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- FAQ
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Accounts
| Uploading
| Content Management
| Quality
| Publishing
| Syndication
| Exchange
| Analytics
| Darkroom
| Advertising
| Billing
| Tutorials
Accounts
Q. What is included in the FREE TRIAL?
A. The FREE TRIAL includes 1 hour of delivery and 1GB of content uploaded. After using your trial allowance, you will be asked to enter your credit card information to continue using Backlot. We will automatically bill you at the end of every month based on the hours of content viewed and the amount of content you have managed within Backlot.
Q. How do I change my account password?
A. To change your account password, go to the Accounts tab. Select the Change Password button and complete the questions in the dialog box.
Q. Can I add my video to an RSS feed through Backlot?
A. Yes, go to the Account tab->Account Settings. In the RSS window, check the Enable Your RSS Feed box. We recommend that you also enter your Organization Name next to the RSS information area. It will be included in the RSS field as an identifier. When you enter your web page information in the Hosted At option ( Content tab » Edit Video » Details tab ) of the Darkroom, your video information can be picked up by RSS aggregators.
Q. How can I use Backlot to automatically send my video information to search engines?
A. To enable Backlot to automatically send your video information to video search engines, follow the directions entitled Enable Search Engine Submission.
Q. What is RSS?
A. RSS stands for "really simple syndication." It is an easy way to keep RSS subscribers informed about content changes on websites, news, headlines, and updates. An RSS feed is a list of these types of notifications. If you want your video to be included on RSS feeds follow the directions entitled Enable Search Engine Submission.
Q. How do I Enable Search Engine Submission to RSS feeds?
A. To enable search engine submission to RSS feeds, do the following:
- Check the Enable Search Engine Submission box at the bottom of the RSS information area in the Account Settings tab
- Make sure your Organization Name is included in your Account Settings, as it will also be included in the RSS feed as an identifier
- In the Hosted At query box located in the Details tab of the Darkroom, input the full URL of the web page that shows your video
Q. What is the difference between a User and an Administrator in Backlot?
A. Currently, the difference between a User and an Administrator is that an Admin can change the passwords on the account and invite others to the shared Backlot account, a user cannot.
Q: What are the different roles for Account Permissions?
A: The roles are:
- Administrator - Access to all of Backlot and its settings. Only Administrators can invite other users and make purchases.
- Manager - Access to all of Backlot excluding the User Management sub-tab. They also see a more restricted view of the account information.
- Upload Only - Only access to the Upload and Content tabs of Backlot for the ability to upload, edit, and create embed codes for content. Upload Only accounts will not see videos uploaded by other users and will only see the videos uploaded by themselves.
- Analytics Only - Only access to the Analytics tab of Backlot for the ability to view, create and export reports.
Q. How many Authorized Users can be on the same account?
A. You can add as many Authorized Users as you want.
Q. Can I customize the look and feel of the Ooyala Video Player?
A. Yes, you can use the Ooyala Player API. It supports Actionscript and Javascript.
Q. How can my website users upload video to our Backlot account?
A. You can use the Ooyala Backlot API to integrate the upload process from your web site to your Backlot account.
Q. What is the Default Image?
A. The Default Image is the image in the Ooyala video player that is seen by viewers as they use the video control bar to navigate through scenes. The Default Image is easily changed.
Q. How do I change the Default Image?
A. To change the Default Image, do the following:
- Go to the Account tab->Player Branding
- Select the Upload button to upload an image file. The image should be of a 4:3 aspect ratio with a maximum size of 320 x 240. The image will be scaled to the size of your player
Q. When my viewers use the Email to a Friend video sharing feature,
I would like them to receive a custom email--one from my organization. How do I change this feature?
I would like them to receive a custom email--one from my organization. How do I change this feature?
A. You can craft your own email response instead of using the Ooyala template email. To set this up, go to the Account tab->Player Branding tab. Enter your Mailer URL.
Uploading
Q. How do I upload videos?
A. There are two ways to upload video to Backlot:
- Drag and drop video files anywhere onto the Backlot application interface.
- Use the green Upload tab, located in the upper left area of the Backlot interface, follow the directions to add your content. This method is helpful if you have many files to upload.
Q. When does my file start uploading?
A. After you add the video file to your Backlot account, the uploading process starts immediately. If other files are already uploading, a file may be designated "in queue" and will be processed after previously uploaded files have been completed. You can manipulate your video encoding parameters to enable faster uploading and video processing.
