Modern video editing softwares come with so many features and complicated user interfaces that can make video editing seem like a complex task — so much so that it can intimidate those diving in for the first time.

While video editing has the potential to be complicated (they wouldn’t give out Oscars if it was always easy!), it doesn’t have to be. The hardest part for anyone new to the process is often knowing where to start. 

Now we have a whole step-by-step guide on how to edit videos, but the first job of a video editor is to ensure that the audience only sees what they need to see to focus their attention. This means streamlining information and making it as easy as possible for your viewers to absorb. 

In other words, you want to get the information across without making things too complicated. One way to simplify your content is through a lower third – giving your audience the information they need without making things too cluttered.

What is a lower third? It’s a graphic that’s layered with text and, as the name suggests, it sits in the lower part of the screen. If you’ve ever watched TV (who hasn’t?) then you’ve probably seen one without even realizing it! 

Editors often add lower thirds to videos to provide a point of reference to the audience, such as the speaker’s name and profession, or a situation and location. The most common places you may have seen a lower third is during a newscast, documentary, or instructional video. 

Having a lower third in your video can provide valuable information to your audience while keeping the content simple but engaging. Below are some examples of videos with lower thirds that were used in an effective way.

What’s a Lower Third in a Video?

A lower third is like the unsung hero of video storytelling. At its core, it’s a fusion of text and graphic elements strategically positioned in the bottom section of a video screen. While its name might hint at it consuming a third of the screen space, that’s not always the case.

You can think of lower thirds as sidekicks. They are to footage what Robin is to Batman, or Samwise to Frodo. They don’t grab the spotlight, but they are pivotal to the narrative.

If you’ve ever watched a documentary and instantly knew the person’s name and role, then you’ve experienced the magic of a well-executed lower third. Without it, you’d likely be scratching your head, trying to figure out who’s who.

The brilliance of a lower third isn’t in its ability to convey details but in its subtlety. The best lower thirds should integrate with the video seamlessly. If your video has a specific mood or branding, the lower third should echo it, complementing the content rather than pulling focus.

In essence, the best lower thirds are those that deliver crucial info while maintaining the video’s aesthetic harmony. Whether it’s a talk show, corporate presentation, or even a YouTube video, the best lower thirds ensure your audience is informed, not overwhelmed.

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What are the Different Elements of a Lower Third?

Color

The colors you choose for your lower third can make or break its effectiveness. While it may be tempting to focus solely on aesthetics, it’s crucial to steer clear of overly vibrant or bold colors.

Consistency is key, so it’s best to align with the hues of a logo or brand, sticking predominantly to a duo of colors. Opting for a shade that plays well with the video’s background ensures your message stands out without overshadowing the primary content. 

Typography

Finding the right font is paramount in conveying your video’s tone but it’s important that your chosen typeface prioritizes clarity over flair, ensuring that your audience can effortlessly absorb the information. Moreover, brevity is your ally so try to aim for a succinct text that delivers the message without excess. 

It’s also worth noting that the weight and style of your font will have an impact. While bold typefaces can highlight crucial points, slender ones might offer a touch of sophistication.

Animation Style

Animation can breathe life into your lower thirds, but moderation is key. 

While it’s possible to animate elements like text, logos, and shapes, it’s essential to strike the right balance. Animations often shine in intros, outros, or transitions, offering a dynamic touch to the video. Ask yourself: does the animation enhance the message or distract from it? 

Size and Position

Believe it or not, positioning your lower third isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. While the name suggests it belongs at the bottom, there’s no strict rule — what’s more important is to consider the context.

Depending on where your subject is positioned in the frame, you might need to reconsider the placement of your text or graphic. If your subject’s gaze rests in the upper third of the screen, positioning their name in the lower third can balance the composition. 

Try to ensure your designs are within a title-safe area, so they don’t obstruct key visuals. Proper alignment and sizing will ensure viewers receive the information without needing to actively look for it. 

Shapes and Logos

If you’re creating a video for a company, you’ll probably have a clear style guide to refer to. However, there’s often room for a little creative freedom in choosing complementary shapes. 

While often overlooked, shapes can act as backdrops or accents, enhancing both logos and text. The right geometric touch can elevate the design, ensuring the brand identity remains intact while adding the perfect amount of visual intrigue. 

Video Lower Third Explanation

When to Use Lower Thirds in Videos?

While lower thirds can do a lot to elevate your video’s messaging, knowing when to use them is key. So, let’s take a quick look at some of the most opportune moments to add lower thirds to your videos: 

• Introducing a New Face: Whenever a fresh speaker graces the screen, you can use a lower third to introduce them to your audience.
• Branding Moments: Keeping your brand present and memorable is essential. A strategically timed lower third with your company logo can subtly imprint your brand into the viewer’s memory.
• Offering Context: Diving into a dense topic? If there’s a keyword or a pivotal point that demands attention, a lower third can underscore its importance.
• Visual Reinforcement: While the spoken word has its strength, combining it with a visual cue in the form of a lower third can accentuate the message, aiding recall and comprehension.

