seconds . The ad itself must be at least 12 seconds long, but should not exceed 3 minutes.

The advantage for you is that you only pay when the viewer:

clicked on the ad,
looks at the entire display (for displays of less than 30 seconds)
or (for longer ads) has seen at least the first 30 seconds of the video.

Skippable YouTube Ads are an effective way to significantly increase the number of your conversions. That’s because most viewers find skippable YouTube ads less annoying: About 50 percent of all users refrain from canceling skippable pre-roll ads – even though they could.

Good to know: The term “TrueView” refers to a very specific ad format in which viewers have several choices in principle. This way, the user decides for himself whether to look at the ad or rather skip it.

Non-skippable in-stream ads

Alternatively, you can run non-skippable YouTube ads. With pre-roll or mid-roll ads without a “skip” button , you ensure that viewers will definitely watch your ad to the end. You are convinced that your video is so good that you can capture the viewers’ attention for 15 seconds? Then you should definitely go for non-skippable ads. The price of such an ad depends on the number of video views.

Good to know: “Bumper Ads” are ideal for reach and awareness campaigns. They belong to the non-skippable ads and are just 6 seconds long. They are also calculated by views and can be shown as pre-roll, mid-roll or post-roll.

Video Discovery Ads

Discovery ads also belong to the so-called TrueView ads. Users have to actively click on them in order to see them at all.

In terms of format, they resemble advertisements as you know them from the Google search results page. So they are displayed next to the organic search results on YouTube, contain a thumbnail and three lines of text. If someone clicks on it, they will be automatically redirected to your YouTube channel or to a landing page.

Ads without (own) video

Generally, you can place ads not only within your videos, but also elsewhere:

Video Overlay Ads: Here, the ads float above the video content of monetized YouTube channels. Users are shown various ads before or during the video. However, YouTubers have no influence on which ads are played. 55 percent of the revenues go to YouTube itself.
Display Ads: These are banners that appear in the right sidebar. Mostly they are composed of an image, a text and a CTA (including a link).
Ads in partner videos: An ad like this is often a great way to reach and grow your audience. It is displayed only in videos from selected advertising partners.

Shopping Ads

These are special ads from the field of e-commerce, which are played only in videos that have a certain relevance.

Advertise properly on YouTube: Place your YouTube Ads in 4 steps

It’s time to launch your first campaign on YouTube. You should know that each ad will be uploaded as a “normal” YouTube video first. Only afterwards can the technical specifications be changed and adapted.

However, there is one exception: Discovery Ads deviate from this somewhat. Their maximum file size is 1 GB and they must be uploaded in AVI, ASF, Quicktime, Windows Media, MP4 or MPEG format with the video codec: H.264, MPEG-2 or MPEG-4. Your audio codec may be AAC-LC or MP3. An aspect ratio of 16:9 or 4:3 is recommended.

Step 1: Let's get started - with a "new campaign

Your video is ready, you’ve uploaded it to your YouTube channel and set it to “public”. By the way: You can also set the video to “not listed”.

Now the task is to create a “New Campaign” . Just click on the corresponding button in your Google Ads account.

Step 2: Define your campaign goal

Next, set your campaign goal . You have the choice between:

Leads: You should choose this option to get more conversions.
Sales: This campaign goal is ideal if you mainly want to increase your sales.
More traffic to the website: If you primarily want to increase traffic to your website, this option is the right one.
Brand awareness and reach: You want to reach the widest possible target group and significantly increase awareness of your products or services? Then you should also set your campaign goal accordingly.
Purchase readiness: opt for this campaign objective to motivate viewers to learn more about your products or services.

Apart from that, you also have the option to create a campaign without specific targets.

Step 3: Set campaign parameters

Based on this you can now choose a bidding strategy. Then set a budget (either per day or as a total amount. In addition, you can now decide when and where your ad should be played:

Time of publication: On which days and at which times should the ad be displayed?
Publication location: Where do you want your ad to appear?
– Everywhere on YouTube (not only in videos, but also on channel pages and the homepage),
– exclusively in the search results (Discovery)
– or within the YouTube partner network (for example, on partner websites).
Geographical coverage: In which countries do you want your ad to appear – worldwide or only in a few countries?
Language: What language does your target audience speak? For example, do you want your ad to appear only in German- or English-language videos?

Now you just need to set the “Sensitivity” settings for the brand safety policies.

Step 4: Clearly define target group

In this step, you can further narrow down your target audience, for example, using the following criteria:

Past search behavior: Use related topics and keywords to reach people who have searched for similar products in the past.
Demographic characteristics: These include, for example, age, gender, marital status and household income.
Remarketing: With this option, you ensure that your ads are seen primarily by those who have already commented on a video of yours or interacted with you in some other way. It doesn’t matter whether the interaction took place on YouTube itself, on your website, or within an app.

Last but not least, enter the link of the ad – and then click on “Create campaign”.

Best practices: How to make the advertising campaign a complete success

The success of your YouTube ad depends on how it resonates with your viewers. Here are our 4 best tips for great video ads on YouTube.

