Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Before You Upload Video to A Web Service

Uploading a video is much easier than it was in the past. Still, there are things you have to be concerned about when it comes to sending a video to a video web host or distribution service.

And no, not everybody uses YouTube. Even YouTube is moving closer to telling creators what format they want the video uploaded for best viewing.

I want to point out a few little bug-a-boos that will sting if you don’t get them right.
  1. Check the spelling of titles, captions and web addresses in your video.
  2. Make sure you have permission to show people in your video. For public or news events that isn’t required but if you interview someone either get it in writing or on video that they have your permission to display their image.
  3. Be on the look out unintentional copyright and trademark use; especially if you are into comedy or political videos. No logos, name brand t-shirts, unintended product endorsements or what ever else a lawyer might sue you or use to get your video yanked. Ok, I'm not saying you can't use these items. I'm not a lawyer. I'm saying be conscious of what is in your video and what you might unintentionally communicate to your viewers. You can fuzz out a logo, you can't fuzz out a take down notice.
The Easy Way

Many of the consumer video editing programs guide you through the process of uploading a video or at least prepare the video in the correct format.

Example of Web Services for Direct Upload of Video

For some of you that means using the YouTube or Facebook button. You do need an account with the a specific service and you probably have to fill out some information on the video.

The good news is that these social media services take the tech out of the equation and deliver the video to your channel or account for display.

However, not every person uploads video to YouTube or Facebook. If you use another service these are the minimal items you have to be aware of when you upload.

Knocking it down to the basics of what you absolutely need to know would be:
  • Export the video using the MP4 video format
  • Select a standard frame size for your video; it probably should match the recording size of the video. If you recorded the video at 1280x720 that should be your frame export size.
  • Select the best quality for your exported video but balance that need with a reasonable file size to upload your video. Those on limited data plans need to be cautious about exceeding your data plan. 

In 2011 I created a chart on the tech specs you need to know to upload MP4 videos to video web or distribution site.

In the next couple of posts, I'll have examples of what various software programs do to guide the uploading your video to a service or to export a video on your hard drive for later uploading to a service.

Other Posts of Interest

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