The beauty of lower thirds lies in their ability to add depth to the narrative while guiding the audience through the story. However, the secret is in using them thoughtfully.

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How to Make a Lower Third?

Creating your own lower third doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools, you can easily create a simple lower third that will give your video the finishing touches it needs to pull your story together. 

In the following tutorial, we’ll be using TechSmith’s Camtasia to create a lower third for our video. Camtasia is a comprehensive editing suite that’s perfect for professional video editors and beginners alike. 

With Camtasia, you can change the speed of a video, add music to your footage, and add captions and subtitles — all in a few easy steps! 

If you don’t already have Camtasia, you can download a free trial here, which might be a good way to try creating your own lower third. 

Step 1: Import media

Begin by importing your media into the Media Bin on the left side of the screen. Once imported, drag the media into the blank canvas.

Step 2: Add shapes and text

On the left side of the screen, click on the Annotations tab. Under the Callouts section, drag a shape (commonly rectangular) and adjust the size accordingly. Lower thirds are typically placed to the left and rarely go across the entire screen.

By double-clicking on the default text, you can enter the words you want to appear in your lower third. Then, by accessing the Properties tab on the right side, you can adjust the color and opacity, depending on personal preference and how well they complement the video.

Step 3: Make your text move

On the same toolbar as the Annotations tab, you’ll see the Behaviors tab. By clicking on it, you can add simple animations to the lower third as it enters and exits the screen. Drag your preferred behavior down to the editor at the bottom of the screen. 

Again, you can make further adjustments in the Properties tab.

Tips to Make an Amazing Lower Third

Make it readable

We’ve said it once, and we’ll say it again: The primary purpose of a lower third is to convey information, so it’s crucial that viewers can easily read your text. 

Ensure there’s enough contrast between the lower third and the video background. For instance, if your video is quite dark, opt for a brighter lower third. The location and the choice of font also play pivotal roles in enhancing readability. 

Remember, always aim for clarity over decoration. Your audience cares much more about the information than how it’s presented. 

Choose the right font

When selecting a font for your lower third, aim for consistency with your current branding. If you’re already leveraging a particular font in your graphics, it’s usually best to maintain consistency. 

Generally speaking, sans-serif fonts are a popular choice for lower thirds as they look modern and are easy to read.

Good placement

The traditional placement of a lower third (in the bottom third of the screen) may complement footage of someone speaking on camera because it provides visual balance. However, as we’ve mentioned, there are no strict rules for placing your lower third. 

For example, if your footage deviates from a speaking close-up, you have a bit more flexibility in where you place it. Wherever you decide, try to ensure it’s not too near the screen’s edge to maintain clarity and aesthetic appeal.

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Use your brand colors and style

By keeping your brand’s visual elements consistent across platforms, be it streaming or social media, will help fortify your brand’s presence and build recognition among your audience. 

If your brand colors and style are yet to be determined, you might want to prioritize this step before creating your lower third. Your branding choices should mirror your brand’s ethos, captivate your target audience, and fit into your content’s domain.

Complement your content

A lower third’s role is to weave context into your video without stealing the spotlight. Your audience should be engaged with the content, not sidetracked by overly elaborate graphics. 

While lower thirds are valuable tools, they’re the backup singers, not the lead. Always lean towards clean, straightforward designs for optimal effectiveness.

Choose a creation method

There are plenty of ways to create lower thirds for your video content. 

• Design Your Own: Creating your own lower thirds with Camtasia is super quick and easy — especially as we’ve outlined the steps in this post!
  
• Template Magic: If you’re low on time, or can’t get it to look quite how you want it to, Camtasia offers a wide range of lower third video templates that you can download and customize. 
  
  This offers the flexibility of tweaking ready-made designs to align better with your branding.
  
• Hire a Pro: We’ve given you the knowledge and we’re providing you with templates. We couldn’t make it any easier for you if we tried, but a professional designer might…
  
  If you value pristine aesthetics and are willing to invest, hiring a professional might be an alternative to creating your own lower thirds. 

However you decide to move forward in creating your lower third, you should consider your budget, your desired aesthetic, and how comfortable you are with visual design and achieving the desired look and feel for your content. 

The prospect of creating your own video content might spark fantasies of having 10 million subscribers on YouTube, but if you’ve never made a video before, then there’s a lot you need to learn. As such, when it comes to getting started, it’s easy to get bogged down with how complex the process really is — but don’t let that put you off! 

If you’ve asked yourself questions like “Where do I even start?” then we’ve got an answer for you: By making a plan. 

Anyone who’s anyone knows that there’s more to creating a video than just hitting the record button — it’s about crafting an engaging story that lasts. With the right planning and preparation, you’ll be able to get the best out of your directorial debut.  

Whether you’re aiming to make an instructional video or a YouTube video, the real work begins before the cameras start rolling. Understanding the basics of pre-production is crucial, and in this guide we’ll show you how to plan a video, to make sure your first video is a success and that you have fun making it. 

What is video pre-production?

