We just released our new in-app editor, an easy-to-use feature that combines five editing essentials into one powerful tool. But no matter how easy someone makes it, new tools and processes can be hard to understand. Add to that the complexities and general overwhelm of editing, and of course this new feature is a little confusing.
But don’t worry; we’re sharing our expertise with you. Every week, we’ll take a deep dive into our new editing tools, from crop to voiceover and literally everything in between. We’ll tell you how to use a feature, why you should, and even give you examples of fun ways to work it into your content.
And in this installment, we’re going super basic. Let’s talk about overlay.
What is the Overlay Tool? 🤔
Have you ever been watching a video and a picture suddenly pops up in the corner? That’s an overlay. This tool lets you add a picture over a video. If you’re discussing a movie, you can put the poster in the corner. For creators recapping a DIY project, photos of the process can pop up throughout.
This isn’t the same as a cut from a video to a picture. It’s a picture over the video itself, adding another layer. Before we get into why it’s a great tool to have in your arsenal, let’s talk about how to use it.
How to Use the Overlay Tool 🖼️
Overlay may look complicated, but it’s pretty straightforward. If you know how to edit a video clip and resize a picture, you’re ready to work with overlay.
- Open the Clapper app and tap the button in the middle of the menu along the bottom.
- Select “video”; either record up to 10 minutes of video in the app, or upload your clips.
- Finished recording? Tap the orange “Next” button in the right corner.
- Tap the “Adjust” button on the right side of your screen.
- Tap the clip you want to edit (you may need to split it), then “Overlay,” the picture frame.
- Now adjust the position of your picture. Tap and hold it, then move it around the screen.
- Once it’s in the right spot, change the size, just like you’d do for any other picture.
- Tap the overlay clip along the bottom and adjust how long it will be displayed. Use the frames on each end.
- When you’re happy, tap the check to the right and finish your edits. Then tap “Save” and “Next”.
- Add a description, hashtags, and some final touches, then post.
See? Much easier than expected. But it can have a big impact!
Why You’d Use Overlay 🌟
Overlays are subtle, but impactful. They can do a lot for your content, both visually and for engagement.
Humor 🤣
While this wasn’t the intended use, there’s no denying that an overlay can add some humor to your videos. Usually, by adding reaction images or memes over an awkward moment. Let’s say you’re vlogging and get caught in an unwanted, awkward conversation. A reaction meme in the corner adds some humor! Or there’s a trending video/meme that would be perfect for our niche! Grab it and lay it over a stock image that fits with the topic.
Here’s an example, just so you can see it in action.
Examples 🧠
Speaking of examples, they’re a perfect use for overlays. Instead of cutting away from you to show what you’re talking about, add it over your video. Your viewers are clearly seeing what you’re talking about, but still get to see you discussing it. This use is perfect for commentary channels, advice pages, and educational content.
And you’ve probably seen them with Christmas gift guides. Here’s one with tons of overlay examples!
Explanations 💡
We might be good at talking to the camera, but sometimes explaining things is hard. Especially if we’re knowledgeable or experts. Overlay allows you to show what you’re talking about. So, if you’re building something and can’t stop to record every step, take pictures and add them to a video recapping what you did. Or if you’re discussing something and don’t want to waste watch time on an explanation, let an overlay do the talking. Discussing politics or current events? Take screenshots of your sources and add them as overlays.
Check out this example, sharing an overlay tutorial for CapCut.
Visual Appeal 👀
However you decide to use overlays, they add visual appeal and interest to your content. Even your long-time followers might be tempted to scroll past a talking head video. But adding another element to look at holds their interest.
Consider a video recapping a crazy event. Rather than just talking to the camera, pull pictures from the event and add them to the video. Viewers are able to see (and maybe imagine experiencing) exactly what you’re talking about. If you’re telling viewers about a project you want to start, include examples.
Check out this book recommendation video for some examples!
Engagement 🧡
Above all else, overlay is great for engagement. Overlay will help hold your audience’s attention, boosting engagement. It gives your viewers something to focus on and adds excitement to your videos. Sort of like shaking keys in front of your dog; there’s noise, moving pieces, and sparkles, and it will grab and hold their attention.
Congrats: you’ve mastered cropping your videos and adding overlays! That’s two out of five tools officially added to your creator toolkit. Next week, we’ll break down the split tool and why it’s the number one tool you need to know.
Learn more about our new and improved (and easy-to-use) editor in this article. Revisit cropping a video in this article. And, for those of you feeling brave, explore some exciting editing techniques with this article.
If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by your new editing options, we’ve got you covered. Follow @ClapperAcademy for editing tutorials. And come back to the blog each Wednesday! We’ll be deep diving into each feature, covering how to use it, why you should test it out, and how to use it in your content.
