The world of online marketing is constantly evolving, thanks primarily to innovation and the popularization of new media and techniques. This year, video has emerged as the single most effective commercial marketing tool, with U.S. citizens alone watching an estimated 1.2 billion advertisements online every single day. With the number of online video users expected to double to a staggering 1.2 billion by 2016, businesses are increasingly keen to reach out to this burgeoning and motivated audience.
While the creation of audio-visual video content was once a costly exercise, online marketers can now access a wide selection of freely available resources. Consider the following tools as you look to create your video.
Masher
The tools that you use to create your video will depend primarily on the nature of the content, but for anyone looking to combine a number of individual clips, Masher is the ideal application. It boasts a large collection of succinct video clips and a diverse music library, making it easy for marketers to quickly develop an effective audio-visual product. It even allows you to add your own content and clips, while text can be inserted through videos to optimize their impact.
Animoto
New York based Animoto is another free video creation tool. It is based on cinematic artificial intelligence. This cloud-based platform makes it possible for users to quickly create videos using still images, audio tracks and text, while slide-show presentations can also be transformed into audio-visual content. The only issue is that this free software only allows users to create 30 second videos, although this is the average length of promotional and marketing content in the UK.
Memoov
Another freely accessible tool, Memoov is a service that allows you to create animated videos. Not only is it cloud-based and suitable for individuals with minimal multimedia experience, but it also enables users to develop five minute videos that can be used for marketing or educational purposes. With a host of existing images, characters and pre-recorded dialogue, Memoov makes it easy to bring a fundamental marketing vision into life.
Stupeflix
Stupeflix is similar to Masher, in that it is ideal for users who wish to create a video montage that incorporates linked or random clips. There are one or two significant differences, as Stupeflix allows you to drag and drop your favorite images into a predetermined sequence, while it is also far easier to add text that enhances the quality of your video. The only downside is that you have to add your own audio files, as the software only features a single default track.
Photo Peach
If your aim is to create an audio slide-show rather than a video, then Photo Peach may be the ideal application for you. It is unique in that users can develop content from images held in their social media accounts, including Flickr, Picassa and Facebook. Carefully selected images from your computer’s hard-drive can also be selected, while the technology also features more intuitive caption and text functionality. It is also easy to determine a favored sequence on Photo Peach, especially in comparison with the more heralded Animoto.
Izzy Video
This is a slightly different resource in terms of its orientation, but it is also one that has great value among novice marketers and directors. It essentially delivers free to access and cutting edge tutorials on the art of creating audio-visual content, from promotional adverts to full-length films and video clips. Including expert guidance for individuals who wish to create videos using their iPhone or tablet, Izzy Video is a must have tool for inexperienced creatives.
WeVideo
In terms of freely accessible and collaborative tools, WeVideo remains the standard bearer. By allowing users to upload their own media or borrow heavily from an extensive library, it opens the boundaries of possibility and enables them to follow their creative goals. The video editor tool also provides you with the capacity to modify the sound of individual elements of your footage, which is particularly important if you intend to use music or narrative. On another note, every video that you create can be saved in your Google Drive account, making them easily accessible through the Cloud.
GoAnimate
Perhaps one of the most underrated resources is the excellent GoAnimate, which is free to access and allows users to create simple videos within a matter of minutes. Featuring step by step guidance and easy to utilize tools, GoAnimate ensures that the process of uploading images and creating a functional sequence can be completed in little more than a few clicks. While GoAnimate allows for less flexibility and creative thinking than other resources, it is ideal for marketers who are either novices or looking to develop a number of small, simple videos.
The Bottom Line
With video and audio-visual media now dominating the online marketing space, it is increasingly important that you look to promote your business through this medium. By accessing these free and easy-to-use tools, it is possible to create one or a series of videos that are capable of engaging an audience and motivating them to find out more about your venture.