‘Video pre-production’ might sound like Hollywood jargon, but it simply refers to the process of planning a video shoot that happens before filming (AKA “production”) can take place. Whether it’s scouting locations, selecting the right equipment, or casting the perfect talent, pre-production covers everything that comes before anyone says “Action!”

This phase also involves brainstorming ideas, writing a script, creating a storyboard, and organizing all the details needed to bring your vision to life. It’s where creativity meets logistics. You’ll decide what story you want to tell, how you want to tell it, and what resources you’ll need to do so. 

Pre production is your opportunity to iron out any kinks in your plan and ensure everything runs smoothly once you’re on set. It’s also about being prepared for every scenario, so you can focus on capturing the best footage. In essence, a good pre-production leads to a smoother filming and editing (AKA “post-production”) process.

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Video pre-production: Before you begin

Before anything else, the success of a video hinges on two vital aspects of pre-production: defining your project and narrowing the focus between learning objectives and outcomes. 

These initial steps ensure you have a clear vision and actionable goals, providing a solid foundation for everything that follows.

Define your project

Defining your project is the first and most crucial step in the pre-production process. This doesn’t mean choosing a subject matter, it means setting a clear vision and direction for your video. 

One way to do this is to ask yourself specific questions and take the time to give serious thought to the answers. Here are some questions you might want to consider: 

1. Who’s your target audience? We can’t stress enough just how important it is to know your audience and tailor your content to their needs, interests, and expectations when making a video plan. In turn, this helps in crafting a message that will resonate with your viewers.
2. What’s the video’s purpose? Why are you making this video? Is it to inform, entertain, inspire, or persuade? This serves as the backbone of your content and will guide every creative decision you make.
3. What are your objectives? Define what you want to achieve with this video. Are you aiming to increase brand awareness, educate on a specific topic, or showcase a product? Having clear objectives will help measure your video’s success.
4. What’s the story? Every video needs to tell a story. A big part of video planning is knowing how you’ll narrate this story, the key points you’ll cover, and the overall flow.
5. What resources are available? It’s important to keep track of the resources you have access to — budget, equipment, talent, time, etc. — to ensure you create the best possible video within your means. If you need to make any compromises, it’s better to know before you start filming. 

By defining these aspects of your project from the outset, you set a solid foundation that you can build the rest of your project upon. This clarity not only streamlines the rest of the pre-production process but also ensures that your final video aligns with your vision.

Learning Objectives vs. Outcomes: Narrow the Focus

There’s an argument to be made that a shift in your own perspective could change how your audience engages with your content. Rather than focusing solely on objectives, remember to focus on outcomes as well — especially if you’re creating an educational video. 

In other words, don’t just focus on what the audience has learned, focus on what they can do with their new-found knowledge. By shifting your perspective on the end result, it should be clear whether the video succeeded in providing value to your audience. 

When planning your video, concentrate on one clear idea, topic, or focus point. This will ensure that your video stays on track while making it easier to produce. For viewers, this focused approach translates into clearer instructions and more achievable outcomes.

Know the end before you begin

Once you’ve answered the most fundamental questions about your video, you need to also consider where it’s going to end up once it’s finished, and how this will affect the viewing experience. 

Understanding the final platform for your video is not just a technicality, it’s a strategic decision that influences everything from the video’s format and style to its accessibility and potential for engagement.

Where is the video going to end up?

Deciding where your video will be hosted is more than just a mere detail, it’s a decision that should guide your entire creative process. Whether it’s destined for social media, a professional website, or an educational platform, each destination holds its own set of expectations and technical requirements. 

Recognizing this early on allows you to tailor your approach, ensuring that the video not only looks and feels right for its environment but also resonates with the intended audience. It’s about matching your video’s style, tone, and format with the platform it will be hosted on.

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Are you putting the video on a public channel?

If you plan on making your video public, be sure to consider the context that people might find it. For example, you might want to add extra elements that identify the product, company, or organization. It might seem like a small detail, but you don’t want viewers to have to guess whether the video is associated with your company or not — they should just know. 

What size will fit perfectly in your video’s destination?

Choosing the right resolution for your video is a key decision in the pre-production process. It’s essential to align the video size with its final display platform. As a best practice, aim to edit your video in the same resolution you plan to produce it at. For example, if your target output is 1280 x 720, then editing at this resolution will ensure your video stays looking sharp. 

When it comes to filming, however, you have a little more leeway. Generally speaking, it’s best to film at a resolution that is proportional to, and ideally larger than, your intended output. Doing so allows for flexibility in post-production, such as cropping or re-framing shots without losing quality. 

Continuing with the 1280 x 720 example, you could record at this same resolution or opt for a higher resolution, like 1920 x 1080. Both maintain a 16:9 aspect ratio, which is the ratio of the width to the height of the video, ensuring consistency in your final product’s appearance.

Understanding these resolution guidelines will help ensure that your video is visually appealing and technically optimized for its destination, whether it’s a social media platform, a website, or any other digital medium.

Accessibility is essential

You should always assume that there will be people in your audience who are deaf or hard of hearing. At the very least, you’ll need to add closed captions to your video. With a tool like TechSmith’s Audiate, you can effortlessly transcribe the audio in your video (or record it separately) and use it to create an .srt file, which will act as captions. 