1. secure the attention of your audience - from the very first moment

Can you reach your audience emotionally or otherwise captivate them? Then that is already half the battle. Does a familiar face appear in your video? Then you are guaranteed the attention of users! Narrow image sections have also proven their worth. Some videos also benefit from a surprising, unusual choice of genre or a particularly catchy song.

2. show your product right at the beginning of the video, except ...

… you know very well that your target group is already thinking about a purchase anyway. Then show your brand, logo, or product later in the video so the viewer can engage with the story of the ad.

In all other cases, the branding should be visible in the first five seconds of the film and remain displayed throughout the ad. In this context, one also speaks of “top-funnel awareness ads”.

3. appeal to the emotions of your audience

It’s best to wrap your advertising message in an exciting, funny or captivating story. With good storytelling, you will in all likelihood have greater success than simply showcasing your products. Because if you manage to convey emotion through your ad, viewers are more inclined to watch your ad in its entirety. If you’re lucky, your story will be so well received that viewers will even identify with your brand – the best possible conditions for creating customer loyalty and increasing your sales figures.

Tip: We’ll show you here what really matters when it comes to storytelling.

4. take the spectator by the hand

If you want to generate a lot of conversions or traffic with your campaign, it’s best to set your ad as a TrueView campaign for video actions. This means that in addition to the call-to-action (CTA for short), other elements are displayed that the viewer can click on before the end of the ad.

YouTube Ads - An absolute marketing must-have

Alongside TikTok and Instagram, YouTube remains one of the most widely used video platforms in Switzerland and Europe. Because of this high reach, Google’s video service is ideal for placing targeted ads – and doing so with optimal control of advertising spend. In order to achieve the desired results with your YouTube Ads, it is important to clearly narrow down your target group in advance and create corresponding YouTube segments. This immensely increases the chances that viewers will click on your CTA.

Have more questions about creating videos or running YouTube Ads? We’ll be happy to assist you with your next advertising campaign. Feel free to contact us.

Let's go

Are you ready to start?

Schedule a free consultation with our video experts.
Together we simplify your communication.

Dustin Bättig | CEO

Photo Credits: StockSnap, Ksv_gracis, , Freepik

The post YouTube Ads Made Easy: A Step-by-Step Guide appeared first on Videodesign.

Make your own explainer video: The 8 best free tools & software

Niklas Jung — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 08:03:27 +0000

Explainer videos are a great way to present content in a simple and understandable way. They are particularly advantageous for companies because they can use this medium to more easily inform their customers and partners about news and products. The good thing about it: You can even make an explainer video yourself.

For this task, of course, you can also turn to an explainer video agency, although the professional service will cost money accordingly. In this post, you’ll learn how to make an explainer video for free and learn valuable video design skills along the way. We’ll also introduce you to the 8 most popular explainer video software.

Present simply and understandably with innovative explanatory videos

Perhaps you’ve tried to present complicated or complex content as clearly as possible. Admittedly: PowerPoint presentations quickly come across as monotonous and dry. And that’s where explainer videos come in: they score points with appealing graphics, cool animations and interactive elements.

What actually is an explainer video?

A good explainer video should do one thing above all: present topics in an appealing way and explain complex content as comprehensibly and simply as possible . Both international companies and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) use this video format to explain how products work or one of their services, for example. The video can be directed at customers and cooperation partners, but also at the company’s own employees.

Whether image film, recruiting video or product video – videos in any form are the medium of our time. They are particularly vivid and haunting. In the context of explainer video software, animations are usually used, which are already prefabricated within the tool. If you want to produce an explainer video, you don’t necessarily have to record it yourself with a camera.

Expert tip: Explainer videos are usually between 30 to 180 seconds long and some of them can be created in the explainer video software.

Strengths and advantages of explainer videos

With modern explainer videos, you illustrate your topic in a much more entertaining way than with pure text or graphics. In the process, the message stays longer in the recipient’s mind because the moving images trigger emotions.

The appealing animations and storytelling, among other things, make sure of that. With a video, you reach people through two sensory channels, sight and hearing. Recipients don’t have to rely on having to imagine the content themselves because you do it for them.

Unlike in the past, most people today are constantly online and have unlimited Internet data volume. Platforms like YouTube are ubiquitous, plus videos are easy to add to websites. The desired recipients can even view the created videos in an app, which offers additional application possibilities.

Create explainer videos yourself: DIY software tools to make explainer videos yourself

Conveniently, it is not mandatory to have the desired explainer video created. You can also make your DIY movie yourself. In this section, we’ll tell you what advantages and disadvantages you’ll face. You’ll also learn more about the costs. Then you’ll learn about 8 programs for explainer video production that are available for free or for little money.

