How to add simple motion to your screencasts

In this lesson, we're going to explore how to add simple motion to your screencasts. Motion might sound like a big, complex concept, but don't worry. We’re going to keep it super simple and focus only on what's necessary to enhance your edits without over-complicating things. The goal here is to bring subtle, intentional movement to your video to keep it visually engaging.

Why use motion in screencasts?

Whether it's a facecam window gently sliding out of the way or a graphic easing into the screen, just a touch of motion can add that final bit of polish. One practical issue animation can solve is moving your facecam out of the way when it's blocking something important happening on the screen.

Techniques to introduce motion

Picture-in-Picture animations

One of the easiest ways to move the facecam is by using picture-in-picture build-in and build-out animations. This method allows you to seamlessly reveal what's happening on screen without interrupting the flow of your content.

Using transitions

Transitions, such as a simple cross-dissolve, can be used to introduce smooth motion. By applying a cross dissolve on either side of your video clips, you can create a subtle transition effect that makes it appear like the facecam is effortlessly moving out and back into the screen.

Keyframing for manual adjustment

Another option for introducing motion is using keyframes. While it is a more manual process compared to the built-in methods, keyframing offers a flexible way to move elements around in your video. By setting markers for the start and end positions, you control how and where the object moves within your screencast.

Best practices for effective motion

Leaning on built-in features like Picture-in-Picture animations or transitions can simplify the motion process. Remember, the goal of motion is not to incorporate flashy effects but to help your audience stay engaged and focused. Intentional, basic animations can significantly elevate your screencasts.

What's next? Preparing for final export

That concludes our lesson on motion. Next, we'll move into exporting your final screencast with the best possible quality. See you in the next lesson!