Overview
A video is a time-based recording of both the visual and audible components into a single medium. This page focuses mostly on the visual components of videos (see the Audio resources page for specifics about audio).
There are many different kinds of videos that you can create. Below you can find some examples of the common video projects that we work with and a short description:
- Video Blogs or “vlogs” are a form of online journaling that has become popular. These videos are usually simple, lightly-edited, and often use a single camera. The vlogger typically sits in front of and speaks directly to the camera and the audience. Vlogs are posted mostly on YouTube and Facebook, some on Vimeo and other sites, and are generally used as a medium to illicit viewer interaction via comments. Popular video bloggers often monetize their videos/channels in order to make money.
- Video Essays take a writing assignment and add to it by introducing audio and visual components. Much like written essays, video essays are often structured with an outline and present research or craft an argument. This style of video is commonly compared to a short video documentary style, but the goals of a video essay and a video documentary can differ significantly.
- Video Documentaries are non-fiction videos that document an event and/or inform viewers about a subject matter. Motion picture length documentaries are often a genre used to persuade viewers to take action or make change. Some consider these to be the “long form” of video essays, however, we consider documentaries to be their own category.
- Video Slideshows are made up of a collection of images that typically are accompanied by a music or a soundtrack. Some recorded voice may be present in video slideshows, but it is not necessary.
- Slideshow Voiceover Videos are typically presentations (PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote) with a pre-recorded audio track and timed slides, rather than a live presentation. This genre of video is commonly used for giving presentations and lectures in online courses. We recommend visiting the Presentations page for more about how to design a pre-recorded slideshow.
- Instructional Videos are videos that take a concept or idea and explain it in video form. They can be as simple as a recorded lecture or slideshow voiceover, to as complicated as an animated video.
- Narrative Videos are comparable to a motion picture film, in that they are often fictional and tell stories. They typically include monologue/dialogue, music, and sound effects. They differ from animations by using real people and places.
- Animation Videos are when images or objects are manipulated in a video to appear as though they are moving. Cartoons and stop-motion are two forms of animation. The former typically consists of a series of hand-drawn or digitally created images, whereas the later is the manipulation of objects using short single frames. Animation videos can be fiction (narrative) or non-fiction (video essay or documentary).
Video Design Tip:
There are a lot of things that make up the video planning, recording, and editing processes. It is easy to jump in and get started, but then make mistakes early on that make more work for you in the long run. Get some recommendations for your video by meeting with one of our DesignLab consultants early on in the process, before you record, so you can save yourself time later!
Recommended Software
There are many different software programs that can be used to create and edit videos. Below is a list of the software that we recommend for recording, editing, and effects/animation. We put the software in order from easiest to use near the top to most difficult near the bottom for each section. We recommend using a software you know well or learning the software well enough to establish an easy workflow, so you can spend less time troubleshooting and spend more time on your poster. Check out our Software Support page for links to tutorials for all of these programs.
Recording Software
OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) Studio: This is a free open source recording and streaming software program that is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux machines. You can record your screen, your phone, or record yourself using this software. You can also connect it to YouTube, Twitch, or Facebook for live streaming.
QuickTime: This is a free proprietary recording software program that is available only for Apple products. It is also installed on all the all Mac computer lab machines, both in the labs and for checkout. QuickTime allows you to record from your webcam or a computer connected camera. You can also record all or a part of your screen.
Editing Software
iMovie: This is a free proprietary editing software program that is available only for Apple products. It is also installed on all the all Mac computer lab machines, both in the labs and for checkout. This program is very user friendly and great for the beginner video maker. iMovie has an auto-save function that means you’re less likely to lose your work! However, transitioning a video project folder between computers can be difficult.
DaVinci Resolve: This free editing software is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux machines. While this software is known for color grading and color correction, the latest version provides a full suite of tools for editing, color correcting, mixing, and rendering video. Resolve also includes tools for motion graphics, visual effects, and audio post-production.
Adobe Premiere Pro: This software is available to UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via computer lab machines, in the labs only. This software can be used on both Windows and Apple machines, but needs a strong processor and lots of RAM. Premiere Pro is a step above iMovie, and has a lot more functions and features. Also, using a Creative Cloud account will allow for easy transition from one computer to another.