Make explainer videos yourself: Advantages and disadvantages

Making explainer videos yourself has both advantages and disadvantages. You should know both sides before creating your own explainer video:

These are the advantages at a glance:

Cheaper than an explainer video agency
Numerous free programs are available
Those who are well acquainted with the program save a lot of time
Develop your own vision of an explainer video

Unfortunately, there are also three disadvantages:

Storytelling experience: For your explainer video to be well received, you need storytelling experience.
No individuality: With the available programs, you also have to use pre-made illustrations. Thus, you are dependent on others when it comes to style and cannot develop completely freely.
Time investment: In addition, although agency experts are more expensive, they also take the work off your hands, leaving you more time for other tasks.

The cost question: Is explainer video software free?

To make a good explainer video yourself, you don ‘t necessarily have to spend money. There are some free tools like Renderforest, but it is also available as a paid version. Free versions always offer you only a reduced range of functions. For example, you have fewer templates available or can only create a limited number of videos yourself.

So, if you spend money on your explainer video software, you will have a lot more advantages than with the free variants.

Powtoon

Already know your way around video software like Windows Movie Maker? Then Powtoon is the right tool for you, because getting started is relatively easy for the inexperienced. Powtoon already spoils you with many extras in the free version, and it is also easy to use.

Monthly price for versions with additional extras:

10 USD (Lite)
70 USD (Professional)
100 USD (Business)

Animaker

If you value beautiful animations in your videos, it’s best to try Animaker . This is because the tool provides you with some attractive templates with which you can easily make perfectly animated explainer videos yourself.

It also convinces with its easy-to-understand tutorials that help you get started with explainer video production. The paid versions are relatively inexpensive.

Monthly price for versions with additional extras:

10 USD (Basic)
19 USD (Starter)
49 USD (Pro)

Vyond

Unfortunately, the free version of Vyond is only available for 14 days, after that you have to choose one of the paid versions. However, the software is rich in features and the results can look modern and professional. One disadvantage is that the created videos have a watermark in some versions.

Monthly price for versions with additional extras:

25 USD (Essential)
54 USD (Premium)
83 USD (Professional)

simpleshow (formerly mySimpleshow)

The simpleshow tool allows you to produce an explainer video especially quickly. The videos that can be created consist of simple black and white drawings that are pulled in and out of the frame by two hands. In addition, the automated computer voice could be interesting for you, if you do not want to record texts yourself.

Monthly price for versions with additional extras:

129 EUR (Business)
499 EUR (Pro)

Biteable

Biteable doesn’t actually offer a free version, but if you’re not satisfied in the first 14 days, you get your money back. The easy handling and the numerous modern templates speak for the use of the software. Another handy extra: Biteable allows you to access Shutterstock ‘s image database. This way you can transfer the images directly into your videos, without any cumbersome download.

Monthly price for versions with additional extras:

49 USD (Pro)
99 USD (teams)

Moovly

While the template selection at Moovly is rather small, it is still sufficient for small businesses that want to make their explainer videos themselves. Thanks to the available tutorials, you’ll quickly find your way around the program and can quickly start producing explainer videos. The ease of handling is also advantageous.

Monthly price for versions with additional extras:

99 USD (Pro)
199 USD (Max)
Individual (Enterprise)

Wideo

Wideo allows you to make animated explainer videos yourself – and it’s easy and affordable. The tool is suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises. Although there is a free version, the paid versions are a recommended choice, as they are the ones that bring the interesting extras.

Monthly price for versions with additional extras:

19 USD (Basic)
39 USD (Pro)
79 USD (Pro+)

Renderforest

If you want to create free explainer videos that are no longer than a minute, Renderforest might be a perfect fit for you. For longer videos, you’ll have to use the paid versions, but they are the cheapest in this guide. In each version the produced videos contain a watermark, which you can have removed for an extra fee.

Monthly price for versions with additional extras:

9.99 EUR (Lite)
16.99 EUR (Pro)
29.99 EUR (Business)

Making explainer videos yourself - a good idea?

Especially if you have a rather small budget , it can be worthwhile to produce an explainer video on your own. With the help of modern tools and software solutions, it is now relatively easy to make an explainer video yourself with little effort and achieve passable results. However, keep in mind that individuality often falls by the wayside and you also have to make compromises in terms of quality .

Don’t have the confidence to make an explainer video yourself? Or are you looking for professional video production support? Then don’t hesitate to contact us in a timely manner!

We will be happy to help you with the realization of your video. As an experienced video marketing agency with over 4,500 realized explainer videos, we know exactly what it takes to create a compelling and engaging explainer video. Feel free to contact us for this!

Let's go

Are you ready to start?

Schedule a free consultation with our video experts.
Together we simplify your communication.

Dustin Bättig | CEO

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What is a Shoppable Video? – Shoppable Ads Definition & Tips

Niklas Jung — Fri, 03 Feb 2023 09:42:10 +0000

E-commerce has experienced a real boom, not least thanks to the pandemic. The advantages are obvious: convenient shopping from home around the clock – including free returns. One of the magic words for you as a marketer: “Shoppable Video Ads”. They offer the opportunity to inform, market and ultimately sell.

The highlight here is that the sale takes place directly on the social media platform or within the app, without the target group having to leave it. And shoppable ads are becoming increasingly popular: 31% of 2020 respondents said they had shopped directly through social media ads(up from 21% the previous year) .

