Video storytelling has become a preferred method for companies to communicate their brand message. Published in January 2019, this guide surveys 21 tools—both online and offline—that enable brands and marketers to create, edit and share video content without significant effort.
Video Creation and Editing Tools
Placeit is an online video editing tool that creates instant prototypes and videos in realistic environments, with a large database of mockup templates featuring various digital devices. WeVideo is a collaborative, cloud-based video editor accessible via browser, iOS and Android. Animoto, a subscription-based service, transforms photos and video clips into professional videos. YouTube Video Editor allows users to combine clips, trim footage, apply special effects, add sound and publish directly to a YouTube channel. Telestream handles video transcoding, screen-casting, live webcasting and captioning. Camtasia records and edits video for explainer videos and product demonstrations, with animation and effects capabilities. Ecamm, marketed as improving life on Mac, records video calls through FaceTime and Skype.
Animation and Presentation Tools
Go Animate provides hundreds of drag-and-drop templates across industries with character customisation for explainer videos. PowToon, credited with approximately 30 billion videos created, is the dominant tool in animated video creation, offering hundreds of templates for videos and presentations. Common Craft is a paid tool using a large library of vector and PNG graphics for engaging explanation videos. Magisto edits videos with visual effects and custom music. VideoShop is a mobile app for adding effects, sound, cropping and subtitles. iMovie for iOS creates videos from iPhone and iPad photos and footage. Prezi uses a Zooming User Interface (ZUI) and parallax effects to present information as video-like presentations.
Video Sharing Platforms
YouTube remains the world’s largest video-sharing platform, offering straightforward product and business promotion. Vimeo, hosting over 100 million monthly visitors, specialises in HD video and attracts enthusiasts seeking creative inspiration. Dailymotion provides videomakers worldwide with technology and flexibility to reach broader audiences. Ustream, an IBM company, leads in streaming and watching video events globally, offering interactive tools for businesses. Twitch serves gaming communities as the world’s largest platform for gamers to share and stream content. Metacafe hosts short-form videos and provides customised solutions for brands. Vine, a short-duration video service with over 200 million active users, hosts looping clips of 6 seconds.
Frequently asked questions
What is video storytelling?
Video storytelling is the use of narrative video content to communicate a brand message, representing a modern marketing technique increasingly preferred by companies.
Which platform is best for gaming content?
Twitch is the world’s largest gaming community platform, making it the primary destination for businesses creating game-related content.
How many videos had PowToon created by 2019?
PowToon had created approximately 30 billion videos, making it the most popular tool in the animated video creation category.