Having closed captions will not only make your content more accessible but also increase engagement. Remember, you can’t always know where or how your audience will be watching your video. If they’re watching it on their phone, on the subway, without headphones, there’s no way for them to know what’s being said. 

Is the video part of a series?

If so, do you want to link the viewer to another video or other content? Some websites and video players will allow you to link directly to other videos or web pages from within the video. 

Doing this will make it easier for your viewers to find related content that they could find useful. Alternatively, if your viewer has multiple tasks to accomplish, this can help the user find the next video in the series.

Make a Plan for Your Video: The Steps

Now that you know your audience, what your content is going to focus on, and where it’s going to be hosted, you should have a much clearer idea for the content and how you going to present it. But that’s just the beginning…

There’s still a lot of ground to cover before you can move on to the production phase, and in this section, we’ll discuss some of the final steps in pre-production. 

Let’s dive in! 

Writing a script

There’s a common misconception that scripts are only for big-budget productions, but the truth is, they’re essential for any video maker who wants to ensure their message is heard loud and clear. 

While you don’t need to hire the Cohen brothers to write it, or anyone for that matter, a script will help you focus your message and define exactly what you want to say. It will also help make sure you don’t miss anything or stumble over your words while filming. 

The power of scripting lies in its ability to shape the final video. While writing a script requires time and thought, it’s an investment that pays off by saving time during the production and editing phase. 

When creating your script, focus on clarity and brevity. Every line should serve a purpose. Be critical — if a sentence doesn’t add value, it’s better to leave it out. You must also remember to read your script out loud. This practice helps catch any phrases that might sound awkward or unnatural when spoken. 

Of course, not every video project you work on will require a full script. For more spontaneous formats like meetings, lectures, or interviews, an outline or a set of guiding questions may be enough. This will still make sure that all critical points are addressed without stifling the natural flow of conversation.

Gathering materials & equipment

While you’re creating your script, it’s worth keeping a note of the props, equipment, and information you need to gather, and what needs to be arranged before you film. 

This can happen in any order that makes sense, what’s important is making sure that your list is ready before you start filming. It will save time and effort while reducing your overall stress level.

Equipment

It goes without saying that you need to get your gear before you shoot, but don’t do it immediately before the shoot. We suggest allowing at least a day or two before filming to look through everything and ensure you have everything you need.

Don’t forget things like spare batteries, cords, tripods, props, or any other kit you’ll need or want with you. You might even want to run through the setup to make sure everything is in working condition and will serve you well during the shoot.

If you’re recording voice overs, remember to make sure you have your microphone, mic stand, and other audio gear ready to go — and that everything is working as it should be.

Of course, if all you’re doing is recording your screen, you might only need a high-quality screen recorder — like TechSmith’s Camtasia — and a decent microphone.

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Brand colors

Make sure you know what the approved colors are for your organization or the colors that you’re using to brand your work. If possible, have the RGB, CMYK, or Hex values on hand. Being able to access those colors without much thought will speed up the post-production process, and save you from having to go back to correct mistakes later.

Logos and images

If there are any graphics you plan to use — such as lower thirds, title animations, brand logos, screenshots, etc. — create a folder on your computer and keep them all in one place. 

When you’re ready to edit you won’t have to think about where you saved them or spend time searching for them. You might also want to run a quick spot-check to make sure that they’re going to work with your footage, or if you’ll need to adjust them.

Location

While you can’t bundle a location with your kit, there are things you can do to make sure you’re ready to film in one. Firstly, if you’re coordinating a shoot somewhere outside of your home or office, you’ll need to check whether you need permission to film in that location.

Even if you don’t need a permit, be sure to visit your chosen location at the same time of day you plan to shoot so that you can scout it out and see if it’s going to meet your needs. When you’re scouting a location, ask yourself:

• Are there obstacles that might get in the way?
• Are there sound issues, like a noisy HVAC system?
• Are there any lighting issues, such as too many windows, or too few?

At the very least, go to the location with your storyboard to see how it will match what you’re hoping to film and make any adjustments as needed. 

Talent

To cast people to star in your video, you need to think about exactly who it is you’re asking to be on camera: Are they a Subject Matter Expert? Is it a co-worker playing a part? Are you hiring professional actors? Is it just you filming in your office?

Whoever it is, if you’re asking someone to be a part of your video, you need to help them prepare for the role. This means bringing them up to speed on the video’s concept, subject matter, as well as your overall vision. 

Be sure to give your talent a copy of the script, show them your storyboard, and make it clear what it is you expect from them. You should also tell them what you want them to wear on camera, or if there’s a particular way they should style their hair or do their makeup. 

Most importantly, remember to create a comfortable and respectful environment for your talent. Whether they’re seasoned professionals or colleagues stepping in front of the camera for the first time, a supportive atmosphere can make a world of difference when it comes to the quality of their performance. 

You may need to have them sign a release agreement allowing you to use their likeness in the video. Some company policies already include provisions for using employees’ photos and videos, but it’s always good to double-check.