Learn in the following article how you can effectively use this trend for yourself.

Definition: What is a Shoppable Video?

So-called shoppable videos are online videos that allow viewers to buy products directly from the video. This makes buttons or links within the video possible that lead the viewer to a purchase option within the social media app or platform.

The videos can serve different functions:

Increase sales: For companies, shoppable videos are a way to promote their products and increase sales. They draw the viewers’ attention to the products and simplify the purchase decision process enormously.
Image: Your own branding can also be enhanced with an image film, for example. At the same time, cleverly placed links and buttons help to generate sales.
Recruiting: Today, a recruiting video is often the tool of choice for finding skilled employees. Through this, the interested parties can directly apply for a job – one click is enough.

Shoppable Videos: Advantages for a successful social media strategy

Shoppable videos are a growing trend in e-commerce. Companies can publish the videos on various platforms such as YouTube, Instagram and Facebook or on a landing page. In addition to pure product information, customer reviews, purchase details and contact data can also be displayed as an additional service. They are currently considered one of the best ways to promote product sales and strengthen customer loyalty. And they offer a lot of other advantages:

1. a good feeling - for better sales figures

Shopping should be fun – and not degenerate into stress, create pressure or leave an uneasy feeling. Offline, this realization has already received a lot of attention. For example, in shopping centers that offer entertainment programs or special events.

Online, shoppable videos also offer viewers a high entertainment value. On the one hand, this tends to encourage people to buy the product shown directly. On the other hand, the video remains longer in the memory. Customers remember the product and are happy to buy it at a later date because of the positive impression. And that’s without having to look around at other providers first.

2. he came, saw and bought: "Instant Shopping" with Shoppable Videos

Shoppable videos allow you and your business to promote your products directly in a video.

Thanks to the call-to-action elements in the video, customers can react to the ad immediately. You do not have to leave the current website and possibly find your way around again in an online store. This reduces the bounce rate. In other words, shoppable videos close the gap between purchase intent and purchase.

Your videos can contain several products from different categories. This way you’ll be able to show several of your listings in no time.

3. innovative, expanded sales channel

Many users are now annoyed by having to click through the range of products on offer within a website or online store. They don’t want to have to search forever until they find the product they want. The bounce rate is therefore correspondingly high. Shoppable videos significantly shorten this path. Customers become aware of a product in the film and can access or purchase it immediately.

4. arouse emotions, cause a sensation ...

… and build trust. Interactive elements in the video allow you to communicate with your customers in real time. Most people feel this is a special service, which builds trust in your brand.

A well-made shoppable video appeals to viewers’ emotions through images, language and music. This allows you to present your products in a unique way. This creates an emotional bond between you and the customer.

5. faster purchase decisions and higher conversions through shoppable content

All these advantages lead to the fact that you have a huge opportunity to increase your sales with simple means. Simply by relieving your potential customers of a trip to the store – online or stationary.

Shoppable Videos: Which content format is right?

Basically, shoppable videos are produced in the conventional video format (MP4 format is widely used). You then add the interactive elements directly to the social media platform of your choice, for example on Instagram or YouTube. Interactivity allows viewers to respond directly to the video. Such elements can be, for example, a shopping cart button or a link to your online store.

The following options are available for the formats:

Shoppable product video

The name says it all: The Shoppable product video is all about the products. These are shown in the video or are related in some way to the plot of the video. For example, a Shoppable product video may contain links to the clothing worn by the actors in the video. Or even to electronic devices or vehicles that can be seen in the video.

Galaxus applies this type of storytelling with a dash of humor:

The idea behind Shoppable product videos is to present various products in an entertaining way and “in action”. Once interest is aroused, the integrated link enables an uncomplicated purchase.

Unboxing videos and product reviews

In these videos, a product is unpacked and presented in front of a running camera. Viewers can go directly to the product shown and buy it.

Product reviews work much like an unboxing video. However, the products are tested and evaluated directly here. If liked, viewers can then buy the product directly again via a call-to-action button.

Lookbook videos

Often used by influencers, these videos showcase outfits and how to combine them. Usually, not only the actual product gets the desired attention. The lookbook videos additionally point to similar garments, which the viewer can again buy directly with a click.

Shoppable storytelling video

In the Shoppable Storytelling video – to put it simply – a story is told.
a story is told
. At the same time, the viewer again has the opportunity to buy the products shown or mentioned directly by clicking on them.

Such videos are particularly popular on social media. Because the emotional aspect plays a big role here anyway. If the storytelling hits the right nerve, users share it diligently and even more potential customers can be reached. Perfect for promoting products and selling them at the same time.

How-to videos

Here is an explainer video with concrete instructions, how to handle, use or do certain things. No matter whether tools, cleaning agents, handicraft instructions or electrical items: Viewers learn how to handle a product correctly. This offers them a significant added valuethat they henceforth associate with the brand or the company. Those who feel well advised are more willing to click on a placed link and buy offered products.

