Video watermark

What is a video watermark?

A watermark is a visible overlay on a video, typically in the form of a logo, text, or copyright notice. It's often transparent or semi-transparent, allowing the video content to be seen underneath. The primary purpose of a watermark is to identify the source or ownership of the video, which prevents unauthorized use without crediting the video creator.

Watermarks aren’t just limited to videos. They’re also commonly used in digital images, documents, and even physical items like banknotes and stamps. In the specific context of videos, however, watermarks play a crucial role in content protection and branding.

Why use a watermark on a video?

Brand awareness

By placing a company logo or name as a watermark, businesses can subtly promote their brand throughout the video. This is particularly effective in viral videos, where the watermark ensures that viewers can identify the source, even after the video has been shared across multiple platforms. A watermark could also include a site URL or a social media handle, encouraging viewers to visit for more information or content.

Copyright protection

Watermarking videos is also important for copyright purposes. Videos that are posted online can be easily copied and redistributed without the creator's permission. A watermark serves as a deterrent to unauthorized use without credit, as removing it can be challenging and time-consuming.

Even if the video is used without permission, the watermark provides evidence of the original source. This can be crucial in legal situations where proof of ownership of a video is required.

Types of video watermarks

Static watermarks

Static watermarks are the most common type of watermark used in videos. They remain in a fixed position throughout the video, typically in the corner of the screen. Because the company name or logo can always be visible, static watermarks are used mostly for branding purposes.

One downside of static watermarks is that they can be relatively easy to remove with video editing software. Therefore, they may not provide the most robust form of copyright protection.

Dynamic watermarks

On the other hand, dynamic watermarks may move around the screen, change in size, or even appear and disappear at certain points. This makes them much more difficult to remove, providing a higher level of copyright protection.

Dynamic watermarks can also be more engaging for the viewer, as they can be integrated into the video in creative ways. However, it requires more effort to create a dynamic watermark, and they can potentially distract from the video content if they’re not used carefully.

How to apply a watermark to a video

You can apply a watermark to a video using most online editing software. The exact process will vary depending on the program, but it generally involves importing the video and watermark image, positioning the watermark, and adjusting its transparency.

The watermark should be visible enough to serve its purpose, but not so large or obtrusive that it blocks or draws attention away from the video. The corner of the screen is a popular choice, as it is less likely to cover important parts of the video.