Voice over

As with almost every other aspect of creating a video, recording a professional voice over means paying close attention to a number of key factors. Firstly, it’s important to give your narrator just as much direction as you would your on-screen talent. Anyone tasked with recording the voice over should receive detailed guidance on the pacing, tone, and style to ensure the voice over complements the video’s content and mood. 

Whether it’s a lively and upbeat delivery for promotional content or a calm, measured tone for a training video, the voiceover should share a similar tone to the rest of the project.

You’ll also need to think about where to conduct the recording. While you may not have access to a professional recording studio, a quiet and controlled space is essential for recording high-quality audio. This means eliminating background noises like traffic and office chatter. Sometimes, even minor adjustments in the recording space, like adding sound-absorbing materials, can really enhance the audio quality. 

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Conclusion on video pre-production

It’s no secret that there’s a lot to think about in the lead-up to filming a video, but we’re not saying it to scare you off. Rather, our hope is that you make your first video without worrying about everything in this guide. What’s important is that you take some of our advice to start with, and run with it. 

While it takes time and effort to navigate through pre-production, each step you take in planning and preparation lays the groundwork for a successful and rewarding video-making experience.

Once you’ve made your first video, you can take a few more of the ideas we’ve discussed and bring them into your second video. Then, after video two, pick up another idea and add it to your workflow. 

By following this pattern, you’ll be able to continuously make videos that only get better while also honing your skills as a content creator. It’s going to take time, hard work, and practice, but it will be well worth it when you get all those subscribers! 

Imagine you’ve just finished recording a video, only to play it back and notice a constant hum in the background. It’s frustrating, but no one will care as long as the picture quality is good, right? Wrong! Good video content isn’t just about crystal-clear visuals — the audio quality is just as important. 

Whether it’s the buzz of distant traffic, the unexpected whir of an air conditioning unit, or some unidentifiable hissing sound, even the most meticulously planned recordings can fall victim to intrusive background noise. While some video makers might be tempted to ignore such issues, poor audio can severely detract from your content and distract your audience. 

But fear not, removing (or at least reducing) unwanted noise is easier than you think — and it doesn’t involve refilming your entire video. In this guide, we’ll show you ​​how to remove noise from audio to ensure that your message is heard loud and clear. 

So, if you’re looking to learn how to remove white noise from audio, look no further! All you need is the right tools and a little know-how, which is exactly what we’ll be discussing in this post. We’ll also be looking at:

• What is audio noise and how it can ruin your viewer’s experience
• How to reduce audio noise before you start recording.
• How to reduce audio noise in your recording.
• How to easily fix noisy audio, even if it’s already embedded in a video.

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What is audio background noise and why is it harmful?

There’s no single definition of audio noise, but generally speaking, it’s any background sound such as fans, people talking, cars driving by, or other ambient noises that shouldn’t be in your video. Even faulty wiring in your devices (such as your microphone) can cause an annoying background buzz!

While good audio goes a long way in making a good video, noisy audio distracts viewers from the information that’s being given. Don’t believe us? Here are some examples: 

Noisy Audio Background

In this audio clip, you can clearly hear a hiss in the background. While it might not be overly distracting, it could be a lot better.

Clean Audio Background

Now here’s the same clip, but with the audio noise removed…

There’s no denying that the second clip sounds better. It’s cleaner, clearer, and — most importantly — it sounds more professional. It’s a bit like when you turn off a semi-loud appliance, like the hood over your stove, and realize how much quieter (and nicer) it is without that noise. 

How to remove background noise from audio BEFORE you record

As with many things, when dealing with noisy audio, prevention is the greatest cure. While there are a few things you can do to record great audio, one of them is finding the quietest possible environment.

You don’t need a professional studio to get great results — though you could make a DIY recording studio (if you have the time and budget) — but you do want to pick a quiet space that you have some control over. Then, you should get familiar with the typical ambient sounds in that area.

Can you hear large trucks or other traffic from outside? What about the heating or air conditioning? Is there a fan turning on and off? Are people talking in other rooms? Are there fluorescent lights buzzing overhead? These are just a few of the noises that might distract from your voice over. 

Once you’ve chosen your space, run a short test recording to get an idea of the sounds your equipment might pick up. You don’t need to speak, just use your microphone to record 10-20 seconds of the room’s natural noise. In technical terms, this is called “recording your room tone.” 

When you’re done, listen to your room tone recording using headphones. Is there anything that you can hear that can be immediately eliminated?

For example, if you can hear the fan from your heating/cooling system, then turn it off while you record. If you hear people talking in the background, you could (politely) ask them to move their conversation to a different area. 

Your room tone recording will also help you reduce audio noise after you’ve recorded as it can act as the baseline for your audio software to remove noise. Don’t worry if that sounds complicated, because next we’re going talk you through it. 

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How to reduce background noise from existing videos

There are a lot of free audio editing applications out there, but they can be complicated and require some prior knowledge of audio editing techniques.

However, because we want to make things easy for you, in this example we’re going to show you how to remove background noise from audio, using TechSmith’s Audiate. 

