Video Editing Tips

To create an optimal user experience while still meeting the file size requirements, follow the guidelines below.

• Always keep the project file size limitation requirements in mind.
• Keep video files as clean as possible:
  • Remove any unnecessary or nonfunctional UI elements that users are not expected to tap.
  • If you can’t remove a UI element, cover it with a Call to Action or app branding.
• Make looping videos as clean and seamless as possible:
  • Keep them short, about 1-4 seconds long.
  • If the resulting loop looks intermittent or disjointed, try increasing the length of the video.
  • To preview a loop, open it in QuickTime Player and on the menu bar, select View > Loop.
• Always include visual directions, such as a finger or arrow animation indicating an action.
• To focus the user’s attention where an action is required, consider the following:
  • Add a semi-transparent black mask over the rest of the scene.
  • Highlight the tap area with a brightly colored outline.
  • Make the tap area or instructional text pulsate, for example, using keyframing.
• Use frame-by-frame video editing so that action sequences begin immediately after the user makes an interaction.
• Follow these guidelines for transitions between video sequences:
  • Opt for straight cuts.
  • If needed, use Adobe After Effects or Premiere to make fast cross-zoom transitions.
  • Avoid using fading to black or cross-dissolving transitions unless you want cinematic effects or need to smooth out subtle discrepancies in action sequences.
• To prevent the user from losing interest during longer action sequences with little user interaction, add a Skip button after 7-10 seconds to allow the user to skip ahead.
• If you plan to use a marketing video, break it into shorter clips with a Skip button to allow users to tap through the video without skipping it entirely.

See also:

File Preparation

Video Recording Tips