There are all kinds of content creation and video editing tools out there, from iMovie to the Adobe Suite. While several of these programs perform well and provide a multitude of options, users often fail to recognize that they can do much more with them than their basic functions. Over the coming weeks, we will focus on some ways to take the video programs you are already employing to the next level. This week we’ll take a look at Camtasia, a tool that helps users to customize and edit their videos.
Similar to other content authoring and editing programs, Camtasia allows users to create and enhance their videos. Features include screen captures with voice overs and deep video editing. However, for those of you who want more out of Camtasia, what are some ways to make a video more effective apart from adjusting the color filter or organizing your content? As a content creator you need to be able to offer your viewer both engaging content and a positive viewer experience.
Below I’ve outlined several innovative ways that you can use Camtasia to take your content to the next level, particularly in regards to management and distribution, with video platforms like KZO:
Video playlists
With Camtasia, content creators can produce stunning videos, increasing the engagement, as well as the interest, of the viewer. However, what if you want to keep that engagement and interest for more than one video? Enter video playlists, which allow users to take those stunning videos and separate the content into individual playlists. This is particularly helpful if you have multiple videos that are all part of one presentation, topic, or event. Another benefit is that if you ever have any new videos about the same topic you can just drop them into the playlist that you have already sent out. You can still post the playlist to your website or your Learning Management System (LMS), ensuring that the right audience sees your uploaded playlist.
Mix and match
The beauty of Camtasia is that it can add that spark of brilliance to any video, whether it’s through the tilt and restore function or using the green screen feature. However, what if you want to mix and match the content you add to your Camtasia video? That is, what if you want more than just video? With platforms like KZO, it’s possible, particularly if those additions are PowerPoint slides, desktop captures, closed caption capabilities, inserting PDF documents or even incorporating SWF files. The inclusion of these allows content creators to add more than just a Camtasia video to their presentations, giving them a little added expertise in whatever subject matter they’re presenting.
Add chapters
Ever make a Camtasia video and wish you could break it up so it’s easily viewable? Or perhaps you’ve wanted to search for a particular topic instead of scrolling through the piece? Well, after you upload your Camtasia video into KZO, you can break the content up into Chapters, or segmented parts of a video and add metadata tags to each chapter. Ultimately, this makes it easy for professionals to watch a certain segment or even search by keyword. Adding chapters creates a more effective viewing process and helps the user view the most relevant parts in a more timely fashion.
Insert collaborative and interactive elements
Camtasia videos are great since they can enhance the viewing experience for the audience through a variety of editing features. However, what about collaboration and interaction? Can Camtasia increase engagement through videos alone? Well, Camtasia definitely takes users a step in the right direction, but with Camtasia alone, users cannot add elements to their videos such as chat features or other social collaboration tools. These elements contribute to the video since audience members are participating, as well as interacting, with the content. They essentially become part of the experience and drive better engagement.
Undoubtedly, content creators can use Camtasia to do many innovative things, but as with any program, there are limits. However, combined with KZO in the distribution and delivery process, Camtasia videos are brought to another level.
Ultimately, a content creator would get the best of both worlds: the ability to create engaging video while at the same time giving the piece of content a platform where it can function at an optimal level. Essentially, a distribution and management video platform can pick up where Camtasia leaves off; allowing the video to engage a viewer while simultaneously giving the creator the advanced tools they need to fully put the video into action.
What do you think? What are some other things content creators can do with Camtasia?
To learn more about creating cost-effective professional video check out how to use KZO to create on-demand videos.
