MVS Web Design Article - Creating a custom Vine video outside of the app

Step 1: Create images in Photoshop

• Create a new canvas - The dimensions need to be square, and setting them at 1080 pixels on each side ensures that the image will display well on desktops as well as scaling down for smartphones and tablets.

• Save each image as a JPEG or PNG

Tip

Remember, you only have 6 seconds (6.5 actually, but we'll cover that later) so less is more. You want each image to stay on screen long enough to register as more than just a blur. This video was made using a total of 9 images, but you can add more images for less screen time each, or remove images for more screen time.

Program Used: Photoshop CS6

Available from: Adobe

Step 2: Convert the images to video

• Open Windows Live Movie Maker, create a new video project and add each image

• Set the time for each image so that the total video lenth is 6.5 seconds.

• Click 'Save Movie' and then Create Custom Settings, setting the width and height to 1080px

• Save, close and then click Save Movie again. This time, your custom setting will appear in the bottom section. Click it.

Tip

When I created a video that was 6 seconds in total, I ended up with a half second flash of black as the video looped in the Vine app. I extended the total length of the video to 6.5 seconds and it looped seamlessly. Each portfolio item appears for 0.6 seconds, and the final slide appears for 1.7 seconds.

Program Used: Windows Live Movie Maker

Available from: Comes with Windows. Alternatively download from Microsoft

Step 3: Prepare the video file for Vine

• Open Handbrake and select the video file you made in Step 2 as the source

• Enter a destination folder and ensure the video is displaying as 1080px x 1080px MP4

• Click start, and the video file will convert

Tip

It's best to give the new video a separate title than the one created earlier. This will ensure that if you experience any issues you can pick up part way through the process rather than starting again.

Program used: Handbrake

Available from: Handbrake Website

Step 4: Upload the video

• Copy the final MP4 video file to your device

• Open the Vine App

• Upload the video by following the in app instructions

Tip

You can preview your video during the upload process. This is handy to ensure it's looking as it should before you publish it.

Program used: Vine App

Available from: Download free from the Play store or App Store

Feedback

Creating a portfolio style Vine video

Vine is a hugely popular social app, available on Android devices, iPhone and iPad. At present there is no way to upload a video that has not been shot from within the app, or is there? (There is)