Hi there,

I hope all is good!

Here are the need to knows in Video Land.

This edition is sponsored by Stinger​

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👀 YouTube split testing splits opinion

I mentioned last edition about the ability to split test different cuts of your Video (up to 3) coming to YouTube.

The platform will determine which version earns more viewer attention and audience retention and then will run with the winner after 2 weeks.

For example you could test your crucial opening hooks:

A) Your face to camera on screen first 15 secs = LOSE 😁

B) Just voiceover and pretty Broll in first 15 secs = WIN (no hard feelings though!) 😁

But there has been a backlash.

How much variation will you actually be allowed to make between the videos and how does YouTube monitor that?

Could viewers end up commenting on different versions of the video and getting confused as to what others have written?

If you share a video how do you know the person you share it with will see the same version?

King of tech YouTube Marques Brownlee has a take: he doesn't like the idea, he thinks people are over optimizing and you should put out a message that you are proud of rather than worrying about testing and spending ages you probably don't have recutting.

His 'Dear YouTube' 5.7 million views video (a reaction to the changes) is very well argued 👇

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📱 Facebook trialing reels first app UX

​TechCrunch reports that Meta is testing a version of Facebook in India and Indonesia that opens directly into a full-screen video feed, rather than the traditional feed of friends’ posts, photos and updates.

The US could follow in 2027. Meta has indicated it will explore introducing the experience there next year.

This is the time to prepare and make more reels!

The key points:

• Video becomes the default. Open Facebook and you immediately start watching Reels, in a format similar to TikTok.
• It’s optional for now. Users in the test can switch back to the traditional feed, which remains available in a separate tab.
• Meta is following viewing habits. The company says video consumption is high on its platforms in India, with 89% of Gen Z respondents in its research watching Reels daily.

✂️ OpenCut Video Editor is on the radar!

​OpenCut is a new open-source video editor aiming to offer a free alternative to tools such as CapCut.

The project is designed to make video editing accessible without expensive subscriptions or being tied to a proprietary platform.

It has attracted enormous attention on GitHub (a platform for sharing and developing code), where its longer-term ambitions said to include a more flexible editing experience, automation and AI-assisted workflows.

For creators and small businesses looking for affordable video tools, it's an interesting project to watch.

Something to keep an eye on, rather than the finished thing.

🎬 Little rant

Camera YouTube is booming, creators reviewing and re-reviewing cameras, comparing similar cameras over and over.

They get lots of consistent views from people searching scared to make the wrong decision or camera nerds who worry they can't make a good video until they have the latest model.

The creators do provide useful info for sure.

But when I see a video titled the 'Best Camera for Vlogging is ____' and they nerd out on shutter speed, resolutions, codecs etc. as if the technical geekery is THE solution to Vlogging I cringe.

They are missing the point about storytelling, subject matter, creativity, consistency, personal connection, directing, editing that makes a successful Vlogger.

So you read it here first: 'The Best Vlogging Camera is the one in the hands of the Best Vlogger'

End of rant :)

🎬 WTH is this?

I was watching The Real Rooneys reality show on Disney Plus.

FYI Wayne Rooney is a retired England football star turned TV pundit.

Anyway, I spotted the crew featured in it. Check out the 3 cameras!

Why 3? To cover both subjects individually and a both of them in a wider shot

In the edit they can cut between the 3 with complete flexibility to remove the fluff and make it seamless.

If they talk over each other or interact the 2 shot works great, but when they are being asked individual questions they can use the single shot.

The single shot can also be used as a 'noddy' cutaway of them looking at the person speaking to cut down the soundbite without you realising.

Two shot:

Wayne shot:

Coleen (the wife) shot:

So what can you do about that?

Well if you are filming two people on an iPhone (or any camera) you may have access to at least two devices.

If you have a spare phone/tablet with a decent camera set it up near the main camera and get a wide shot so you can cut to it.

The main A camera (best filmed on a telephoto setting) can pan between subject 1 and 2 and you just cut to the static wide B camera to cover the camera movement when you edit.

If you are only filming one person you can still use this, put the B camera as a wide or as often seen in documentaries, put it out to the side of the subject as a profile shot and cut between the 2 angles to give you creative options when you edit.

🎬 Business idea

If you hate AI avatars cloned from business owners then please look away now :)

Got to admit I am not a huge fan ... so far.

But ... one trend I have noticed is Production Companies that invite you for a shoot day, they professionally film you well lit and capture your voice, then clone you.

Meaning, you don't have to keep returning to their studio, getting dressed up and recording new videos. The hassle part.

You just supply the video ideas and they work remotely creating monthly content using your cloned avatar. Tools like HeyGen are made for this.

​Here is an example business. (Not endorsing - just pointing it out)

Happy shooting,

Jules

​VideoHero​

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