Shoppable Stories

Instead of just placing individual ads, here is an entire Instagram story “shoppable“. This means that the products depicted in the photos can be shopped directly within Instagram with just a single click.

Runway videos

From the catwalk straight into the shopping cart – that’s the motto for the “Shoppable Runway Videos”. With this interactive fashion show users are presented with the latest fashion. One click on a hotspot in the video is enough to purchase the item directly. But there are also catwalk videos in which instead the most important key data for the articles shown are displayed.

Shoppable livestreams

With this virtual sales event, marketers or influencers present products in real time. Live shopping is particularly popular with younger viewers.

Shoppable Ads

With the Shoppable Ad, users are also enabled to buy products directly from the ad. However, this is designed as a classic ad, so images are predominantly used instead of videos.

As with Shoppable Videos, the Shoppable Ad also contains advanced links or buttons. When users click on them, they are taken directly to a purchase option for the product. Shoppable Ads are becoming more and more common on social media: Meanwhile, shoppable ads are not only found on Google. Instead, there are also more and more Shoppable Ads on other social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. The number of these ads has been growing steadily for years.

Shoppable Ads on Instagram and Facebook:

According to omr.com, in 2019 about 70 percent of users in the U.S. alone used Instagram to search for new products . The platform owner has taken advantage of this. With the help of a special checkout function, it is possible to make in-app purchases without having to leave the app. The Dutch fashion brand MR MARVIS impressively shows how you can secure the attention of Instagram users with quick image sequences. On Facebook, advertising that can be clicked on directly has long been commonplace. For example, the company “About You” has added location to its advertisements in order to market its products regionally. In addition, Facebook is increasingly relying on live stream shopping videos, where viewers can watch a promotional video and ask questions in parallel.

Shoppable Ads on TikTok:

The Meta Group has shown how it’s done – and TikTok is following suit. The popular short video platform TikTok has apparently been inspired by the success of free ads. Thanks to a cooperation with Shopify, you can now easily place your product links on the “For You Page”, i.e. in the organic feed of the page. Another feature: At the same time, additional functions such as a campaign tool or a video generator are available to you.

Shoppable Ads on Google:

In e-commerce, Google is and remains the advertising platform par excellence. The search engine group has therefore also recently introduced a number of new advertising products in the search sector. These include, for example, personalized ads based on merchants’ product feeds. Since Google Image Search is also frequently used to search for products, Google has also been relying on shoppable ads in its own image search since 2019 with “Google Shopping“, similar to Pinterest or Instagram. For example, if you Google “interior design ideas,” you’ll first see ads for living room landscapes from MYCS or Home24.

Shoppable Ads on YouTube (TrueView for Shopping):

Video ads in which it is possible to insert links of the respective products have existed on YouTube for a long time. Marketers have been able to place ads in this way since 2015 – and thus increase awareness of their own brand. It is a combination of classic YouTube ad and the old familiar Google Shopping ads. Here, too, a certain local reference has proven its worth. For example, the TrueView ads of the Petman brand are aimed at dog owners throughout Germany. However, users are shown the address of a different Fressnapf store depending on their location. Since 2022, there has also been an innovation: In addition to a clickable shopping feed, in some countries it is already possible to link products directly within a video.

How to: How to produce a shoppable promotional video

So you see, a shoppable video is an excellent way to engage and excite users. Here are some tips and best practices to help you produce a successful interactive shoppable promotional video:

Set clear goals: Before you start producing your video, you should set clear goals that you want to achieve. This can be attention for a new product or even more sales.
Choose the right format: you know there are many ways you can produce an interactive video. Now choose the format that best fits your goal – and your audience. This can be, for example, a quiz that users have to answer. The various ways in which the action continues in the video are also appealing. Here, users should be able to decide which way the video goes and how the product is configured.
Keep the video short and crisp: users usually have a limited attention span. That’s why you should keep your video as short as possible. Try to cut it to under two minutes in length and stick to the main points.
Make it exciting: shoppable videos are an excellent way to keep users engaged. Use this opportunity by making the video exciting and entertaining. Use good music, use punchlines in your storyline, and convey important information in an entertaining way.
Don’t show too many products: Even though it is generally beneficial to promote more than one product: Limit yourself to a maximum of three products. So your viewers don’t feel crowded and you don’t come across like a digital bazaar. Also, don’t offer too many options that could lead to confusion.
Make it big: Make sure to post your products in full screen size. Experience shows that you get the best interaction rates this way.
Give the audience time: not everyone immediately grasps the meaning of a message. The parts that are meant for interaction are therefore best left to run for three to four seconds. All without anything else happening. This gives users the opportunity to let what is presented sink in. Still, they have to act fast enough before the video continues.
Use a crystal clear CTA (call-to-action): Of course your products are important. However, it is at least as important to use only one concrete call-to-action in the entire video. You will see that the conversation rate increases noticeably as a result.
Make sure the video works well: Before you publish your video, make sure it works well. Test the movie on different devices and browsers to make sure it will be a real pleasure for all users.
Don’t forget about mobile optimization: nowadays, most videos are watched on mobile devices. So you should optimize the video accordingly. So you should make sure that the videos (also) display well in portrait format. For the best possible display on the smartphone or tablet, a portrait aspect ratio (9:16) is ideal. Also, when it comes to the arrangement of individual elements and image composition, you should keep in mind that video content is nowadays preferably consumed on mobile devices.

