We have added an easy way to change the video poster image for your videos. New images can now be uploaded right from your dashboard.
A video’s poster image changes how the user engages with the video. The poster image is the image that is displayed right before the video. The user has to click on this poster image or a play button over it to start playing the video. It is usually the first thing viewer will notice on the page or the screen and will affect their engagement. A good poster image shows ample information about the content of the video while arousing the viewer’s curiosity to click and start watching the video.
Some important considerations when making a Poster Image
There are a few important things to keep in mind when creating a Poster Image:
- Make sure the Poster Image is of reasonable size. It should be large enough to be understandable but not so large that it takes up too much space on the page.
- Using short and attractive text on the Poster Image will help users know what they’ll see when they will watch the video.
- Choose an image that is representative of the content it links to. Don’t use a random image just to fill space.
- Try to include a call to action in the poster image like “Click to learn more”). If you have made the CTA clickable, ensure it links to the appropriate page. There’s nothing worse than clicking on an image only to be taken to a completely unrelated page.
Uploading New Image via VdoCipher Dashboard
In the VdoCipher Dashboard, click on the Edit button (marked by pencil). This is where you can also edit the video’s title and description or add tags to the video.
At the bottom-most, you shall see an option to upload a new image. Once uploaded, the new poster will be enabled(shown as a bright blue border around the image). Using a poster image of the same dimension as your video is recommended. Note that the video and the poster image will be letterboxed ( If the aspect ratio does not match, black bars will be added to best fit the image).
If the new images do not look quite good, you can always click and select from the list of uploaded poster images.
A more detailed guide to the VdoCipher dashboard is available here Video Management through Dashboard. You can update the Poster Image using the API as detailed in the blog on API v3.
FAQs
Is there a size limit for poster images?
No, there is no limit but it is advised to keep it of reasonable size. This means that it should not be blurred, but it must not be so large that it takes up too much loading time on the page.
Are Video thumbnails always available?
No, it depends on the feature list of where you plan to host your videos. Some video hosting platforms may have specific requirements for thumbnail images, so be sure to check with them before creating your thumbnail.
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At VdoCipher we maintain the strongest content protection for videos. We also deliver the best viewer experience with brand friendly customisations. We'd love to hear from you, and help boost your video streaming business.
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