App Store Insider: Marketing Apps With Promotional Videos
First of all, I would like to make it clear that it is not just me who wants more video demonstrations of iPhone applications. Consumers also enjoy watching an application in action because after all, they are the ones paying for it. Screenshots are fine, they at least give us an idea of what the application is about, but I think we are moving past that and screenshots just don't cut it anymore. Think about it, when you see a screenshot of game, you think to yourself, "That looks awesome, but I want to see it in action." Right? Large developers and publishers don't just go to expos and conferences to showcase screenshots of their new games or software, they unleash completely off-the-wall videos showcasing what's best about their product.
Now, I am not saying that all developers must spend all of their waking moments making videos of their applications, but even the most basic video of an application in action gets the point across. If you have a great product, why not show it off the best way you can?
This simple concept doesn't just apply to game developers either, all application developers should make video demonstrations of their applications. Utilities, entertainment, productivity, and any other type of application you can think of would benefit from a video. Developers spend all of that time creating the application, why not spend some time promoting it?
I am definitely no expert in the iPhone application video recording department, in fact, I have never actually gone about the process myself. I have, however, witnessed almost every type of video imaginable. Everything from top-notch studio quality videos, to handheld camcorders recording the screen of the iPhone in a dark room. The thing is, they are all effective. If the application is good, it will look good on-screen.
I have spoken with a couple of developers about their favorite ways of going about recording. Many actually use applications such as Telestream's Screenflow, which allows you to capture video of your application on your computer within the simulator. That way there won't be any issue with screen glare or lighting. There are many other pieces of software out there just like this one, Screenflow is merely an example.
If you must interact with your application to demonstrate something in your video, you can use an application like Accelerometer Simulator, which is an application for your iPhone or iPod touch that transfers accelerometer data from the device to your computer using UDP protocol. It's a pretty neat idea, and it is completely free. Once again, this is just another idea, just do some research before choosing the right product for you.
If all else fails, pull out your trusty old handycam with a video converter to attach to your computer and sit in a dark room. You can always add a little flair to the video and tell a story, it doesn't always have to be a direct demonstration of the application. Our BargainBin commercial as well as my most recent favorite Frog Guitar video are prime examples.
I don't want developers to take this the wrong way, however. Just because you don't have a video, it doesn't mean we won't look at your application, it just makes it easier. It goes both ways too, just because you have created a video, doesn't mean we will feature your application. The timing of this plea is intentional, as I have witnessed a growing trend among developers who include YouTube videos of their applications in action, and it seems to be the most effective way of promoting an application not only to us, but to the consumers as well. So developers, if you make a great application, take the time to promote it with a really great video. We will all be watching. Keep up the great work!
