Title Cards vs. Watermarks in Videos: Does it Matter?

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.

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.

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!