Shoppable Ads and Shoppable Videos: A forward-looking form of online marketing

It’s hard to imagine marketing without shoppable videos. Its interactive and user-oriented nature makes it the top video format for e-commerce.

The technology makes it easier for any business to produce and place low-cost yet effective shoppable videos. With a little know-how and the right tools, remarkable increases in sales are possible.

Don’t have the time and know-how to produce your own Shoppable videos? Then get in touch with us right away.

Let's go

Are you ready to start?

Schedule a free consultation with our video experts.
Together we simplify your communication.

Dustin Bättig | CEO

Photo Credits: Igor Miske , dole777

The post What is a Shoppable Video? – Shoppable Ads Definition & Tips appeared first on Videodesign.

Interactive videos: The comprehensive guide with examples

Niklas Jung — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 14:10:22 +0000

A successful interactive video, whether it’s an image film, commercial or explainer video, captivates viewers within the first few seconds. Good storytelling, interesting content and exciting, unusual perspectives. These are the ingredients that will excite the target audience from the very beginning and motivate them to watch the entire video. In addition, an innovative video design that also makes use of interactive elements goes down very well with the younger generation in particular.

Interactive videos encourage viewers to actively shape the video event instead of just passively watching. Impressive 360-degree scenes, various selection and playback options guarantee that interested viewers are happy to stay involved. As if by magic, you also increase the interest in your company and your brand. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about interactive videos.

What actually is an interactive video?

Interactive videos are movies that actively engage viewers and prompt them to take certain actions. With these interactions, a 2-way communication is created, resulting in a positive, lasting learning effect.

The technology for video formats in which elements can be clicked is actually not new:

Interactive menus: Remember when you used to watch DVDs (quite a few years ago)? Then the interactive selection menus should look familiar to you. While you can select the individual chapters, a short preview of the respective scene appears in the background. This is nothing more than an interactive video. Nowadays, interactive infographics and hidden object images are popular communication forms of interactive videos in the corporate context.
Video-based PC games: FMV (Full Motion Video) Games” such as Gabriel Knight, Contradiction or Late Shift also work on the same principle. Here you can usually choose between several options and thus significantly influence the plot of the game.
Websites: Interactive videos can now also be embedded in websites. However, this requires mandatory knowledge of HTML5, the fifth version of the proven Hypertext Markup Language. Alternatively, you can also use YouTube or Vimeo to implement interactive videos and embed them practically in your website.
streaming providers: But various streaming services have also discovered this trend for themselves. A very successful example was the Netflix production “Blackmirror Bandersnatch,” which allowed viewers to have a say in the film’s plot and was a huge success.

In short, any video where you have a say in what content you get to see is an interactive video. There are no limits to your imagination. Whether it’s an interactive explainer video, e-learning video, or commercial – and the extent to which you let your viewers interact with the video – is entirely up to you:

Tour: You want to show your customers your company site or production facility? How about an interactive 3D tour, for example?
Employer Branding: Are you looking for qualified employees? Create an interactive recruiting video and have candidates solve problems or answer questions.
Product demo: You want to show the different application possibilities of your product without making your video too long? An interactive product video gives your target audience the opportunity to access the desired content themselves.

Interactive videos: An overview of the different types

Interactive 360 degree videos

This modern video design is perfect if you want to depict complex storylines, landscapes, buildings or social situations in great detail. Through the targeted incorporation of interactive elements, viewers have the opportunity to repeatedly discover new details from unexpected angles. In the middle of things instead of just being there – that’s the motto of interactive 3D videos. Lipton, for example, offers a completely new perspective: to advertise its matcha tea, the tea producer lets its viewers dip into a tea cup.

Multiple Choice Videos

Want to find out if a person meets all the qualifications for a particular job? Or you want to impart knowledge to your target audience on a specific topic or seek feedback? In this case, interactive video formats that allow viewers to answer questions are the way to go. A pleasant side effect is that people who receive the result of a test or questionnaire only at the very end are more inclined to stick with it.

Interactive explainer videos

With interactive explanatory videos, you get the viewer to actively participate in the learning process. For example, by presenting a selection of possible topics in the video, viewers can choose the learning content that interests them most. Studies show that interactivity positively influences learning readiness and the anchoring of learned content in long-term memory:

“One of the things we were able to show with our study is that the interactions within the interactive explainer film have an impact on the subjects’ interest in the topic and also lead to a greater increase in knowledge than media without interactions.”

Professor Peter Vorderer, Professor of Media and Communication Studies from the Institute for Media and Communication Research at the University of Mannheim, Study on Interactive Explainer Videos.

