Title Cards vs. Watermarks in Videos: Does it Matter?
Spin Creative • July 14, 2021
Aside from the content itself, there are a lot of ways to differentiate and “brand” your videos online. Two of the most popular are title cards and watermarks. Get the most attractive graphics from creative agency seattle.
Both of these creative elements add a defining feature to your video content. However, they’re not always necessary, or even appropriate. If you’re wondering whether your video content needs one or both of these features, take a closer look at some benefits and considerations for each.
Video watermarks
A watermark is a small design featuring a combination of text and icons that is placed on top of your video. Watermarks on videos operate the same way as watermarks on photos. They are placed in a single location (typically in the bottom corner) of a video and remain there until the end. Most brands use their logo or a simplified version of it as a video watermark.
Video watermarks can serve a few purposes. First, they add an extra branded element to your content. Your name and logo
are visible the entire time, increasing the exposure the viewer has to your brand identity. Second, they reduce the risk of your content being stolen and reuploaded elsewhere. Because your brand name is right there, you’ll always be attributed as the source of that content.
Watermarking videos is relatively easy to do. You can add a watermark during post-production or even add it after the fact using YouTube tools. If you do decide to add a video watermark, be mindful of the watermark’s design and size. You want the watermark to stand out slightly, so it’s noticeable, but it shouldn’t distract the viewer from your content. If it’s too large, it could be obtrusive. If it’s too small, it might not be legible. Placement is also important. If your video shows something important in the area where your watermark will sit, it might get covered up.
Video title cards
Title cards are another way to improve your video’s branding. Rather than sitting in-frame for the entire video, static title cards are show briefly at the beginning of your video—usually right away or within the first 30 seconds.
A title card provides information about the video, your brand or anything else you want to communicate to the viewer. They typically serve as an intro
to inform viewers about what they’re about to watch.
Good design is crucial for title cards and should match your branding and the tone of the video. Most brands that use title cards have a template that is consistent across all their video content.
What’s the best way to brand your video?
Although watermarks and title cards can both have benefits for brand awareness, they’re not always appropriate for videos. Title cards tend to work best on longer and informative content, such as a video series. This way, viewers know right away what each video is going to talk about. They’re not as appropriate for immersive videos like brand stories
or ad spots, since they can take away from the storytelling.
Watermarks can theoretically be applied to any type of video. However, like with title cards, they can distract viewers during immersive videos. If you have other large branding elements in your video already, it might be best to avoid a watermark. However, watermarks are great choices for instructional, explainer and demo videos.
If your brand needs to create branded video
campaigns for awareness or want another marketing goals, say hello to Spin Creative!
Spin Creative is a video production company and creative agency helping marketers create winning video and creative strategies that engage, inspire and activate targeted audiences. Spin is headquartered in Seattle with offices in San Francisco and London, serving brands around the globe.
At Spin Creative, we believe the most effective product stories go beyond features—they tap into a clear, emotionally resonant narrative that connects with real people. That’s the lens we brought to our collaboration with Microsoft Viva, where our challenge was clear: create a high-impact video that visually captures how Copilot AI empowers people at work.
The end result? A fully 3D-animated brand film designed to wow audiences at executive keynotes, tradeshows, and enterprise events. But how we got there is just as important as what we delivered.
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In 2025, digital marketing continues to be a dynamic force—shaped by shifting consumer behaviors, ever-changing platform algorithms, and increasing privacy regulations. For brands looking to maintain relevance and performance in a crowded space, staying ahead means being strategic, adaptive, and creative. At Spin Creative, we believe that clarity in brand storytelling, paired with a smart digital approach, can help brands rise above the noise.
A great video marketing campaign doesn’t start with creative—it starts with strategy. To make an impact, your brand needs more than a beautiful video; it needs a plan that aligns with your audience’s needs, your business goals, and the right distribution channels.