Adding Video Overlays

Video overlays in Cinema8 are layers of interactive or visual content added on top of your video. These overlays allow you to engage viewers, provide additional context, or guide actions without disrupting the viewing experience.

You can create overlays in Cinema8 using widget elements, image elements, or video elements. Each can be customized to fit your design, timing, and behavior needs through the Properties Panel.

How to Add Overlays to Your Video

Option 1: Using Widget Elements

Widgets are interactive elements like lower thirds, pop-up cards, or call-to-actions. These are ideal for overlays that encourage engagement or guide viewer behavior.

Step 1: Open Your Video in Cinema8 Creative Studio

Log in to your Cinema8 dashboard and select the video you want to edit.
Open the video in Creative Studio.

Step 2: Add a Widget Element

Open the Elements Panel and select the appropriate widget for your overlay:

Lower Third: Displays branding, speaker names, or event information.
Pop-up Card: Prompts viewers with additional details or interactive actions.
Call-to-Action (CTA): Encourages viewers to take a specific action, such as signing up or visiting a webpage.
Info Card: Provides supplementary content like product details or quick explanations.

Step 3: Drag and Drop the Widget

Position the widget on your timeline at the desired start time.

Step 4: Customize the Widget

Use the Properties Panel to adjust:

Timing: Define when the widget starts and ends.
Positioning: Set the top, left, width, and height to control placement.
Content: Add text, links, or other media depending on the widget type.
Behavior: Assign actions such as “navigate to a URL” or “open another widget.”
Effects: Apply entry and exit animations to make the overlay visually appealing.

Step 5: Preview and Save

Use the Preview function to review the overlay’s behavior and appearance.
Save the video when satisfied.

Option 2: Using Image Elements

Image overlays are great for adding branding, logos, or static visual elements to your video.

Step 1: Open the Elements Panel

Select the Image Element from the Elements Panel.

Step 2: Drag and Drop the Image Element

Place the image element on the timeline at the desired time.

Step 3: Customize the Image Overlay

Open the Properties Panel to configure:

Timing: Define start and end times for the image overlay.
Positioning: Adjust the top, left, width, and height fields to fit your design.
Image Source: Upload an image or select one from the image gallery.
Visibility: Ensure the “Visible” option is checked.

Step 4: Preview and Save

Review the image overlay’s positioning and timing in preview mode, then save your changes.

Option 3: Using Video Elements

Video overlays are ideal for adding supplementary content, such as context clips, highlights, or visual effects.

Step 1: Open the Elements Panel

Select the Video Element from the Elements Panel.

Step 2: Drag and Drop the Video Element

Position the video element on your timeline at the desired start time.

Step 3: Customize the Video Overlay

Open the Properties Panel to configure:

Timing: Define when the video starts and ends.
Positioning: Set the top, left, width, and height fields for placement.
Visibility: Ensure the video is set to “Visible.”
Player Controls: Decide if the overlay should include playback controls.
Skip Options: Configure skip settings, such as enabling a skip button after a specific time.

Step 4: Preview and Save

Review the overlay in preview mode to ensure smooth integration, then save your changes.

Examples of Overlay Use Cases Tips for Creating Overlays

Keep overlays relevant: Ensure overlays provide value to the viewer and fit the video’s content.
Use animations strategically: Entry and exit effects can draw attention without being distracting.
Match your branding: Customize overlay colors, fonts, and styles to align with your brand.
Test and optimize: Use Cinema8’s A/B testing tools to determine the best placement and design.
Maintain accessibility: Use clear, readable fonts and designs that comply with accessibility standards.

Next Steps

Start adding interactive overlays to your videos today and enhance viewer engagement like never before!