Remote work has changed the game for creative teams. Today you're free to team up with talent from across the globe, not just restricted to expensive city hubs.
This is especially true for video editors, traditionally tied to on-site studios, mostly due to the massive size of raw video files.
But with the rise of new video collaboration tools, remote workflows have become easier than ever. Now, any coffee shop, home office or co-working booth can double as a shared editing suite.
What is video collaboration?
Video collaboration is how teams brainstorm, edit and shape raw footage into a polished final product, whether it’s for a client or a creative project.
It encompasses the intake and discussion of notes on specific frames and segments, version control to revert changes, storage solutions that simplify sharing and project management tools that allow the delegation of specific production and editing tasks to specific personnel.
It’s important to distinguish video collaboration tools from video conferencing tools. While platforms like Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet are great for brainstorming, feedback sessions, or celebrating a wrap, video collaboration tools go much further. They offer specialized production features on top of conferencing, tailored to the unique needs of creative workflows.
Let’s run through a couple of use cases in which video collaboration software may be helpful:
A freelance video marketing specialist based in Dallas could help clients in Des Moines and Toronto create animated explainers about product launches.
A film editor based in Los Angeles could help wrangle dailies for a film still shooting in Mexico City, collaborating in real-time with her partner in Seoul.
A creative director for an advertising agency could provide notes to a creative team working with regional influencers in Bangkok.
A content manager based in Lagos could monitor the production of educational videos for a repository accessed by contract workers globally.
These use cases are all possible thanks to video collaboration tools and technology like LucidLink, which enables synchronous access for distributed creative teams.
How to choose the best video collaboration software
All of the video collaboration software we’ll feature below can be useful in different creative contexts. Some of the key variables to consider include:
Creatives know the importance of a tool’s feel. Seemingly minor details like font, layout, and branding can impact the headspace, not to mention the efficiency, of the team.
Consider not just how many people will be using the tool today but how many may be using it in the future. Switching platforms isn’t impossible, but planning for likely growth can be helpful.
If teams will simultaneously work on files, discuss them in real-time, or need increased versioning control, look out for software that highlights these features. Solo workers and asynchronous teams may not need them.
If you’re working with sensitive or confidential content, examine security measures, including encryption, access controls and data storage policies.
If you already have a suite of tools, such as Slack, Asana and Final Cut Pro, ensure the collaborative tools work alongside them.
Some video collaboration platforms feature robust mobile experiences, which may be essential to far-flung teams or those with extremely mobile working units.
Pricing structures range from fairly full-featured free editions to enterprise-scale platforms.
Top 15 video collaboration tools
Editing tools
An integral part of every video editor and content creator’s toolkit, collaborative video editing tools are widely used across a variety of industries, including filmmaking, advertising, marketing, and education. These apps enable users to refine, manipulate and add effects to enhance raw video footage, ensuring a polished and engaging final product.
