Interactive Video: How to Create Interactive Video Content for Streaming Platforms
Interactive video is a new form of video content that allows viewers to engage with the video in real-time, rather than just passively watching it. It offers a more immersive and engaging experience than traditional video content and is becoming increasingly popular on streaming platforms. In this post, we will explore the emergence of interactive video and how you can create interactive video content for streaming platforms.
What makes video interactive?
Interactive video can take many forms, from quizzes and polls to clickable hotspots and branching scenarios. These elements are designed to increase viewer engagement by allowing them to participate in the video experience. For example, a fitness video could include interactive elements that allow viewers to choose their workout routine, track their progress, and receive personalized feedback.
To create interactive video content, you will need to use a video authoring tool that supports interactive features. There are several tools available that make it easy to create interactive video content without any programming knowledge. Some popular tools include HapYak, Interact, and ThingLink.
Types of interactive elements
Quizzes and polls
One of the most common interactive elements in video content is the quiz or poll. These elements allow viewers to answer questions and receive feedback in real-time. They can be used to test the viewer’s knowledge, gather feedback, or encourage them to take a specific action.
Hints and hotspots
Clickable hotspots are another popular interactive element in video content. These elements allow viewers to click on specific parts of the video to access additional information, links, or related content. They are often used in product demos, educational videos, and how-to guides.
Branching scenarios
Branching scenarios are a more advanced form of interactive video content. These scenarios allow viewers to make choices that affect the outcome of the video. For example, a branching scenario in a training video could present the viewer with different scenarios and ask them to choose the best course of action.
Tools for interactive video
These elements include polls, branch scenarios, quizzes, and more. In this overview, we will discuss various tools that allow creators to incorporate these interactive features into their content.
1. H5P (HTML5 Package)
H5P is an open-source content creation tool that enables users to create rich and interactive web experiences. It offers a wide range of content types, including quizzes, interactive video, and branch scenarios. H5P can be integrated into popular content management systems (CMS) like WordPress, Drupal, and Moodle.
Integrating H5P
To integrate H5P with your video, first create an interactive activity using the H5P content authoring tool. Next, upload your video to your preferred platform (e.g., YouTube or Vimeo), and then embed the interactive H5P content into your CMS page or post. This will allow viewers to interact with the H5P elements while watching the video
2. PlayPosit
PlayPosit is an interactive video platform designed for educators and businesses. It allows users to add various interactive elements like quizzes, polls, and discussions to videos. PlayPosit provides analytics and integrates with learning management systems (LMS) like Canvas, Blackboard, and Schoology.
Integrating PlayPosit
To integrate PlayPosit with your on-demand videos, upload your video to the platform and use the built-in editor to add quizzes, polls, and other interactive elements. Once your interactive video is ready, you can share the unique link with your audience or embed the video into your LMS or website. Viewers will be able to engage with the interactive elements while watching the video, and you can access valuable analytics on their performance and engagement.
3. Vizia
Vizia is a tool that enables users to create interactive video content by adding quizzes, polls, and calls-to-action (CTAs) to their videos. It supports embedding interactive elements directly into videos hosted on platforms like YouTube and Vimeo. Vizia provides analytics to track viewer engagement and lead generation.
4. Kaltura
Kaltura is a video platform that offers interactive video capabilities for both live streaming and video-on-demand (VOD). It enables users to create interactive videos with hotspots, quizzes, and branching scenarios. Kaltura provides robust analytics and integrates with various CMS and LMS platforms.
5. Wirecast
Wirecast is a live video streaming production tool that allows users to create professional-quality broadcasts. It supports interactive elements like live polls, audience chats, and social media integrations. Wirecast is compatible with popular streaming platforms like YouTube, Facebook Live, and Twitch.
6. Streamlabs
Streamlabs is a comprehensive live streaming software suite that provides various tools to enhance audience engagement. It offers interactive widgets, like chatbot integration, donation tracking, and live polls. Streamlabs is compatible with popular streaming platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Gaming.
7. Eko Studio
Eko Studio is an interactive video platform that enables users to create branching narratives and interactive storytelling experiences. It provides a visual editor for designing non-linear storylines, adding hotspots, and creating decision points within videos. Eko Studio is suitable for marketers, educators, and entertainment creators.
8. Quizzer
Quizzer is a tool that allows users to add quizzes and polls to videos hosted on platforms like YouTube and Vimeo. It supports embedding quizzes directly into videos and offers analytics to track viewer engagement and quiz performance.
9. Hypervideo
Hypervideo is an interactive video platform that enables users to add clickable hotspots, pop-up elements, and branching scenarios to videos. It provides a user-friendly interface for designing interactive elements and supports integration with popular video hosting platforms.
10. OBS Studio
OBS Studio is a free, open-source software for video recording and live streaming. While it doesn’t have built-in support for interactive elements, it can be extended with plugins and integrations to add features like chat, polls, and other interactive widgets to live streams.
These tools offer a wide range of options for adding interactive elements to video content and live streams. By incorporating polls, quizzes, branching scenarios, and more, content creators can foster deeper engagement and increase viewer retention across various platforms.
Benefits
The integration of interactive tools into video offers several benefits. First, it allows users to create more engaging and personalized video content that can drive specific actions, such as lead generation, product sales, or customer feedback. It also provides a way to measure the effectiveness of the video content and identify areas for improvement.
In conclusion, interactive video tools integrate into video by allowing users to add interactive elements directly onto the video timeline. The interactive elements can be customized and published for viewers to engage with in real-time.
Live streaming with interactive elements requires a stable and reliable internet connection, so it is important to test the live stream and interactive elements beforehand to ensure a smooth experience for viewers.
