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So What Can You Do with ActiveRain Video?

Now that ActiveRain is integrating Video powered by Mixpo into our platform, I wanted to share some bullet points about some of the "New" Video features, benefits, and capabilities. There will be tutorials coming soon for those of you who are currently using AR Video. Then there are those of you who might be considering why you should. Here's some "Key-Features" that every member should know regardless.

Comprehensive

The Video platform is a beginning-to-end platform that supports all phases of the on-line video ad processing from creation and distribution to optimization. There are some features and tools you won't find on any other video hosting or editing site.

Implementation

You can access the platform on-line and incorporate it into your own Websites and Blogs. You can stay connected to your database of performance analytics. Your high-quality Video Ads embed easily into banner ads, directory profile pages, search landing pages, Blogs, Websites, and more.

Flexible

You can create a Video Ad template and then localize it to run in specific markets or geographic regions. Data-driven In the ActiveRain Video Dashboard, you can measure Video Ad performance. Track the number of impressions, conversions and views. See when viewers stop watching or interacting with your Video Ads. There are tools to show viewers' geographic locations, the sites viewers visited before they displayed your Video Ad, keywords viewers typed to find your Video Ad, and more.

Dynamic

The ActiveRain Studio is where you create Video Ads. It is centered around a play-list where you assemble visual, audio, and overlay elements. After you publish a Video Ad to the Web, the elements remain separate. This means that you can return to the Studio at any time and optimize the Video Ad to improve its performance. Changes you make go live immediately everywhere the Video Ad Player is embedded. No more uploading or reloading to multiple sites. Auto-populate means one edit, one update!

Interactive

Through built-in interactivity, ActiveRain Video Ads generate leads and drive conversions. Each Video Ad automatically includes customizable calls to action and you can add interactive overlays and captions to promote special offers, direct viewers to your Web site, or link them to any Web location. NEW Forms have now been added that allow you to embed "Calls-To-Action" at any point in your video. Convert your viewers to leads, and leads to clients.

The Video Player

• Video Ads can be adjusted to different sizes to meet your site's requirements and page layouts.

• High Definition, Volume Control, Links within Video, Inquiry and Email buttons, Full Screen Mode and Lead Capture capability.

• The player adapts to bandwidth so each viewer benefits from the optimal combination of speed and quality.

• Video files are built from XML play-lists in real-time. You can now add your video to Youtube with a single click.

The On-line Studio

• Create custom Templates that can be copied and used for specific Video Marketing Campaigns.

• The editing time-line gives you full control over Audio, Video, Overlays, Music, and Narrations.

• Add your Personal or Company Branding and Custom logos.

• Import professionally produced video files, assemble your own collection of photographs, slides, pictures, and audio files, or begin from our library of files. There are thousands of stock videos and photos to choose from.

• Customize Voice-overs, Captions, Logos, Music, Links, Sound Effects and more.

• Edit Video with the built in Extraction tool. Cut, re-cut, and edit out unwanted portions of video.

• Generate leads by adding interactive forms, overlays, and calls to action.

The Dashboard

• Charts and graphs show how effectively a Video is driving views and conversions. Video Analytics.

• The map panel in the Dashboard presents a worldwide picture of where views and conversions originate.

• Track the Web sites that referred viewers to your Videos and the key words they used to find them.

• Dashboard and Studio are integrated, this means when editing Video ads, all changes are real-time.

The Ad Rotator

• Create different versions of the same ad and compare performance.

• Easily optimize different versions using color, captions, interactive overlays, and voice-overs, then measure and compare responses.

• The different versions run simultaneously and are delivered randomly in the same player to exactly the same audience.

The SEO Features

• We syndicate each Video with the search engines (optional) to increase the Video’s organic exposure.

• Videos can be indexed by Google, AOL, Yahoo, Ask, MSN and others with a single click.

There are some great video hosting websites available on the web, the difference between them and AR Video was hopefully covered in this post. You owe it to yourself to explore, know the differences and challenges, and then make your own decisions based on your personal needs and the needs of your viewers. AR Video is just another optional tool for members, it's not a requirement. Enjoy exploring all the possibilities!

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Posted by Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager on 08/19/2008 04:19 PM

Comments (63)

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Post is included in group: HELP/FAQ (Read 'Purpose Statement' Carefully!)
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63 Comments on So What Can You Do with ActiveRain Video?

AUG

2008

Here's a video I found today from my Flip Camera, so I decided to use the AR Video Console to show some samples of the stuff I mentioned in this post. It's not the best example of the high quality you can produce, but this only took about an hour to do including editing. The post is what took me all darn day. :-))

Videos can be indexed by Google, AOL, Yahoo, Ask, MSN and others with a single click.

Thanks Brad,

This is tremendous information. But now I have a whole new learning curve. You're really cutting into my "free" time! :)

Cordially,

Bruce

Bruce - that's funny, there's no such thing as "free" time is there? lol~ Nice thing is, I didn't need all this to create that video of Pacita. :-)

Brad, you are killing me. Just killing me. I was going to tell you that I finally made a photo header for my outside blog -- YAY!! Now, just shoot me.

