Introduction
Kinetic Typography[1] is a technique which indulges moving text – usually by using video animations – to express ideas, views, opinion, information, more subtly and interactively. As they technique hints, kinetic typography is everywhere. Airports, commercials, ISBT, malls, railway stations, ads, banners, and almost every possible way one can promote his feelings. You may ask why so? And the answer is straightforward. It’s because moving text is the first thing that catches your eye.
It is the moving integrity of the text that appeals to the users. The demand for professionals in kinetic typography has suddenly risen due to the rising use of this technique in web-development. Not just websites or ads within, but videos featuring this have become very popular, be it a mere ‘how to’ video. This adds emphasis which the readers take in more seriously.
It is more or less a necessity now for wide-spread and effective advertisement or expression. Especially considering how this is a very budget technique, I only see people using it more and more. It helps firms and individuals create unique textual contexts which are very attractive and eye-catching.
Kinetic Typography History
The first traces of kinetic typography range back to 1959 in the film “North by Northwest” by Alfred Hitchcock. It was used again in 1960 for the film “Psycho.” This marked the beginning of a new way to present information in the form of moving text.
Following this, kinetic typography became more and more visible across all platforms of advertisement. Until now, where it has become one of the most widely-used technique in online web-development or online videos. It is an extensive method of promotion.
However, as tempting as it sounds, kinetic typography is not a tool which you’re supposed to use to sort your ‘no content’ problem. Adding moving text to everything will definitely seem frantic and defeat your provision of using text. It needs to be very strategically placed for it to work flawlessly and effectively.
Kinetic Typography Types
There are certain types of kinetic texts which you can understand and originate a better use according to your need:-
- Slow motion/Rapid motion
- Extended motion/Shrink motion
- Arcs/Wavy
- Recorded motion
- React motion
- Custom motion
The usage of such kinetic contexts are massive:-
- Informative
- Descriptive
- Convincing
- Narrative
- Emotional
- Knowledgeable
- Expressive
- Pressing
- Attentive
Before You Begin
Before you start creating kinetic texts, it is essential to know that it has a different format which is rendered onto the online site. It is unlike your typical JPEG or PNG files. It is like a video featuring moving text. One more thing which needs to be in mind is the amount of active time a user will spend on witnessing the textual animation. It shouldn’t be too short that he doesn’t notice, nor should it be too long that he just scrolls past it to view the main content. Keeping it short and precise is recommended for online websites, while notices or alerts can be a little lengthier.
Putting together the words in a moving sequence can either be tough or be comfortable. It can be as easy as creating a Gif, or as tricky as recording a lyrical video. Animating it accordingly is also another way. For example, creating a notice banner for your firm’s website can be very simple, whereas creating a pop-up notification alert regarding a particular programme or project can be tough. However, there are several ways through which you can achieve the same results.
How to Do Kinetic Typography?
There are several online sites which allow users to create a kinetic text as per their needs. These are majorly click-to-create sites or drag-and-drop programable’s which satisfy the users need by building and recording specific movable text animations lasting a short time. Or another option is by creating your own textual Gifs. This is a very straightforward and upfront way. However, the one and probably the only downside to this is the quality. Gifs really can mess up the text’s quality, which in turn, ruins the browsing experience – be it a website or a video.
The safest option is to either learn about Adobe Photoshop’s animation tools or hire an expert who has knowledge regarding the same. Start with small venture projects and slowly build up your momentum for more significant textual projects.
There are several tutorials just a click away on Google which are put forth to help individuals be better at kinetic typography. You can even look up for video referencing on YouTube. These are the options through which you yourself can learn another technique.
We would still recommend new users to hire professional experts to ease off your workload and provide quality content at better prices. There are various freelance websites for that.
Conclusion
Using moving text can be a fun and an immersive experience for the viewer. It is more than that for the creator as he gets to watch the piece grow from a boring text to one alive, vivid, moving text with recurring abilities. It is a bold way to hit the readers where it is supposed to and sometimes even impact their emotional, logical and social connections or visions.
