Hotspot Element

The Hotspot Element in Cinema8 allows you to create interactive points inside your videos to enhance viewer engagement. Whether you want to highlight a product, add contextual information, or guide users through a learning experience, hotspots are powerful tools that respond to user interaction.

Types of Hotspots

Static Hotspots
Stay fixed in one position on screen. Best for stable visuals like headers or buttons.
Sticky Hotspots
Use motion tracking to follow a moving object. Ideal for product highlights or dynamic storytelling.

Adding a Static Hotspot

Step 1: Open the Video in Creative Studio

Log in to Cinema8.
Go to My Videos, select your project, and click Edit in Creative Studio.

Step 2: Insert the Hotspot Element

In the Elements Panel, drag the Hotspot Element onto your timeline at the desired point.

Step 3: Name the Hotspot

Give your hotspot a unique name when prompted.
Click Save to confirm.

Step 4: Configure the Hotspot

Open the Properties Panel to set:
- Timing — When the hotspot appears and disappears.
- Position — Adjust top, left, width, and height values.
- Appearance — Set background, borders, and text style.
- Action — Choose what happens when it’s clicked (e.g. open link, show message, jump to section).

Step 5: Preview and Save

Use Preview Mode to test your hotspot’s behavior.
Once ready, click Save.

Adding a Sticky Hotspot

Step 1: Open the Video in Creative Studio

Same as above: open your project in the Cinema8 Creative Studio.

Step 2: Add a Sticky Hotspot

Drag the Sticky Hotspot Element from the Elements Panel to your timeline.

Step 3: Enable Motion Tracking

In the Properties Panel, click Run Motion Tracker.
Select the object you want the hotspot to follow.
Cinema8 will automatically track it through the video.

Step 4: Style and Configure

Use the Properties Panel to define:
- Text — Title, description, or tooltip.
- Visual Style — Fonts, colors, border styling.
- Action — Link to a URL, jump to another video section, or trigger a tooltip.

Step 5: Preview and Save

Use Preview Mode to test hotspot tracking accuracy.
Adjust placement if needed, then Save your changes.

Best Practices for Effective Hotspots

🎯 Use motion tracking for dynamic content, but always test alignment in longer scenes.

Choose the right type: Use static for fixed UI and sticky for moving elements.
Test tracking: Especially important in longer or fast-moving scenes.
Keep interactivity meaningful: Link to relevant URLs, chapters, or info.
Stay on-brand: Use consistent fonts, colors, and design across all elements.

Next Steps

Start experimenting with hotspots today to build more engaging, interactive videos. Whether you’re crafting product demos, tutorials, or immersive stories—hotspots help bring your content to life.