MediaSpace: Video Hotspots

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Video Hotspots in MediaSpace

Creating video hotspots in MediaSpace is an excellent way to enhance interactive video content by embedding clickable areas within a video that can link to additional information, resources, or external websites. This feature can significantly improve viewer engagement and provide a richer learning experience. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to create video hotspots within MediaSpace, along with some best practices for their effective use.

Access MediaSpace

1. Log In to MediaSpace:
   • Open your web browser and log into my.mines.edu with your Mines credentials.
   • Navigate to the MediaSpace tile within my.mines.edu or use the url, mediaspace.mines.edu.
     

Select a Video

2. Navigate to Your Video:
   • Click on My Media to access your video library.
     
   • Select the video you want to enhance with hotspots by clicking on its title.

Open the Video Editor

3. Launch the Video Editor:
   • Beneath the video player, click on the Actions drop-down menu.
   • Select Launch Editor to open the video editing interface.
     

Add Hotspots

4. Access the Hotspot Tool:
   • Within the video editor, locate and select the Hotspots tool from the menu options.
     
5. Create Hotspots:
   • Play the video and pause at the time you want to add a hotspot.
   • Click on the Video to create a new hotspot and resize or move the hotspot to the desired location on the video.
     
   • Enter a Text Description as well as the URL or Time in this Video you want the hotspot to link to.
     

Configure Hotspot Settings

6. Customize Appearance:
   • Click on Advanced Settings to further configure your hotspot.
   • Customize the hotspot’s appearance, such as its Text Color & Size, Roundness, Background Color, Position, etc. to make it noticeable without disrupting the video content.
     

Preview and Adjust

7. Preview Your Hotspots:
   • Preview the video within the editor to see how the hotspots work in real-time. Ensure that they are correctly timed and placed as intended.
   • Make any necessary adjustments to optimize visibility and functionality.

Save and Publish

8. Save Your Changes:

   • Once you are satisfied with the placement and functionality of the hotspots, click Save to apply the changes.

9. Test the Video:

   • Ensure the video is published with the new hotspots active, so viewers can interact with them.

Best Practices for Using Video Hotspots in MediaSpace

• Strategic Placement: Place hotspots at strategic points in the video where additional context or resources can enhance understanding. Avoid overcrowding the video with too many hotspots.

• Clear Call to Action: Make sure each hotspot has a clear and concise call to action. Viewers should understand what to expect when they click on a hotspot.

• Keep Mobile Users in Mind: Ensure hotspots are large enough to be easily clickable on mobile devices.

• Test on Multiple Devices: Preview your hotspots on different devices and browsers to ensure compatibility and functionality.

• Analytics Tracking: Utilize MediaSpace analytics to track interactions with your hotspots. This data can help you understand viewer preferences and improve future video content.

• Update Regularly: Keep the linked content from hotspots up-to-date to maintain relevance and accuracy over time.