Text can be a strong tool in video and film production, from simple text frames to elegant animations. However, just because something seems bright doesn’t always imply it’s required (or even best) for the demands of your project.
According to a recent survey, 85% of Facebook videos are watched without audio. Many of us watch videos when we’re in the car or at work. Video subtitles also assist those with hearing impairments in comprehending a video.
Text is highly important in most of these videos since it helps the viewer establish the correct context.
The simplest way to achieve this is to use high-quality video editing software with the best hashtag templates and other elements that can enhance the professional look of your film.
Why include text in a video?
Video works effectively as an instructional platform since everything your audience must see is right there on the screen. You can practically showcase your knowledge. But why would you want to include text?
There are several reasons for adding text in your videos; here, we shared a few scenarios to demonstrate the importance of texts on videos:
- Show the title of your video.
- Determine what or who is on the screen.
- Give additional information about what viewers perceive.
- Call attention to a detail that might otherwise be unnoticed.
- Showcase a set of steps
To be clear, we are talking about adding dynamic text to a video.
You might add a static photo of text to the screen, but it’s far simpler and fast to do it in your video editing software. What you have to do is, use a good video editing software and create your videos.
5 things to consider while adding text to a video
Take a look at the five most essential things to keep in mind when determining whether or not to use text in your videos and how to guarantee that your text effectively conveys your message to your viewers.
1. Size of text on the video
Let’s begin with one of the most important (or slightest) elements of words on your screen. The scale of your content is an essential factor to consider.
If it’s too small, people won’t be able to read it; if it’s too large, it may interfere with other information. Yes, you may eye the screen, but you must first comprehend where and how people will watch your movie to make sound decisions.
Text on a large theatre screen is not the same as the text on a thumbnail preview on Facebook and viewed on a mobile device. The easiest method to fully eyeball text is developing a prototype and examining it on every streaming platform you’re considering.
2. Choice of fonts
Along with size, selecting a font to apply is an important choice when dealing with text in a film. Fonts come in various shapes and styles, some of which are more clear and simple, while others are more artistic and abstract. When selecting a font, think about how you’ll use it, the tonality of your project, and (most importantly) readability. Serif and san-serif fonts, as well as words like leading and kerning, are crucial considerations.
3. Be conscious about the backgrounds
When dealing with text in the video, ensure it isn’t blocking the image behind it unless you’re putting this over the header or black screens.
Bottom thirds or captions at the bottom of the screen may appear safe for a single shot, but if your characters move or your shots vary, they might conceal critical visual information. You must never add text to a film without first seeing how it will look throughout. Go frame-wise.
4. Maintain safe margin
Suppose you’re creating a video project that viewers on a multitude of formats would see. In that case, you should consider safe margins in case your video is clipped or reformatted in a way that modifies the edges and corners. Most feature templates are with safe margins, which are critical for ensuring that your writing is free from errors.
5. Display of text on the video screen
There are numerous opinions on how rapidly people can read and process content on a screen. While the thoughts may vary, the general assumption is that they can grasp knowledge rapidly when people want to. When you incorporate text in a video, though, you are also displaying more content that may be intrusive. All of this is to imply that when you add text to your video, the duration you keep it on screens must be enough for most of your audience, but not for a longer timespan, or it will become unpleasant or disturbing.
How to insert text into a video
Here’s a step by step guide on how to add text to video online in a few minutes of time:
- Upload your video into the video editor.
- Drag your imported video to the canvas in the Centre of the screen.
- In the menu, select the Text option. Scroll down to view the many text possibilities and choose the one you want to use.
- In your video, the textbox will display some placeholder text. To change the text, click on the placeholder text to select it and begin typing your own to replace it.
- Drag the comment box to the desired location on the video.
- Next, you may modify and adjust your text’s font, size, color, and alignment.
- Pick annotations from the drop-down option. Decide on a style.
- Choose the style of annotation you wish to add and drag it on the timeline. Fill with your content.
That’s how to add text to a video in less than 5 minutes. Once you’re done with it, download it after selecting the resolution and export your video.
Benefits of adding text to your videos
Now that you learned what considerations to focus on and how to add text, we will tell you the benefits of adding text to your video.
- Help to recall fast
- Emphasize the main acts
- Watch without an audio
- Enhances the aesthetic of your video
- Grows your brand’s identity
If you’re creating a video for marketing or content strategy for your company, text or typography can help you reach out to your target audience more effectively.
Concluding thoughts
While a video can be compelling, engaging, and used without words, adding text can improve understanding and offer greater clarity. Almost all videos may benefit from text, even if it’s merely to show the title.
You may find it time consuming but see it from the point of investing your time for bigger returns.
