Based on a recent survey, we received several comments about the video. So, I thought I would share some ideas on how to make a really effective video. We will also work to change how we do some things in production so what you get as a draft has some of these things taken into account. So please look at the tips below and try to incorporate them into your next video. You can see an example of a video by clicking here.
Edit Transition tool
1. Try to keep the video under 2 minutes. 1-2 minutes is ideal. This means if you have a video with 5 seconds for each photo, a 2 minute video will be 24 photos. Most people will not sit through a 4 minute video.
2. Adjust the time sequence of photos. Did you know you can change how long a photo shows during the video? Just go to Edit Video from the Tour Editor menu (Manage orders>Tour Editor>Edit Video) and then select Edit Transition on a photo. The default time period is 5 seconds per photo. If you want a faster, more upbeat video, change it to 2 or 3 seconds. You can even apply the time sequence to All Photos and then adjust a few more important photos to show for a longer period (see screen shot at right). For an example of a video that speeds it up, click here.
3. Add text to each photo to help explain the scene. Just select the Edit Text button at the bottom of each photo to add a photo name and add a text description. The name shows in the photo gallery view, the description shows on the video itself.
4. Select Different Music. We have over 200 song choices across different genres. We are working to add more music with some vocals/more Indie type feel. You can change the music under the Music Selection section on the Edit Video page. Stay tuned for more music …
Can I use my own music from CDs I own? Short Answer: NO. Long Answer: We currently do not allow you to upload your own music – the reason is copyright issues. All songs are copyright protected. ANY use of a song in a real estate “For Sale” tour would be considered for a “commercial purpose” and therefore subject to copyright laws. If you have not properly licensed music, then you would be in violation. EACH violation can have both actual and statutory damages….statutory damages run $750 PER occurrence. Read more at the US Copyright Office. So, it is not worth the legal risk…to you or us. Also, to license a top artist’s song is prohibitively expensive – thousands of dollars. Therefore, we have to license music from stock music libraries and royalty free sites. ALL of our music on the tours has been properly licensed. At some point we may allow you to find and license your own music and upload it to your account…but we will require proof of a valid license.
We are working to add more improvements to the video part of the tour, including larger/crisper photos, ways to create a real video file with uploads to YouTube, and some new music. We welcome any comments you have by sending us an email using the form below.
Thanks for reading…
Kris Cone