Brad, bookmarked again. One of these days, I may make it to the stone age. More to learn, more to learn.

I can't wait to give it a try. I've been using youtube and never even noticed the video wheel next to where you add a picture..until now. Yikes! $29 a month! I guess I'll have to wait to give it a try.

I will certainly look into this. there is just an endless amount of assistance from AR. Thanks

Okay Brad, now what I really need to do is learn how to use my husband's video camera...since it is not a flip I am intimidated! AHHHHH.

Brad- This is a great post about some of the many features of the new AR Video console. I really like it. It is the only one I will use because I can understand it;)

I'm getting the hang of it! I did a post today and people came on and asked me where the video was? Kind of funny. I just didn't have time today to drive around Cary and take the videos to mix(mixpo) them together. However, I will go back and add video when I have a moment!

Elaine - you are too funny, sorry, I was getting bombarded with emails about this, now I can just send them this post. YEAH!!~ I'll have to come check out your header on your Blog. :-)

Fred - it never stops! In 2 years this will be the stoneage. :O

Damon - every extra penny goes to feed starving children....................................................mine! :-))
(It's actually to help try and cover our costs and help support the manpower behind this beast of a network)

Diane - just don't take it on a rollercoaster like I did for my last post here, still don't know how I would have used a tripod on that one! lol~ By the way, all my videos are shot with the flip, I know what you mean. :-)

Very, very interesting..thanks for all information..us neebies need all the help we can get...

Brad- You did that in an hour? I can upload an unlimited number of videos to Mixpo (is that correct)? It's only $29/month?

SOLD! Can I use the .avi files from my Canon powershot on the mixpo site?

Looks state-of-the-art! SO I guess it's time to get a video camera and probably a tripod as well right!

Guess I am getting to work with my Vado tomorrow!

Tina in Virginia

I've got so much to learn about this I guess the best way to learn is to dive into it.

Brad - As soon as I finish (start) my community descriptions, using my flip is next. I wish I was photogenic like this pretty girl - I am thinking of hiring someone to impersonate me, and do a self video for a start.

Brad,

I see it had good quality and it was clean.

What format must you upload?

Richard

This is very interesting Another thing I have to put on my to do list. By the way I was just wondering about the cost?

Katerina - you have got to see this from the beginning. As you're aware, there have been many changes since you and I signed up. I like all the new features and what they are doing with the dashboard and console. :-)

Tracy - looking forward to that video, I'll have to swing by and check it out. :-)

Brad, you are getting very good using the Flip and editing. I really was impressed. Really! You are going to shame me into doing video. AJ

Brad,

Great video. I like how AR keeps moving forward. What another great tool.

Another tool that points toward Video being very important in real estate in the future....what do we need to prepare to be ready for all this rich media content in the future?

am buried getting up to speed on camtasia studio. for power point stuff. Irina coming in tomorrow. When will I ever catch up? do you have any time on friday?

AUG

2008

Oh boy! More stuff to learn. I have bookmarked this so that I can figure this out along with my flip camera.

Hi, Brad

My list of to-dos, to-read, to-learn, to-practice, to-perfect just got longer.

This reminds me of the play/movie where the gigantic flesh-eating plant tells Seymour, "Feed me!" You're creating mini-monsters out of us who are going to be so consumed learning this technology. I did get my flip video and will start practicing, starting with my wreck of a new listing.

Kinda funny that you're using me as your poster child for doing a video. But I still wish I don't have the extra 10 lbs that people say the camera gives you.

Thanks, Virginia, for the sweet comment. I guess I should smile more.

Brad, love your studio setup :)

Hi Brad, Its really an wonderful video. Thanks for the valuable info. Keep posting best.

Best - Sash

I was JUST talking to some people about videos/youtube/getting with the times today. All of your info on videos is great, thanks!

so much information on this post, I have to bookmark it and reference it later...man it's hard to keep up w/you all on AR.

Just came over from the link on Colleen's post to 'the genius' to see who it was. It's YOU! And yes, you are.

AUG

2008

29 a month eh? I'll have to check it out. You Tube is free right? You articulated all the features very well in your post. I know for me all the 29 a month charges for different marketing aspects starts to add up. Thanks for all your hard work and effort.

So much to learn and now everyone is using seesmic over on Twitter to make some very funny video. I know this is the up and coming thing and will be used more and more on our blogs and websites. One more thing for this older brain to comprehend but you either get on board with the new technology or get run over.

Hey Brad! Happy Birthday! And thanks for the posts on the new video stuff! I'm not quite ready for prime time yet - but soon!

Brad - sounds like another world to explore. By the way -- HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

AUG

2008

Thanks very much for this post Brad. It is a good summary of how we can use video in AR. It is bookmarked for future reference. I am sure I will need it.

Brad it really looks nice on the screen. I aint real fond of the videos but will try it out very soon.