What’s Audiate? It’s only the easiest way to record and edit your voice over like a pro… no big deal. 

Using magic (aka. very clever and complicated technology), Audiate transcribes your voice over as you record it and then lets you edit the audio as if it were a text document. If you need to cut a word or sentence, just highlight it and delete it. It’s that simple! 

Audiate can also transcribe imported audio recordings, so if you’ve already recorded your voice over but don’t yet have Audiate, it doesn’t matter. You can still import the audio, edit it, and use it to isolate your voice from background noise. However, the steps below are for reducing audio noise that you’re recording (not importing).

So, without further ado, here’s how to remove white noise from audio (or any other noise for that matter):

Step 1: Record your room tone audio and voice over

First, record your room tone as we mentioned above. That means getting a 10-20 second clip of what the room sounds like before you start talking. Then, in the same recording, record your voice over.

Next, before you work on removing the background noise, edit your voice over as needed.

Step 2: Apply the Remove Noise filter

Once you’re happy with your voice over, click the Filters and Effects button, then the Plus symbol (+) to add an effect, and select Remove Noise.

Next, adjust the effect’s settings to reduce as much of the room tone noise as possible from the first 10-20 seconds you recorded by using the Processing slider to adjust how much noise you want to remove. 

While it can be tempting to remove all the noise from your recording, it’s worth noting that doing so will likely make your voice over sound muddy or unnatural.

The Focus dropdown allows you to choose what types of sound frequencies you want to filter out. For example, if your audio noise consists of mostly high-frequency sounds (like hissing), you could select High Frequency.

The Output slider will allow you to adjust the volume of the audio coming out of the filter while the Remove Hum/Buzz switch can automatically remove many kinds of hums and buzzes common to noisy audio.

Step 3: Check your voice over

Once you have reduced the noise in your room tone, listen to how the filter has affected your voice over recording. Does it sound good? Or, does it sound a little off?

Applying too much noise reduction can sometimes make your recording sound strange. Fixing this is as simple as adjusting the settings to maintain optimal noise reduction while also ensuring your voice sounds natural.

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How to reduce audio background in a video editor

Aside from Audiate, TechSmith’s Camtasia is also great at removing audio noise — especially when the audio is already embedded in a video. Just in case you’re unfamiliar with Camtasia, it’s an advanced video editing software that doubles up as a sophisticated screen recorder.

Despite its vast range of cutting-edge tools and functionality, Camtasia sports a sleek and intuitive user interface. This means it’s great for professional video editors looking to make complex edits, as well as those people looking to make their first-ever YouTube video. 

With Camtasia, you can add music to a video, change the speed of a video, and even make a split screen video in just a few simple steps! While you don’t necessarily need both Camtasia and Audiate, they integrate seamlessly to help optimize your workflow.

For example, Audiate makes it easy to create an .srt file with its own transcription that can be used to add captions to your video in Camtasia. What’s more, if you record your audio separately in Audiate, you can easily sync your audio and video sources in Camtasia. 

You can also use Camtasia as a way to get rid of white noise in audio that features in a video, which is exactly what we’re going to discuss in this section. 

Step 1: Open your video in Camtasia and separate the audio and video

Separating audio and video tracks in Camtasia is incredibly easy. Just right-click on your video in the Camtasia Timeline and choose Separate Video and Audio.

Your audio will now appear on a separate track on the Timeline.

Step 2: Apply the Remove Noise audio effect

Next, click on Audio Effects and drag the Remove Noise effect to the audio track on your timeline. In the Properties panel, you can adjust how sensitive the Noise Reduction effect is with the Sensitivity slider, and the amount of noise you want to remove with the Reduction slider.

And that’s all there is to it. Just remember not to go over-the-top with the noise reduction or your audio might sound strange.

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Removing background noise from audio, the FAQs

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in 2016 and has since been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Blurring parts of your videos can be a great way to add privacy, eliminate distractions, and enhance the audience’s focus on your content. It’s also the best way to ensure you’re complying with privacy laws when showing content that includes sensitive information. 

However, some video editing software can be tricky. Who wants to fiddel with loads of overly-complicated settings just to blur one small piece of information? Exactly, nobody!  Fortunately for you, there is a better way…

TechSmith’s Camtasia makes it easy to blur any element of your video, no matter how big or small. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a simple, step-by-step process on how to blur videos quickly and easily.

If, however, you’re trying to find out how to fix a blurry video, click here.

Why Blurring Videos?

There are more reasons to blur a video than simply wanting to hide someone’s identity or sensitive information. In fact, blurring can be a powerful tool in editing, offering several aesthetic and practical benefits. 

Whether it’s to maintain focus, ensure privacy, or add a professional touch, being able to use the blur tool properly can transform your content, here’s how: 

Busy background

It’s an easy thing to overlook, but having a busy background can detract from the primary subject of your video. However, by blurring out distracting elements, you can keep your viewers focused on what matters. 

Whether it’s a cluttered room or an unorganized desktop, a blur effect helps maintain the audience’s focus on the content, ensuring your message is heard loud and clear.