An example of an interactive explainer video can be found here: Smarthome explainer video

Different layers

Commercials and short films in particular like to experiment with this format. A slider above the video allows viewers to select which level of action in the video they want to see. For example, in a product video you can show the everyday life of a person once without and once with your product. The whole thing is too theoretical for you? Then take a look at the video for the song “Know No Better” by Major Lazor. Here you can switch between the dream world and reality at will via a small icon.

Interactive catalogs

The trend is away from printed catalogs and towards interactive formats: Trying on clothes virtually, exploring living landscapes interactively, or going in search of a new sliding door like in this video from LaCANTINA. Modern technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) make it possible.

An “online catalog” with diverse selection options goes down much better with younger people in particular than a regular online store. Interactive shopping combines on-site shopping with online shopping on the sofa at home. Especially if you’re targeting teens or 20- to 30-year-olds, you should give interactive catalogs a chance.

Interactive image films

What could be better than showing a company from different angles? In an image film you can combine many interactive elements and link detailed information with different video sequences. This is how you strengthen your branding as an innovative and future-oriented company.

Custom video formats

Interactive technologies can be constantly reinvented, extended and reprogrammed. Whatever you can imagine is probably feasible in some form with interactive video and clip formats. The following commercial is particularly creative, where the influencer LaurDIY uses her reach to advertise a notebook from Lenovo. Viewers can click here to decide how the popular YouTuber’s day should go in concrete terms – all directly on YouTube.

The core of all interactive video formats is the different operable elements. In the following, we will go into more detail about the noteworthy interactive elements.

Interactive elements in videos: Effect and application examples

From a marketing point of view, interactive content fulfills one function above all: a well-made interactive video should improve the duration of viewing (viewtime) and make it easier to absorb the content. In addition, the goal is for visitors to associate only positive emotions with the brand.

For example, a gamified recruiting tool may not be well received by everyone. However, it is an excellent way to get a feel for the applicants in a setting that is as realistic as possible. Apart from that, they gain their first insights into the way your company thinks and works.

But that’s not all: Depending on the area of application, you can use other interactive formats for the production of your video.

Here are a few examples to inspire you with possible ways of implementing interactive videos:

Effective all-round view through 360-degree perspective

An interactive 360-degree video is the optimal format to offer the target audience a better understanding of your product. This way, with the help of an interactive 360-degree video, many consumer questions can be clarified at once. In this interactive video, interested parties can, for example, virtually visit the Holiday Inn Express hotel to directly convince themselves of the offer.

But National Geographic and the BBC also use this format to fulfill their mission as knowledge-giving media in a modern world. So BBC produced a video where you can learn interesting facts about a total solar eclipse using 360-degree perspective.

360 degree videos can also be a powerful marketing tool. This way you can offer your customers insights into your production facilities, almost as if they were on site themselves. What does a print shop look like? How does the filling of food into cans or jars work? What is the atmosphere like on a construction site? Such videos, as long as no animated elements are used, are relatively easy to shoot and upload to many video platforms. This makes them particularly user-friendly and more or less barrier-free: Anyone who can move a smartphone in a circle or drag the cursor left and right can participate.

Recruiting videos: Gamification instead of classic job advertisement

Appealing to applicants through games: Gamification is the term marketing experts use to describe the creation of content that conveys information in a playful way or encourages people to participate. At the same time, colorful buttons and voiceovers provide a sense of achievement in the meantime.

Such tools are also being used more and more frequently in the field of recruiting. They are intended to bring some momentum into the application process and at the same time query the necessary skills of the applicants. Time and again, software companies use recruiting games, for example. In this case, the companies only invite those to an interview who can achieve top scores here. What this can look like? Deloitte shows how it’s done with the following example of an interactive recruiting video.

So, as you can see, there are many ways to incorporate targeted elements that encourage active participation here as well. From quizzes and multiple-choice questions to a digital assessment center , other video formats come into question depending on the company.

Interactive explainer & tutorial videos: Conveying information through interactive clips

What knowledge about your company, your industry and your products would you like to pass on to your customers? An interactive video with statistics, animated displays and videos of operations can convey important information. It is particularly important for an educational video that contexts are simplified and well illustrated. In its documentary on the “seven deadly digital sins,” The Guardian shows very impressively the potential that interactive videos hold in the area of knowledge transfer.

Museums around the world have been using this technology for a long time. Using a touchscreen, you can click on the content that particularly interests you. The “Europa Experience” in Berlin offers an impressive example of this. For example, you can take a seat in the European Parliament Info Center.

Product demos: Interactive product demonstrations

Often, interactive videos work both with and without the use of VR technology. With the Tit Brush app, users can be artistically active within the framework of a 3D simulation and slip into the role of various artists, whether with or without VR glasses.

As you can see, interactive elements are ideal for showing your customers how your product works in practice.

Interactive greeting cards and greeting messages

The interactive greeting card, a successor to the e-cards popular in the early 2000s, is a good example of how the technological advancement of interactive video is not only exciting younger consumers. Personalized greeting videos on YouTube wishing consumers a happy day, evening or birthday are all the rage. They are shared via WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, for example.

