Videos can be embedded from YouTube or Vimeo by using the Template:Video. Appropedia not only allows you to embed videos but also to annotate them with metadata. Categorizing videos will help others find relevant videos using our Search tools.

Adding and annotating videos[edit | edit source]

The Template:Video allows you to embed content uploaded to Appropedia, Wikimedia Commons, YouTube or Vimeo. It can also serve to annotate with metadata such as the authors, a description, and keywords that can serve to categorize content on all pages by subject and reuse it in different ways.

In the realm of video enhancements on Appropedia, we've built upon the tools YouTube provided until 2019. Video annotations, a familiar feature, have been extended to include our videos and native content from Appropedia and Wikimedia Commons. These annotations, appearing strategically in the video, offer functionalities like clarifying concepts, correcting recording errors, and guiding users to relevant content. In line with this, we've introduced an annotation function to assist users in efficiently finding the information they need. Take a look at this example to see it in action:

{{Video
| video = House wren in JBWR (50171).webm
| align = center
| title = House wren in JBWR
| description = House wren guards its nest
| keywords = wren, nest
| authors = Rhododendrites
| date = 2020-07-05
| location = Jamaica
| language = es
| license = CC-BY-SA-4.0
| annotations =
* 00:10 Birdie coming in
* 00:16 Birdie is watching you
* 01:19 Imma head out
* 01:30 Bye
}}
House wren in JBWR

House wren guards its nest

Keywords: wren, nest
Authors: Rhododendrites
Date: 2020-07-05
Location: Jamaica
Language: Español (es)
License: CC-BY-SA-4.0
Annotations:
  • 00:10 Birdie coming in
  • 00:16 Birdie is watching you
  • 01:19 Imma head out
  • 01:30 Bye

How to upload and display[edit | edit source]

Upload as for any file - when logged in, click the Upload a file link in the left sidebar on any page or the Upload Wizard. You can render any video as you would add an image to a page, for example [[File:VideoFileName.mp4]]

Permissions[edit | edit source]

Embedded content is under whatever license or permissions apply to the source content.

We don't have a clear policy yet, but a proposal is: Embedded content is not considered part of Appropedia's own content, (it is hosted elsewhere but displayed here) so is not covered by our license.

Adding categories[edit | edit source]

The {{Video}} codes automatically add the page to Category:Pages with videos. In addition, include at least one of the categories below that best represents the video's content.

Things to consider when creating video content[edit | edit source]

For a video to be truly communicative it should follow this criteria:

  • Ambient audio may be hard to understand. This problem can be solved in post-production with special tools that allow you to reduce noise.
  • If the course takes place without an audience, you just need a front camera to record what you're doing or saying. If, on the other hand, an audience is present, another camera will be needed to follow their interventions.
  • If you're doing a monologue, it is recommendable to have slides or graphics to support the video. A good video must use short texts with a readable font and adequate size.

If you need to upload a video to the website, a computer or smartphone camera is enough to record it and upload it.

Advice on making videos[edit | edit source]

Let's see some basic practical advice:

  • Know the subject. Decide your field of interest, document yourself, study, deepen and share your know-how. You don't need to be an expert.
  • Write a storyboard. That way you will have a schematic view of the things to say and the topics to be covered.
  • Be brief. A couple of minutes maximum.
  • Use neutral backgrounds. A blank wall is ideal.
  • If you want to use a software, choose the right one.
  • Pay attention to the audio. The video is only part of your tutorial. Audio is equally important and must be perfect.
  • Use subtitles and write down what you say. Sometimes video tutorials are often watched in contexts where audio is not possible: at work, on public transport, in the midst of other people, etc. This is much appreciated by users.
  • Use background music only if necessary and, above all, copyright free. Ccmixter.org is a good site for finding open licensed music.
  • Use the right tone. You don't need to be too formal but you don't have to be too conversational. Avoid starting all your videos shouting "HELLO GUYS"! Especially if you want professional results.
  • Spend some time on video editing. Nobody is perfect and it can happen to make mistakes while you're explaining something. Editing a video is an important part of the job. Cut, shrink, change colors, add effects.
  • Index your video. If you upload it to Youtube, make sure to use descriptive words for the title, description and keywords. People will find your video based on what you write there.

WikiVideos[edit | edit source]

WikiVideos are a special Appropedia feature that converts wikitext into videos.

See also[edit | edit source]

FA info icon.svg Angle down icon.svg Page data
Authors Chris Watkins, RichardF
License CC-BY-SA-3.0
Language English (en)
Related 0 subpages, 40 pages link here
Aliases Appropedia:Videos, Appropedia:Video, Help:Video, Help:WikiVideos, Help:Wikivideos
Impact 4,975 page views
Created March 5, 2010 by Chris Watkins
Modified November 22, 2023 by Kathy Nativi
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