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Unwanted objects

Photobombs are the worst. Whether it’s an email notification popping up while you record your screen, or someone unexpectedly appearing in your shot, your viewer’s eyes will be drawn to these distracting intruders. 

However, blurring these elements allows you to keep your content professional and focused without needing to start recording all over again. It’s an easy fix for those unforeseen intrusions that can occur while filming.

Privacy

Protecting privacy is crucial, especially in today’s digital age. Blurring videos is key when displaying faces, license plates, emails, or other sensitive information that should be kept private. 

Blurring sensitive data isn’t only the right thing to do, it could well be a legal necessity, especially if your video will be available to the public. It’s not just about protecting the person’s details — it’s about protecting yourself from a lawsuit should anything go awry. 

Highlighting text

As well as hiding information, blurring out unnecessary text can be very effective in drawing people’s attention to specific details in your video. This technique creates a natural focal point, making it easier for your audience to focus on key information, be it in instructional content, product demos, or educational videos.

How to Blur Videos With Camtasia

Step 1: Record or import your video

If you want to know how to make a video blurry, then you probably have some footage already. But if you don’t, we’ll show you how to import or record a video too.

Camtasia’s intuitive design makes it easier than ever to create professional-quality videos. Whether you’re making a YouTube video from scratch or just need to trim some footage, Camtasia could be exactly what you’re looking for. 

With Camtasia, you can record videos directly within the software, or upload footage you’ve filmed elsewhere. You can also change the speed of your footage, add music to your video, and create closed captions. 

Now, to record a video with Camtasia, open the application and click the red Record button. You can choose to record your microphone, computer screen, webcam, or other video source, and system audio at the same time, or individually.

When you finish recording, click Stop, and your video will automatically appear on the Timeline, ready for editing. 

You can also import a previously created video by clicking on, File > Import > Media and selecting the video you wish to import. You can also use this method to import other assets such as images, presentation slides, and video clips. 

When you have all the files you need, simply drag them from the Media Bin to the Timeline. We told you it’s easy! 

Step 2: Add the blur effect

To blur a part of your video, click the Annotations tab and then the Blur & Highlight tab. 

Next, drag a blur annotation to the Canvas. From there, you can adjust the size and position of the blurred area to cover the desired section. You can also change the intensity of the blur to make it more or less blurry.

How to completely block something in a video?

If you need to completely cover a piece of information, we recommend using the Shapes feature. Simply click and drag a shape to the canvas and adjust its size and position until what you’re trying to cover is completely hidden.

There’s a wide variety of different shapes that you can use, and you can change the color of each one to suit the style you’re looking for. For more information about Annotations, Callouts, and Titles, check out the tutorial below.

Step 3: Share your video

Once you’ve blurred all the information you need to hide, it’s time to share it with the world. Camtasia will give you the option to export your footage to a range of the most popular sharing destinations, including YouTube, Vimeo, and Screencast Classic — to name a few.

And that’s all there is to it! You now know how to blur a video like a pro! No more worries about privacy issues or viewers seeing a part of your screen that isn’t relevant. 

For more tips on how to get the most out of Camtasia, be sure to check out our guides on merging videos, cropping footage, and how to make a split-screen video. Now get out there and make some secure and professional content!

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How to Blue a Video, the FAQs

Most of us don’t consider ourselves teachers or trainers, but at some point, nearly all of us will have to show a colleague or a customer how to do something. 

A training video or an instructional video — which are similar, but not the same — are both great ways to guide someone through a process, teach new skills, or train someone on a new system. But sometimes, merely showing someone what to do and how to do it isn’t enough. 

Adding text to a video can add more clarity, help identify what you’re trying to show, and inject life into your explanation. 

But how exactly do you add text to video? Well, the good news is, it’s incredibly easy. And the other good news is we’re going to show you how to add text to a video in this post. 

Here’s what we’ll cover in this post: 

• Five reasons to add text to a video
• How to add text to videos in five easy steps
• How to go beyond basic text
• How lower-thirds can help add clarity to your videos

Note: This post is not about how to add captions or subtitles to a video. However, you can learn how to add captions or subtitles to a video, by clicking here.

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Why add text to video?

Video has proven to be an incredible learning tool because it provides everything your viewers need to see on one screen. You can literally show people what you know, so why would you need to add text? 

Well, there are a lot of reasons, such as:

• Show your video’s title
• Identify something or someone on the screen
• Provide more context as to what’s being shown
• Draw attention to a detail that might go unnoticed
• Show a series of steps

We could go on, but these reasons alone should be more than enough to show how important it can be to add text to videos, and the role it plays in ensuring your audience get the information they need. 

To be clear, when we talk about adding text to a video, we mean adding dynamic text that’s actually part of the video. You could add a static image of text onto the screen, but it’s much easier and more efficient to do it right in your video editor. 

By using your video editing software to add text when you’re actually editing your video, you’ll be making it much easier to update and edit the text in the future.

How to add text to a video

One of the best things about TechSmith’s Camtasia is that, unlike other video editing tools, it’s super quick and easy to add text to a video — and we’ll prove it to you! 

