Trimming is an undiscovered treasure of the Mixpo VideoAd creation process. Knowing when and how to trim gives you considerably more control over the content of the VideoAds you create.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• What trimming is.
• Why trimming is useful.
• Two approaches to trimming and the pros and cons of each.

Looking for instructions on how to trim? See Can I use only part of an existing video in a VideoAd?.

What is trimming?

When you trim a video clip, you trim off the excess bits and pare it down to just the portion you want to use.

You can trim at two different stages of the VideoAd creation process. As you’ll learn in more detail in a later section, the best time to trim is determined by the computer you’re using and/or the specific goal you’re trying to accomplish.

Why is trimming useful?

Suppose you have a TV spot or other existing creative on which you intend to base a VideoAd. The existing video clip may contain content at the beginning and/or the end that just doesn’t make sense online.

• Trimming is an efficient way to eliminate the parts of a video clip that you don’t need.

Or, suppose you want to add a video overlay to a VideoAd. Video overlays are short, compelling video snapshots that intensify the primary content of a VideoAd. For example, a pizza chain VideoAd might supplement its primary content (a luscious, ingredient-laden slice being removed from a pie) with a video overlay of a chef expertly tossing dough.

• Trimming allows you to quickly extract a small portion of a longer clip to include as an overlay.

If you separately record and upload audio and video content for a VideoAd, coordinating the timing can be tricky.

• Trimming allows you to make small adjustments to video content so it coordinates precisely with the voiceover.

Two trimming approaches

In the Mixpo platform, you can trim at two different points in the VideoAd creation process:

• Before you upload a video clip.
• After a video clip is uploaded.

This section describes the pros and cons of each approach so you can choose the approach that works best in a specific situation.

Trim before upload

Description	Pros and Cons
Works only on a PC, during the import process (or from within the Studio before you save). Trimming occurs on your local computer and only the trimmed portion is uploaded (the original video file is not altered in any way). You can set the start time of the trimmed section anywhere in the clip.	Gives you the finest control over the trimmed result. Viewing performance may be slightly better because you upload only the portion you need. If you realize you want to include more of the original clip, you have to upload and trim again.

Trim after upload

Description	Pros and Cons
Works on both a Mac and a PC. Trimming occurs on the Mixpo servers after the entire video clip has been uploaded. (On a PC, uploading is complete after you import a video clip into the Studio and save.) You can set the start time of the trimmed section only at key frames.	Available whatever operating system you use. Fine tune video clip length at any time. Use to trim video clips from the Mixpo stock library or an account’s media library. Lack of fine control over start times. May degrade viewing performance slightly because the entire clip is stored on the server.

To step through procedures for the two trimming approaches, see Can I use only part of an existing video in a VideoAd?.

Tags: Mixpo, Studio, trim

This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 1st, 2009 at 12:32 pm and is filed under Tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.