AUG

2008

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The above graphic is just that, it's not mean to play... :-) I liked it so I added here... hehe

I'm working on a video tutorial series for AR video right now, man it can get frustrating some times. I'll be going along just great, then forget a word, or the screen locks up, weeeeee get to start all over again! lol~ It's all good though, it's a learning experience right?? :-)

AUG

2008

Brad thanks for breaking down something so important as video. I think this is and will be the future.

AUG

2008

Thanks again Brad. We'll be looking for more on using this and incorporating it into our real estate marketing mix. John

Thanks for posting this, Brad..we will be checking it out!

Scott - I am working on a post right now that shows how another member here is using photos and video to sell Real Estate. I just featured his post as well. It is not just the future, it is now. :-)

Debra - it's worth the time to investigate for sure. Let me know if you need any help. :-)

John - you won't be disappointed, watch for my next post about how this really works. We have a members testimony that proves it. :-)

AUG

2008

Thanks, Brad...we always do and you always are so helpful...thanks a TON!!!!

AUG

2008

This is really a great post. Invaluable info. Thanks for helping us get acclimated in the video world.

SEP

2008

Debra - you're welcome a ton!! :-)

Michael - if you're like me, you'll learn best by doing, knowing what can be done really makes it easy to want to dive in and learn this stuff. What we don't know can hurt us.

SEP

2008

I attended a seminar and they recommended Mixpro as well. But, I am a newbie when it comes to video. I am getting my new camera tomorrow (Lumix FX35 to use for video as well). I have never taken a video so I need to start somewhere and am relunctant to sign up for another thing until I make sure I will use it--or can use it. I am serious about this - so once I take my first practice video, should I sign up for AR Video and will it be easy enough to figure out from the get go? People mentioned YouTube - should I play somewhere for free for a short time. I know I want Mixpro as soon as I know I will use it enough to not waste my money. Hope this makes sense.

Cathy - you should call me after you get your camera, (it's a nice one by the way) don't sign up just yet, let's explore a couple things first. Once you're comfortable with your camera, just shoot me an email or a call and I'll hook you up. Once we know the overall plan and understand the Big Picture, it makes it easier, and me more qualified to make good and beneficial suggestions for you. Click my name below, my number appears! :-))

SEP

2008

Thanks Brad: I just received my camera and will get familiar - there is a community event this weekend I want to blog about. So, I will take pictures and video and then give you a call next week to see where to begin. Thanks for the offer.

SEP

2008

Devon - ReBlog means if you like another members post, you can ReBlog it onto your AR or outside Blog.

Cathy - you can call me anytime. I can help you with all that new video footage you're gonna have. You will need some editing ideas and tips, and I have a couple great ones for you. Looking forward to hearing from you next week. Thanks!! :-))

NOV

2008

I always contact you about my video and mixpo needs LOL. Should I be going to a tech support person or is this one of the many hats you wear? Until then :-) - here is my question. It seems that it takes an awfully long time for the video in Mixpo to be synidicated to my YouTube account. I have done three and one is on YouTube and one that I created in Mixpo November 3 still has the message "Awaiting processing and YouTube upload". I posted another on Tuesday and I have the same message. Also, I accidently duplicated it and have two versions - I tried to delete the one that is not collecting stats (thinking this is the right one) and can't because it is trying to syndicate and tells me to go in and uncheck youtube which it won't let me. I am a bit confused as you can see - but loving the Mixpo format and quality.

Wow...this is great news...now I can finally be an Active Rain movie star!!!!! thanks for sharing.

Cathy - I'm your guy! :-) I would try to resend to youtube and make sure you are providing the right account info. The longest I have seen it take is overnight. There is something not right if it's been this long. I noticed today that Mixpo was having a bit of a slow time gathering the analytics on my videos, it may be that they are working on the site. Let me know if you're still having any difficulties ok? Thanks.

Sonja - you CAN be an AR Movie Star!! :-)

NOV

2008

Brad: Glad you're my guy :-) Just to let you know - after I wrote the above comment about Mixpo linking to YouTube, the one I submitted on November 3 finally appeared in YouTube yesterday and I did not change anything so I know my submission log in was correct. The one I published on Mixpo November 11 still has not appeared. I posted them myself directly so today I had two versions of the one that finally cleared Mixpo. I wonder why it is taking so long. I like having it on YouTube within a day of posting on Mixpo but when I post it myself, I end up with two and I want one place to take all the analytics - it gets confusing with two out there.

Cathy - I would uncheck the box that has Mixpo upload it automatically to youtube.com for you. I suggest just doing it yourself, that way you know it's there for sure right away, and then you won't have any duplicates on youtube to delete later. Keep it simple. Not sure why it would take so long for mixpo to syndicate the video to youtube, but this would be a good solution in the meantime till I can find out. :-))

DEC

2008

Brad....I had to read a few blogs to find out where to FIND Mixpo and BAM....this it is right there!

Now, hmmmm....Just when I'm cutting expenses in every corner possible, I might have to bank this new tool for a few months! But it sure looks awesome.

Thanks....yet again...for being our hero!

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