Bring your ideas to life with WeVideo

Bring your ideas to life with WeVideo

When most people think of WeVideo, they think about traditional video editing - trimming clips, adding music, graphics, and transitions. But did you know WeVideo can do more than basic video editing?

You can use it to record your screen, capture audio, or create short animated GIFs. These features make it easy to share quick tips, add personality to your content, and connect with your audiences in engaging ways.  

Screen Recordings

Show instead of tell! Screen recordings are great for demonstrating how to do something online. You can record your screen, add narration, and share the finished clip. 

Try this:

• Show participants where to find resources on your webpage
• Demonstrate how to use a web-based tool or a complex online form
• Walk participants through how to navigate your online course

Quick Steps:

1. In WeVideo, click Create > Recording
2. Choose Screen, or Dual (screen and webcam) if you want to record your face
3. Click Record when you are ready to begin recording
4. Select the Chrome tab/window you are recording from and make your recording
5. Click stop and your recording will appear in your media library
6. Drag it to the timeline and edit as needed or download

Be sure to review our Tips for creating quality screen recordings blog post. 

Audio Recordings

Add your voice! Sometimes, the best way to share information is by talking. WeVideo has an audio recorder to create narration, interviews, or short podcast messages. 

Try this:

• Create a recording to explain a complex image or graphic
• Record a short "Here's what to expect" message for an upcoming event
• Create an audio version of written materials for participants who prefer to listen

Quick Steps:

1. In WeVideo, click Create > Podcast
2. Click Start > Record
3. Click Pause to take a short break or click Stop to end the recording
4. Replay your recording. Record again or Save

Animated GIFs

Grab attention fast! GIFs are short, looping animations that can make emails, social media posts, and Canvas courses more dynamic. You can make simple GIFs in WeVideo by combining text, photos, and animations. 

Try this:

• Create a "New Resource Available!" animation
• Highlight before-and-after images of a project
• Share a quick "Did You Know?" fact about your program area

Quick Steps:

1. In WeVideo, click Create > GIF
2. Add text, photos or short video clips to the timeline
3. Use simple motion effects or transitions for animation
4. When exporting, choose GIF as the file format

Good to know:

• Provide descriptive alternative text (alt text) for users who cannot see the animation. Most social media platforms allow for alt text.
• Control animations length and behavior for accessibility:
• GIFs should only be about five seconds
• GIFs should not loop endlessly. You can set how many times the animation will repeat before stopping with https://ezgif.com/loop-count

Think beyond a standard video and give these a try. A screen recording can enhance your long how-to instructions, a short audio clip can quickly explain your complex chart, and an animated GIF can make your learning more engaging. WeVideo makes it easy to create all kinds of digital content - no advanced editing skills required. 

Article by Karen Matthes, Extension Learning Technologies, klm@umn.edu