Step 1: Choose annotations

With Camtasia open, head to the Annotations tab in the menu on the left-hand side of the editing suite.

Step 2: Pick your style

Next, choose the style of annotation you want to add and drag it to the Timeline where you want it to appear.

Step 3: Place the Playhead

Place the Playhead over the area on the Timeline where your annotation appears.

Step 4: Position your text box

On the Canvas, click and drag your text box to the position where you want it on the screen, and use the handles to make it bigger or smaller as needed.

Step 5: Add your text

Double-click in the text box and add your text.

That’s it. That’s how to add text to a video in Camtasia. It really is that simple.

And to make your life even easier, this works regardless of whether you created your video in Camtasia or imported it from another source.

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Beyond the basics: How to enhance your text for greater impact

If basic text is all you need, that’s great, but if you’d like to learn how to customize and animate the text in your videos then let us enlighten you further. 

Camtasia offers a ton of ways to enhance your text and help it have an even greater impact. For example, instead of plain text, you can use annotations such as arrows, speech bubbles, and shapes as well as a wide range of effects. 

Basic enhancements

Want to change the font, size, color, or other properties of your text? With your text box selected, click the Properties button to open the Properties panel. This is where you can change all of the attributes and settings that determine how your text looks.

You can make all kinds of changes, including the ones mentioned above. You can even select a theme if you have one, change your text’s alignment, and more.

Next, you can click on the Film icon to change things like the size of your text box, its opacity, rotation, and positioning. The rotation and position properties are particularly useful if you want to start animating your text — but let’s keep things simple for now. 

You can also change most of these visual properties directly on the canvas as well. All you need to do is click and drag any of the several anchor points in and around the text box.

You can also adjust the length of time that your text appears in the video by dragging the edges of the clip on the Timeline. Simply click and drag it to where you want it to be.

Behaviors

If you did want to make your text come alive with a little added motion, you can do that too! 

This is where Camtasia’s Behaviors — which are dynamic sequences of animation — come in. These can be great for drawing attention to your message while adding some flare. To get started, click on the Behaviors tab in the menu. This will open up the wide variety of different Behaviors that are available. 

You can preview what each Behavior does by hovering your cursor over them. When you find one you want to use, click and drag it to the Timeline and drop it on the text or clip you want to animate. Simple! 

Transitions

When you add your text to the Timeline, it will appear suddenly and disappear just as suddenly when its time is up. Transitions help soften this and add elegance to how your text appears on the screen.

To add a transition, click on the Transitions tab in the menu to see the available transitions. Just like Behaviors, you can hover over each one to see what it looks like in action. 

When you find a transition you like, drag and drop it onto your text on the Timeline. Transitions can be applied to both ends of a clip at once, or separately.

One of our favorite transitions is Fade. It’s subtle and does a nice job of softening the appearance and disappearance of your text without distracting the viewer. 

Whatever transition you choose, we’d suggest using the same one throughout your video. Using different transitions can give your video an amateur or unpolished look. 

Lower thirds from TechSmith Assets for Camtasia

Camtasia comes bundled with a cool selection of free assets, such as intros and outros, music, icons, and loads more. 

As well as the usual assets, Camtasia also comes with a nice selection of lower thirds. Also called chyrons, these are the combinations of text and graphics often used to identify people speaking on screen. If you’ve ever watched a TV news broadcast, then you’ll have seen a lower third in action. 

While you can certainly use plain text instead of a lower third, using one of these from the vast TechSmith Assets Library will add style and finesse to your video.

To insert a lower third into your video, go to the Media tab in the left-side menu and click on the Library icon, which looks like three books standing next to each other. Scroll down to the Titles folder and click on it. This is where you’ll find Title assets, including lower thirds. 

Next, select the one you want and click and drag it to where you want it to appear on the canvas. You can also drag it directly to the timeline, which will make itl appear on the lower-left of the canvas by default.

But don’t worry, you can customize these as much as you want by opening the Properties pane. 

Snagit can do it, too

Adding text to video isn’t exclusive to Camtasia. With TechSmith’s Snagit, you can use the Create Video from Images feature, which creates videos from a series of screenshots or other images. 

You can then add annotations (including text and other callouts) as you record your video. It’s not the same process, but for basic videos, the results can be just as impactful. 

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Keep accessibility in mind

As with any content, whenever possible, videos should be accessible to people with disabilities or who may use accessibility tools. 

While a person who is blind or visually impaired may not be able to see your video, they may be able to learn through the audio portion of the video along with an audio description. That description should include anything that is only presented visually, including any text that appears on the screen.

Text matters

While a video without text can be impactful, interesting, and effective, adding text can enhance understanding and bring more clarity. In fact, nearly all videos can be improved with some added text — even if it’s just to highlight the title of your video. 

Fortunately, we’ve made it super easy to add professional-looking text and effects using Camtasia. But that’s not all, with Camtasia you can change the speed of a video, add music to your footage, and even seamlessly sync audio and video sources. If you don’t have Camtasia already, you can download and try Camtasia for free, without needing to hand over your credit card details. So what are you waiting for?