Killed is such a harsh word. Video interrupted radio which had interrupted newsprint before it. Really, video became another medium in the evolving spectrum. Another information dissemination machine. That being said, video certainly deserves a fist-bump for it’s recent ascent to the top of the media charts. Video hosting sites such as YouTube and Vimeo are seeing billions of visits per month. Social media applications are finding ways to integrate video within their own gated venues. People say things like ‘Netflix and chill’.
A recent report from Cisco predicts that 80% of consumer web traffic will be video by 2019.
The importance of video in any content marketing strategy cannot be overlooked. Video production has become much more attainable due to technological advances in both equipment and software. With a large number of publishers and marketers choosing to take advantage of the visually driven medium we thought it would be useful to point out the numerous options available for including video in a Flip Page digital edition.
Let’s first consider where the video will reside. In a nutshell there are two hosting options available for video content in a Flip Page edition. One method is to upload the video source file, in .flv, .f4v, or .mp4 format, to our server. Video that is hosted on our servers will play in our video media player. The alternative is to upload the video to an external source such as YouTube, Vimeo or your own website. In the case of video uploaded to an external source the video will be played in the host providers media player.
"A recent report from Cisco predicts that 80% of consumer web traffic will be video by 2019".
Now that we have figured out where the video is going to live let’s look at the options, with examples, that are available for displaying the video within a Flip Page edition.
1. Embedded Pop-up – source video file is uploaded to Flip Page servers. In this example a ‘play button’ icon is used to incite reader interaction. Video plays within Flip Page pop-up media player once button is clicked. Example - http://www.flippubs.com/publication/?i=289215&p=42
2. Embedded – source video file is uploaded to Flip Page servers. In this example the video embed is part of the Flip Page page layout and the customizable option is selected to begin playback upon the page opening. Example - http://ford.epubs.flippagepublishing.com/publication/?i=104424&p=8
3. Embedded Stream – source video is hosted externally ie. YouTube or Vimeo. In this example the video is part of the Flip Page page layout and video is playing within hosts media player. Any customization would be required through the hosting provider (YouTube or Vimeo). Example - http://news.epubs.flippagepublishing.com/publication/?i=233554#{"issue_id":233554,"page":"10"}
4. Zuul Pop-up - source video is hosted externally ie. YouTube or Vimeo. In this example a ‘play button’ icon is used to engage reader with more content. The video plays within a pop-up window (Zuul Lightbox) on Flip Page edition page using hosts media player. Example - http://news.epubs.flippagepublishing.com/publication/?i=248695#{"issue_id":248695,"page":"2"}
5. External Link - source video is hosted externally ie. YouTube, Vimeo or website. In this example a ‘play button’ icon is used to incite reader interaction. The video plays within an external website in a new browser tab or window. Example - http://news.epubs.flippagepublishing.com/publication/?i=233554#{"issue_id":"244435","page":"4"}
There are a number of things to consider when implementing video into a digital edition strategy. For example, if a large amount of video content is already hosted elsewhere (YouTube or Vimeo) it would be more efficient to make use of that existing digital content. At the same time, if the intention is to attract more readers or gain subscribers to your digital edition it does not make sense to post video to a public venue such as YouTube. In that instance, it would be advisable to embed the video content directly into a digital issue which would require subscriber access for viewing.
It is also important to consider how the video is integrated into the page. In some instances, the page layout might not provide adequate space for the video. If this is the case, a simple icon will serve as a queue to the reader to click for more pop-up content.
There are several use-cases for video. An advertiser can reach a new audience with a video supplanted within their print ad. A Flip Page magazine or newspaper can use video content to complement a written article. A Flip Page catalogue or circular can add a product specific video to assist the reader in collecting information – an important step in the sales process. A Flip Page instruction manual can include ‘How to’ videos in support of the document text. The use-cases are literally limitless.
Tips and Hints
· Make it obvious to the user that video content is available. Use icons, buttons or specific wording ie. ‘Click here for video’ that instructs the reader to interact with the content.
· Use larger resolution video when possible. We suggest video with pixel dimensions of 800 x 600 which suits both PC and mobile viewing.
· Make sure the video quality is satisfactory. Not all video needs to look like it was produced in Hollywood but it also should not look completely amateur.
· Make sure that source video meets our file requirements if it is going to be uploaded to our servers and played within our media player.
· Video should be limited to 30 seconds to retain reader attention
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