Editing Video Controls

NextSteps, a powerful digital tool developed by the Jesus Film Project, offers robust features for customizing video content within your digital journeys. This guide will walk you through the process of editing video controls and optimizing your video content for maximum engagement.

Customizing Card Appearance

Before diving into video editing, let's address some general card customization:

1. Adjusting Button Size:
   • Locate the "Continue" button on the fourth card.
   • Click on the button to access its properties.
   • Adjust the size for consistency with other buttons in your journey.
2. Refining Text Content:
   • On the affirmation card, remove duplicate "thank you" text.
   • Center the remaining text for better visual appeal.
   • Resize the button if necessary for consistency.

Editing Video Controls

Adjusting Video Length

1. Access Video Controls:
   • Click on the video card in your journey.
   • Look for the video control options in the card editor.
2. Set Custom End Time:
   • Locate the end time setting.
   • Change the end time to your desired timestamp (e.g., 00:45 for a 45-second preview).
3. Handle Length Limitations:
   • If you set an end time beyond the video's actual length, NextSteps will alert you.
   • Adjust your end time to fit within the video's duration.

Replacing Uploaded Video with YouTube Video

1. Access Video Settings:
   • Click on the video card.
   • Navigate to the video tab in the card editor.
2. Change Video Source:
   • Select the "YouTube" source option.
   • Paste the YouTube video link into the provided field.
3. Preview and Select:
   • NextSteps will display a preview of the YouTube video.
   • Click on the preview, then choose "Select" to confirm.
4. Adjust Timecodes:
   • With the YouTube video integrated, you can now set longer end times.
   • Experiment with different start and stop times to create the perfect preview.

Reverting Changes

If you prefer the original video:

1. Use the "Undo" feature in NextSteps to revert changes.
2. Continue undoing until the original custom video with its original timecodes reappears.

Best Practices for Video Implementation

1. Optimize Video Length: Keep preview videos concise to maintain viewer engagement. The ideal length can vary based on your content and audience, but generally, shorter is better for previews.
2. Ensure Smooth Transitions: When setting custom start and end times, ensure the video begins and ends at natural points to maintain a professional feel.
3. Leverage YouTube Integration: For longer videos or frequently updated content, using YouTube links can be more efficient than uploading custom videos.
4. Test Across Devices: After making changes, preview your journey on various devices to ensure the video plays correctly across different screen sizes.
5. Use Engaging Thumbnails: Choose compelling thumbnails for your videos to encourage viewers to play them.
6. Align with Journey Goals: Ensure your video content and its presentation align with the overall objectives of your digital journey.

For more detailed information on using NextSteps and its features, visit the NextSteps Support Page. Additionally, explore the Jesus Film Project Tools for more resources to enhance your digital ministry efforts.By effectively utilizing these video editing features in NextSteps, you can create more engaging and impactful digital journeys that resonate with your audience and achieve your ministry goals.