Since you're taking the time to create and upload your videos to the web, don't you want to do everything you can to make sure you're the one who's going to get the credit for all your hard work? Sure you do, but...

Snapshot of a video with a digital watermark

It's not always easy to find out who made or owns a video that was found on the web. Sometimes, it's almost impossible to figure it out. But there is one simple thing you can add to your videos that will ensure this is never a problem for the ones you create. It's called a digital watermark, and it's a breeze to add to your videos using the WebVideoZone's video uploader.

Watch this short overview video to see how it works:

How to Add a Digital Watermark to Your Videos

1. Create Your Watermark Image

The WVZ video converter requires that your images be in the PNG format. If you're not familiar with PNG, it is simply an image format that uses lossless data compression which allows for the creation of high quality images while keeping the file size small. It was created to improve upon and eventually replace the GIF format. (If you're interested, here's more on PNG.)

Most of the better image editing and creation programs will allow you to create a PNG graphic. You'll see it listed as a file format option when you try to export or save an image you've created in your software program:

Saving an image in the PNG file format

If you don't currently have software which allows you to create PNG files, have a look at this extensive list of image editors offering PNG support. I use Adobe (Macromedia) Fireworks to create most of my graphics, including PNG files.

Semi-transparent watermark image

If your image editor allows it, you may want to consider creating your watermark image so that it is semi-transparent. This way, the watermark will not be obtrusive. The transparency will permit the video content to be partially visible "behind" the watermark image. I created the demo watermark image to the right using a 50% transparency.

2. Specify Video Upload and Conversion Settings

Choose your video upload options. Keep in mind that if you elect to have the converter also generate an MP4 video file, and/or grab a frame from your video to be used as an Intro Image in the player, the watermark image will be visible in both.

It's a good idea to include a watermark image in your downloadable MP4 video file, as it is likely to get shared and posted to other sites. This way, people will always be able to find the source (you!).

3. Upload / Add Image to Your Video

Once you've created your image, you have two options for adding it to your video. You can specify the image during the upload / conversion process; or, you can upload it to your WVZ hosting account.

If you plan to use the image on multiple videos, it makes the most sense to upload the image to your hosting account (for more on this, see How to upload an image to your WVZ account). This way, you will only need to upload the image once, and then select it from the drop-down box where you specify your watermark settings:

How to add a digital watermark to your videos

Once you've chosen the image you would like to use, specify where you would like it to appear on top of your video. Your choices include: top-left, top-right, bottom-left, bottom-right, and center. Add your watermark to a location where it will be easily visible, but not distracting.

4. Process Your Video

Once you've specified the above, just hit the "Start Process" button to begin the upload / conversion process, and your watermark image will automatically be added to your videos (FLV and MP4) - and that's it!

Adding a Digital Watermark to Your Videos: Summary

Remember, watermarks cannot be removed once they have been added to your videos. Unlike the WVZ player's Logo Image, they become a part of the video file itself. If you would like to remove or edit the watermark, you'll need to replace the video file itself with a newly converted video that does not contain the watermark.

While you can use your company or web site logo as a watermark to brand your videos, if it doesn't also contain your domain name, it won't help people find you and your site. So whenever possible, always include your domain name in your watermark image. Or if you prefer direct contact, you may want to consider including your phone number or email address in your watermark image.

Any time a video with your watermark gets downloaded or shared, there's a chance the viewer will come looking for your site, products, business, etc. So add digital watermarks to your videos. It's fast and easy to do, and is perpetual, free advertising for you!

Demo Video with Watermark:

[Thanks, Apple - still on the fence, but thinking about it...]