Thanks to deceptively real AI voices, such video messages can now be created with even less time. And: Most people are happy when the CEO of a company personally wishes them Merry Christmas. Or when the cow on the alpine pasture of a well-known chocolate manufacturer bears its name in its fur.

The advantages of interactive videos

So you see, no two interactive videos are the same. Nevertheless, the use of interactive elements offers numerous benefits – completely independent of the content or format of the video. We will now highlight the most important advantages in detail.

Sharing and viral potential

For one thing, once video content is created, it’s very easy to get it out to people. You can reach your target group via e-mail, Messenger or in the form of a QR code on print advertising without any additional effort. The content can then be conveniently accessed, both via laptop and on a tablet or smartphone.

Is the implemented idea of an interactive video good and does it hit the message resp. the storytelling the zeitgeist, the chances for a high achievable reach compared to a “normal” video should also increase.

A sense of achievement through actions and detailed evaluations

With interactive video, there’s a 2-way communication that you don’t have with regular video. This means that your customers or interested users must perform a certain action, which in turn has consequences. This not only gives them contact with you and your company, but also an immediate sense of achievement. Those who take part in a quiz and receive a discount voucher for it are happy to accept the time investment.

You, on the other hand, receive data through the use of the interactive video, which you can then evaluate: Which content was viewed particularly often, how long did customers watch the video? Which information led to further clicks, which led to the video being cancelled? How many people have viewed your video and how many applications have come in as a result? Interactive content thus gives you an important insight into customer behavior. This knowledge will in turn benefit you in your next marketing campaign.

Improve knowledge absorption & retention

According to the study by the Institute for Media and Communication Research at the University of Mannheim, interactive videos increase dwell time and improve viewers’ knowledge absorption.

The study showed a large increase in interest of the topic covered in the interactive video. It also demonstrated a 22% increase in knowledge over a normal video covering the same topic.

Trendsetting technology

Last but not least, interactive videos are a forward-looking technology. Interactive content is particularly easy and intuitive to use on mobile devices with touchscreens.

Nowadays, even young children learn how gamified content can provide fun and games through interactive learning games on mobile devices. So it makes sense to also design advertising materials interactively.

DIY: What do you need to create interactive videos?

The production of interactive videos is a complex process. The following aspects should not be ignored.

Thoughtful concept: At the beginning of every video is an idea: think about what the goal of the video is and how you want to create interaction.
Equipment: To be able to record a video, an appropriate video camera is required. This can also be a good cell phone camera. If you want to create an animated video, there is handy software to make explainer videos yourself.
Video editing software: With this you can cut, edit and add effects to the video. Either you use a program on your PC / MAC (e.g. Adobe Premier Pro, Windows Movie Maker or iMovie) or an online program like Canva.
A platform for publishing: To show your video, upload it to YouTube, Vimeo, Wistia or another video platform. In parallel, it’s worth placing the video on your website as well.
Optional tools: There are many tools and services that can help you create interactive videos. For example, you’ll have templates for quizzes, tools for integrating social media features, and optimization tools.

Despite all of this, creating interactive video is a major challenge for more than a few marketers. Because a distinct disadvantage of interactive video formats is that they are difficult to create on your own.

Create interactive video: How it works in practice

Thanks to high-resolution smartphone cameras, it’s now easier than ever to film engaging content in the highest quality. But to create interactive video formats, you usually need the support of experts.

An interactive video and e-learning agency can also provide you with a tool to analyze the collected data. You can also use the statistics provided by YouTube for this purpose. But especially if you want to get to know your customers better, a professional agency is the right place to go.

Prices: How much does interactive video production cost?

Interactive video spots and advertising clips are a relatively cost-intensive advertising medium. The prices for explainer videos, image films or short films for marketing purposes depend heavily on how long and extensive the project is. Among other things, the decisive factor is:

whether it is necessary to hire extra actors (fees),
where the filming will take place (location / filming permits),
whether the video should contain dynamic animations (motion design),
if animations are to be created as 2D illustrations or 3D visualizations
or how many interaction options you want to offer your customers.

An inexpensive entry point into the interactive variety is 360-degree videos and multiple-choice quizzes. But again, the scope of the video project will determine what budget you need to plan with. We will be happy to advise you on this individually according to your current situation.

Interactive videos: Tomorrow's video marketing is interactive

Whether it’s breathtaking 360-degree perspectives, interactive e-learning, recruiting videos or hands-on product videos: Instead of simple promotional videos, more and more companies are turning to interactivity. This in turn provides an immediate sense of achievement and gives you the opportunity to generate important data and thereby gain information and insights. The 2-way communication leads to a higher engagement and a sustainable learning effect, which you can use optimally for your company.

Still have questions about interactive videos? Do not hesitate to contact us. Our team will be happy to assist you with advice and support.

Let's go

Are you ready to start?

Schedule a free consultation with our video experts.
Together we simplify your communication.

Dustin Bättig | CEO

Photo Credits: TheRegisti, Deloitte, LaCANTINA, Major Lazor

The post Interactive videos: The comprehensive guide with examples appeared first on Videodesign.