Record, trim, share. No, wait, that’s not right! Creating high-quality explainer videos requires much more than just the basics.
While every video editing software has its own set of features, there are some that you may not know you needed for making explainer videos.
Here’s a rundown of lesser-known features in video editing software that will help take your explainer videos to the next level.
For additional tips and best practices in explainer video creation, check out the comprehensive guide at https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/explainer-videos.
1. Advanced Audio Synchronization
While most video editors let you edit video and adjust audio, audio sync goes a step further. Such features can automatically sync voiceovers with on-screen actions or background music, which is particularly valuable in explainer videos where timing is key.
Imagine narrating a tutorial or explaining a concept, and the visuals adjust seamlessly to match your words.
2. Built-in Screen Recording
Explainer videos serve educative and demonstrational purposes and having a tool inside your video editing software to record your screen can’t be beaten.
Rather than using a third-party screen recording software and then importing the footage, you just record and edit right away. A time saver, right?
3. Text-to-Speech Integration
High-quality voiceovers can be expensive and definitely time-consuming. While you can record your own voice, there is an even quicker alternative available in some video editing software and online video generators.
With text-to-speech integration, you can simply type out your script and the program will generate and speak the lines for you. Though it may not always come out as natural as a human voice, it can still be professional enough for your explainer videos.
4. AI-Powered Video Summaries
Did a 1-hour live webinar that you want to turn into an explainer video? Summarize it first. And you don’t have to do that manually. Let AI handle it.
Apart from standard AI features for video editing like background removal or auto color correction, some tools utilize artificial intelligence to analyze your footage and create a condensed version, highlighting the key points of your content.
5. Interactive Hotspots and Links
If you’ve ever wanted viewers to interact more directly with you through explainer videos, this thing is the one. Interactive hotspots allow you to insert clickable areas when you edit a video, guiding viewers to other resources, websites, or contact pages without interrupting the video flow.
These hotspots are especially valuable in explainer videos, where you might want to direct viewers to sign up for a product, download an app, or access additional information. It adds a layer of engagement, transforming your video from a passive experience into an active, user-driven journey.
6. Customizable Subtitles and Closed Captioning
Accessibility is a must-have feature for all content creators, as people watch videos in various environments and with different needs. If you can’t listen to the audio, subtitles ensure viewers don’t miss out on any crucial information.
Some video editing software allows you to add customizable subtitles (with fonts, sizes, color, etc.). And there is also a popular auto subtitles feature that generates text based on the language used in the audio.
7. Motion Tracking for Dynamic Elements
Motion tracking is an advanced feature that makes on-screen elements follow the movement of a particular subject, like a mouse pointer or a hand. This tool is particularly effective for keeping viewers’ eyes on key elements as they move across the screen.
For instance, if you’re guiding users through a software tutorial, you can use it to make instructions or arrows follow your cursor.
8. Custom Templates and Presets
Many video editing platforms now offer templates and presets specifically designed for explainer videos. Custom templates simplify the editing process by providing pre-designed frameworks that align with common explainer styles.
Presets often include commonly used animations, transitions, and titles, making it easy to apply consistent effects across various sections of your explainer video. If you’re producing content regularly, templates and presets can be indispensable for streamlining your workflow.
9. Collaboration and Cloud Storage
A team should always be able to work in tandem on a single project and store all its files in one place. Cloud storage makes it possible, and some video editing software providers go even further with collaboration features.
For example, you can leave comments for team members within the program, share project files like a Google Doc, or assign different roles with different levels of access. It’s valuable for remote teams that create explainer videos together.
Conclusion
You may have already been familiar with some of these features, but hopefully, this list has introduced you to some new and valuable tools for creating explainer videos.
Remember that not every feature is necessary for every project. And it’s always good to use a combination of techniques to create compelling content.
If the video editing software you use doesn’t have all of these features, don’t worry. First try other methods to achieve the same result, and if it’s still not possible, you can always explore any different video editor.
