Product Reviews
Since I regularly review and test technology and software in my quest to continue learning and staying ahead of the curve I’m asked on a regular basis to make suggestions.
As a marketing expert I am asked all the time what I use to create content and my answers are always honest, but I know that the software, sites, and programs I use are more high end and not what a majority of business owners can afford or have the skill set to use.
Understanding my audience
I make recommendations based on who is asking, and identifying their needs.
(If the question is coming from a person who needs my services they are simply asking out of curiosity.)
On the other hand, if a person asks so they may begin to take on creating content in their work role then I always return the answer with the following questions:
1. What is your budget?
2. What is your skill level?
Knowing these two answers help me make suggestions so they can explore their options and make the decision based on their specific needs.
Video Editor
This particular education topic revolves around diy video tools. As we all know, video in marketing plans is only getting better.
As you begin to survey the web for software solutions for video editors you will undoubtedly be overwhelmed by the vast array of companies promoting their wares.
Today I will be reviewing https://www.kapwing.com
software.
Kapwing empowers people to make and share their stories on the internet. The online video editing suite includes the web’s most popular editing tools. You can make stop motions, share highlights, or resize a post for your Social Media.
Their Products
Studio is their flagship product that takes image, gif, video and allows the user to add text, resize and customize.
Video Maker allows wonderful features that are easy to use. You can quickly combine videos, add images, and create montages. There is audio, the ability to resize for use, loop, trim, and a variety of creative tools to filter, reverse, and change speeds in your videos.
Meme Generator makes memes easily online. They provide templates or you can create your own in a few clicks.
Collage Maker positions images, gifs, and videos with an online collage maker.
Templates are included for Instagram stories, to beautify your IG stories easily. Meme templates and collage templates make your job easy.
My Honest Review
Based on the two questions above (budget and skill) I give Kapwing a full thumbs-up recommendation.
WHY?
I base my recommendations on several key factors
— Learning curve
— Limitations
— Up-gradable options
— Final product quality
Kapwing Learning Curve: As a pro I try to step back and look at software as a noob with fresh eyes. The simplicity of Kapwing was really a strong benefit of using it. I believe anyone with a beginner skill set could jump in and create a video!
Limitations: As I began to explore what each of their product could do I was more and more impressed. The speed, rewind, stop motion, and audio additions were easy to use and implement.
Upgradable options: This section deals with the pricing model. Professional videos should not have service provider’s watermarks in them. The exchange of free service for a watermark is great in some instances, but the incredibly inexpensive price of $6 per video is unheard of. The upgrade option is $20 for an unlimited amount of watermarks per month.
Quality: The quality of clip (high resolution vs low resolution) that you put into your video will determine what comes back out. I know that sounds simple — but that means they aren’t degrading the video when you get it back.
How I found them:
I was actually looking at software that makes video end-slates (the info / call to action bit of info that show up at the last few seconds of a video). I am literally raving about this company right now because they offer such a robust product line that beginners can get started right away, and the pricing structure is set in a way that everyone can afford what they need!
Pricing
Here’s what they say on their site.
Kapwing is free to use and always will be, for all of our video editing tools.
However, we do add a small, unintrusive watermark to some edited videos. If having a video without a watermark is important to you, you can pay to remove the watermark.
We charge $6 to remove the watermark from a single video. You can also upgrade to an unlimited plan for $20 / month, and then create as many videos without a watermark as you’d like.
They serve people who make video as a small part of their lives, not full time film makers. Perfect solution for brands, influencers, artists, entertainers, students, and agents.