Video annotation software: why and how to use it?

Video annotation software is collaborative tool that allows information to be added to videos: text, image, etc. It now plays a crucial role in video production management. Why should you use video annotation software? How should you use it? Smartvideo provides some answers in this article.

Why use video annotation software?

Using a video annotation tool to annotate your audiovisual productions allows you to improve your precision in time and space. In practical terms, this allows you to annotate at the timecode you choose, pin the annotation to the video image, and share your remarks with the editor.With this tool, you can also have simplified video approval and easily launch exchange dynamics with, if needed, response systems. You can also receive dated and documented feedback directly with the reviewer’s identifier.

Thanks to the video annotation application, you will be able to improve your productivity by centralising your content creation project data. It also gives you a clear view of all stages of your audio or video projects and speeds up video approvals.Video annotation software, such as SmartEVo, allows you to easily plan, execute, and monitor your video or audio project. It helps you save time and avoids mistakes that could ruin all the work completed upstream.

How do you use the software to add a video annotation?

To insert text with the content creation tool on the video, position yourself on the playback bar of the “Project annotation” screen. You then simply annotate the video with the text you want. Three types of annotation are possible: timecode annotation, sequence annotation, or brush annotation. In the first case, you must position the video at the moment when you want to make the annotation, enter the comment in the indicated area, and click “Add”.

In the second case, you must pause the video to position yourself at the start of the sequence. After entering the comment in the indicated area, a marker will appear on the playback bar. Using your mouse, position yourself on the first bar, move it to the right to select your sequence, and click “Add”.In the third case, after positioning yourself at the moment when you want to draw with the brush, pause the video. Then click on the brush in the comment area below the video. Choose the colour and line width, circle the desired area, and click “Add”.After completing all annotations, click on “ Ready for editing ” to inform the team that the video can be reworked by the editor. However, if you want to have the video approved before publication, click on “In approval” to send it for approval. Attention! To annotate your videos with text, you must also take into account video annotation best practices and use the right tool.

Video annotations: what best practices should be followed?

To annotate your videos or the images in them, get straight to the point. An annotation should correspond to one point in the content. Do not try to put all the information on the same image. Otherwise, you will be scattered. If you have several pieces of information to place on the same video image, you can annotate it several times.The most important thing is to be precise and concise in your text. Avoid embellishments and indirect phrasing, and give examples so the audience can understand you. Also strive to be precise in time and space. Annotate each image or images at the exact moment, at the right timecode, and in the right place.Before publishing your video on any social network, take a step back to review your writing. This helps you avoid spelling mistakes and ensures that what you have written cannot be interpreted differently. This work is also important to make sure your text is logical, coherent, and easy to understand.

Which video annotation software should you choose for your project?

To choose your annotation software, here are the criteria to consider.

The software’s features and ergonomics

Not all video annotation tools offer the same features. Before making your choice, make sure the application is suited to the types of tasks defined by your video annotations. Also check that the tool includes tag suggestion features.As for ergonomics, you must consider it to ensure your team members can get to grips with the application properly. To make sure you have an easy-to-use tool, consult the reviews left by internet users about the product.

The annotation project management interface

Managing an annotation project is not easy, especially when several team members are involved. In this specific case, the management interface must offer the required features to allow the team leader to track project progress. It also enables them to provide quality follow-up and assign files or documents to annotators more easily.

The UX user experience

UX is also an important aspect when choosing video annotation tools. It makes it easier for the annotator and other team members to learn the tool. The video annotation software you choose should therefore include certain UX criteria such as handling long texts, multiple tags, text and annotation readability, etc. Among the tools that meet all these criteria is Smartevo annotation software.

Smartevo: a unique video annotation tool

Smartevo offers a video annotation tool that can be used both by professionals in the field and by those who are not. It allows several parties to collaborate on the same project: editors, communication staff, marketing staff, etc.

This tool facilitates collaborative teamwork and saves valuable time when client feedback and requests from decision-makers need to be taken into account. This solution is also suitable for all video content producers: agencies, directors, editors, producers, etc.

It is suitable for all players in audiovisual production because it enables effective management of all the crucial stages of video creation. It has all the features needed to produce an impactful video, validate each stage of production, and properly manage post-production.

Smartevo’s features also make it suitable for organisations that internally require video production or outsourced video production. It can also be used to create impactful videos that improve customer loyalty or create demand among them.

It is also very useful for producing videos intended to be broadcast online or on other media. Thanks to its features, Smartevo can also meet the expectations of public administrations, television channels, production companies, clubs, federations, and sports leagues. To access it, visit smartevo.ai.