Final Cut Pro: This is a robust software program that is available only for Apple products. It is installed on select computer lab machines, in the labs only (including those in DesignLab and the Media Studio classrooms). This program is one of the more advanced video production programs on the market. It has lots of functions and features, but has a much steeper learning curve. Similar to iMovie, transitioning a video project folder between computers can be difficult.
Video Effects and Animation Software
Adobe After Effects: This software is available to UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via computer lab machines, in the labs only. This software can be used on both Windows and Apple machines and is meant to be used in conjunction with Adobe Premiere Pro. This program is used to create visual effects and motion graphics. Also, using a Creative Cloud account will allow for easy transition from one computer to another. (Recommended only for advanced video production.)
Adobe Animate: This software is available to UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff via computer lab machines, in the labs only. This software can be used on both Windows and Apple machines. Adobe Animate is used to create vector graphics and animations for cartoons, advertisements, games, and other interactive content. Also, using a Creative Cloud account will allow for easy transition from one computer to another. (Recommended only for advanced video production.)
Design Tips and Tricks
Coming soon
UW-Madison Student Made Examples
Video Blog (Vlog)
Documentary Video
Video Slideshow
Instructional Videos
Medieval Book Curses and Retributive Justice by Catherine DeRose
Narrative Video
WARNING: Film contains sexual assault and alcohol abuse. Viewer discretion is advised.
Animation Video
Stock Video Databases
Coverr – A collection of stock videos designed primarily as cover videos for websites. All Videos published on this site can be used for free both for commercial and noncommercial purposes. You do not need to ask permission from or provide credit to the Videographer or Coverr.co, although it is appreciated when possible.
Moving Picture Archive
– This library contains digital movies uploaded by Archive users which range from classic full-length films, to daily alternative news broadcasts, to cartoons and concerts. Many of these videos are available for free download. *Be sure to check for licensing!
Pexels Video – This site provides high quality and completely free stock videos licensed under the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license. This means you can edit or change the videos and use them free for personal and even for commercial projects. All without asking for permission and attribution is not required.
Videezy – This site allows you to share and download Free HD Stock Videos, b-roll, backgrounds, and other cool free video footage. All the videos are free to download and, depending on the license, free to use in your projects.
Videvo – This site offers completely free stock video footage and motion graphics for use in any project. Everything on Videvo is free to use for commercial or non-commercial usage.
Vidsplay – This is a collection of completely free stock footage. You are granted non-exclusive rights to use and download our video material without the need to pay royalties for each use.
Vimeo Free HD Stock – This is a group of videos designed by a user. All clips found in this group are given away for free use in your projects. *The free nature of these videos does not apply to other Vimeo content.
Instructional Videos YouTube Playlist
Equipment Available at UW-Madison
Please note that DesignLab does not do any equipment checkout. Below is a list of places on campus where you can checkout equipment
Equipment checkout services may not be available at the locations below due to the pandemic. We recommend contacting the location to confirm availability, the current checkout processes and checkout lengths (which have been extended).
College Library
College Library provides UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff access to a variety of equipment for making videos. Equipment checkout is done at College Library’s Second Floor Service Desk (right by DesignLab!) any time the library is open.
Types of Equipment Available: HD Video Cameras, DSLR Cameras, Tripods, Microphones, Voice Recorders, Laptops
Checkout Length: 3 days (no renewals)
Checkout Process: You will need your Wiscard to checkout equipment.
Questions? See the College Library equipment checkout website here for cost and contact information.
Memorial Library
Like College Library, Memorial Library is providing UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff access to some equipment for making videos. Equipment checkout is done at the First Floor Computer any time the lab is open.
Types of Equipment Available: Laptops, Video and Webcam Kits*** (Kits available by request: technologycirculation@library.wisc.edu)
Checkout Length: 3 days (no renewals)
Checkout Process: You will need your Wiscard to checkout equipment.
Questions? See the Steenbock Library poster printing website here for cost and contact information.
Steenbock Library
Like College Library, Steenbock Library provides UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff access to a variety of equipment for making videos. Equipment checkout is done at the First Floor Service Desk any time the library is open.
Types of Equipment Available: HD Video Cameras, DSLR Cameras, Tripods, Laptops
Checkout Length: 3 days (no renewals)
Checkout Process: You will need your Wiscard to checkout equipment.
Questions? See the Steenbock Library poster printing website here for cost and contact information.