Create a Video Series Online with Windows Live Movie Maker
Creating and Formatting Videos for YouTube with Windows Live Movie Maker
This article details the process of creating, editing, and preparing a video for upload to YouTube. We will focus on utilizing Windows Live Movie Maker (WLMM), the updated video creation application designed to succeed the older Windows Movie Maker available in XP and Vista.
With the release of Windows 7, the traditional Movie Maker was not included by default. Instead, it is now distributed as part of the Windows Live Suite, which also encompasses messenger and email applications.
Installation Process
Begin by navigating to the Windows Live webpage and selecting the programs you wish to install. Any existing applications within the suite will be updated to their latest versions during this process.
Carefully review the installation options. It’s important to uncheck any features or changes you do not desire to implement during the setup.
Once the installation of your chosen Windows Live applications is complete, access the Start menu and scroll to the Windows Live section. Expanding this section will reveal the installed applications, including Windows Live Movie Maker.
Importing and Editing Video
Upon launching Live Movie Maker, the graphical user interface (GUI) will appear. You can begin constructing your movie by simply dragging and dropping picture or video files into the column located on the left side of the screen. It is assumed that the necessary video and photo files are already stored on your computer.
As an illustration, a well-known clip depicting President Bush being subjected to a shoe-throwing incident in Iraq is being used, with accompanying music added to enhance the piece. This is where individual creativity can be applied; family photos, personal videos, and diverse musical selections can all be incorporated to create a unique video.
First, drag the video clip into the left panel. Then, within the Soundtrack section, select "Add" and choose an MP3 file to include as background music.
Segments of the video can be trimmed from either the beginning or the end. Navigate to the Edit tab, then select "Trim" from the Video menu. Adjust the slider to precisely cut or add the desired portions of the video.
Additional editing capabilities include the application of visual effects and transitions between video and picture segments.
Saving and Publishing
By default, WLMM will save your project in the .wlmp format. However, you have the option to convert your project to .WMV in various resolutions.
From within WLMM, you can directly upload your video to Soapbox on MSN Video. Alternatively, you can upload it directly to YouTube by installing a dedicated plug-in. Simply download and install the plug-in, following the instructions provided by the Setup Wizard.
After installing the YouTube plug-in, click on "Publish" and then select "LiveUpload to YouTube."
You will be prompted to sign in to your YouTube account and then complete the description fields for your video. Finally, click the "Publish" button.
A progress screen will be displayed during the video publishing process, followed by a confirmation message. A "View Online" button will appear, though it may take some time for YouTube to fully process the video before it is available for viewing.
Additional Publishing Options
Other Video Site Plug-ins:
- SmugMug
- Flickr
- Picasa Web Publisher
- Drupal Publisher
Conclusion
Currently, Windows Live Movie Maker is in its Beta phase. Personally, a desire exists for the inclusion of more options that were available in the traditional version of Movie Maker. While WLMM facilitates quick and easy edits for basic video projects, users seeking more advanced features and editing tools may prefer to continue using the original Movie Maker or explore other dedicated video creation software.