There are many types of videos and many ways to categorize them. Here, we discuss videos from video banks. What are they? When and how to use them? What do we need to know before we start?
Video capsule from video banks: definition and function
Video banks work have the same basic principle as image banks. They are search engines that allow you to find footage by using keywords. Hundreds of videos appear and we have to go through the list to select a sequence that meets our expectations. This can be time-consuming and keyword-extending. Basically, the sequences found are sometimes too stereotyped (e.g. “mental health” will bring very emotionally charged sequences, whereas this is not necessarily what we want). There are many video banks: Shutterstock, Istockphoto, Adobe Spark are some examples.
Concrete example of a video from video banks
The following video is about the report submitted by Rémi Quirion on the Quebec university of the future in spring 2020. The first step was the scripting, which we’ll talk about below in the tips. The opening scene in the video was found using the keyword “Quebec”. The next scene was found using the keyword “university”. An editing program can then be used to order the sequences and ensure smooth transitions between them. Text must then be added as well as suitable music or a voice-over.
Advantages of video banks
- The number of clips available (usually several hundred per keyword) makes each video quite unique.
- The cost of purchasing footage is often less than having a videographer shoot it.
- The research team does not need to appear on screen (although you can mix formats with and without filming).
- It is easy to find videos of high artistic quality.
Disadvantages of video banks
- The search for footage can be very time consuming.
- Sometimes there is no footage that meets our needs (in this case, other solutions must be considered, such as photos or filming).
- The selected sequences can be found in other people’s creations (they are not exclusive to you).
- Ce type de vidéo peut manquer de personnalisation. This type of video may lack personalization. Filming the research team behind a message can increase the reach of the video.
Websites that allow making this type of video
There are many websites that allow you to make videos without shooting. The choice depends on the level of knowledge of your team, the type of video you want (animated, live action, whiteboard, etc.), and your budget. This comprehensive blog post lists 18 possible options with their advantages, disadvantages, as well as concrete examples of creation.
5 tips before you start
- Invest time: One of the most common mistakes is to think that this type of video can be done quickly thanks to the template options offered by these sites. Our team’s experience is that one minute of video takes between 10 and 14 hours of work.
- Work on the scripting before touching any software: the scripting is the master piece of your video. Scripting is the detailed timeline of what the video will contain, in words as well as in visual and audio elements. Don’t open an application or website without an advanced version of your script, even if you are tempted!
- Start by asking yourself about your objectives, key messages and target audiences. Ideally, this information should appear at the top of the script document. Read it regularly as you prepare the script and come back to it as often as necessary, for example when you are unsure about incorporating an element. Then ask yourself – “does this element really relate to my key message or target audience?”
- The shorter the better: video is one of the Internet users’ favorite communication formats, certainly. However, it is important to make the script – and therefore the video – as short as possible. Avoid exceeding 5 minutes, unless you have no other options. Videos that are too long can negatively affect the engagement rates of the video. Engagement, in this sense, is defined by audience interactions and responses on social networks and, more generally, on the web. How many people shared or commented on your video? How many people watched it to the end?
- Right from the beginning, think about the means of distribution: which people or partners in your networks could promote it? Do you want to use paid advertising? Do you have the budget to do so? Are there influencers in your sector who could broadcast it on their networks or websites?
If you are interested in making a video from video banks for your research project and you are short on time, we are here for that! Contact us now for more information.