Q. How long will it take for my video to upload?
A. Your upload time will depend on both the file size and your internet connection.
Q. Do you have a size limitation on file uploads?
A. You can upload any size video file--any length of program.
Q. How can I enable users on my website to upload their own videos?
A. You can use the Ooyala Backlot API to allow users to load video directly into your Backlot account. Ooyala Backlot API.
Q. What is the best way to upload a large library of video files?
A. The best way to upload a large library of videos is via our Backlot API. The API can be found here: http://www.ooyala.com/api/OoyalaBacklotAPI.pdf.
Q. What happens after a file finishes the UPLOADED stage ?
A. After the file has finished uploading, the processing stage begins. The video is being encoded and optimized for internet viewing.
Q. How long will it take for my video to complete the PROCESSING stage?
A. You can expect the processing time to be about 25% of the running time on the video. The bigger the video file, the longer the processing time.
Q. My video is 16:9 but after I upload it becomes 4:3. What's going on?
A. This is usually a result of uploading files that have been encoded with anamorphic pixels.which Flash does not support. While the display aspect ratio might be 1280x720, the actual pixel ratio and what the file headers show is 960x720, which is 4:3. To fix this you'll need to ensure your video is exported into square isomorphic pixels (1x1) instead of rectangular anamorphic pixels (1.333x1).
Q. Is it faster to upload multiple video files or one at a time?
A. Since processing time is account wide, you can upload them all at once, but remember the speed of your upload time will depend upon your own internet connection.
Q. How can I make the video processing go faster?
A. To obtain faster processing times, you should follow our recommendations to prepare your video.
Q. What does it mean when a video is LIVE?
>A. When the status of the video is LIVE, it means the uploading and processing has been completed and the video is ready to be published.
Q. Do I have to be connected to the Internet during all of the video upload and processing?
A. You must remain logged in and connected to the internet while uploading files to Backlot. Once the file is 100% uploaded, you can disconnect. The processing stage will be completed by Ooyala and your video will be marked as LIVE when it is ready.
Q. When can I add information to the Details sub-tab as well as add Syndication Controls to my video?
A. You can start adding details and descriptions to your video after you begin the upload process. Once your video has been processed, you can add other information, such as the Syndication Controls and Preview Image.
Q. Where do my videos go after I upload them?
A. Videos uploaded to Backlot, processed, and hosted on Ooyala's servers and delivery partners. We include transcoding, encoding, storage and network traffic in our services.
Content Management
Q. How can I quickly sort my videos and channels?
A. You can sort through your video library by using two methods:
- By columns: TITLE, DESCRIPTION, LENGTH, UPLOADED, and STATUS. Click-select the column title. You will see an arrow button. To change the sort order, click on the arrow.
- By category: STATUS, ALL TYPES, ALL SOURCES, and ALL LABELS. Click on the category heading. Videos associated with this heading will be listed in the main console of the Content tab.
Q. What is Subscribed Content?
A. Subscribed Content is video that is added to your Backlot account from the Exchange. This content will have an orange star next to it. To view only your Subscribed Content, select the Subscribed Content heading under the ALL SOURCES category on the left side of the Content tab.
Q. What is a video category?
A. A video category is a group of labels. The first tier on the left side of the Content tab is organized by categories: STATUS, ALL TYPES, ALL SOURCES, ALL LABELS.
Q. How do I add a video to my library?
A. To add a video to your library, follow directions to upload a video. Uploading a video will add it to your Backlot account.
Q. What is the video Title?
A. Found in the lower half of the Content tab within the Details sub-tab, the video title information is the name of your video. In some cases ( when used in a video channel or when featured in the Exchange), the title is seen by your viewers. Upon upload, the name of your video file will become the video Title. If you plan to put the video in a channel, syndicate your video, or send the video to an RSS feed, it is a good idea to change the video file name to one that you feel best represents your video. For example, instead of "My_video_productiondate.mp4," your video title can be edited to a title that is more valuable to the viewer.
Q. What is the Preview Image?
A. The Preview Image is a static, thumbnail image of your video. It will be the first image that viewers will see of your video. You can select your Preview Image from a video frame in your video or you can upload an image. You can modify your Preview Image from the Darkroom.
Q. What size image produces the best quality Preview Image for uploading a photo or artwork?
A. It is best to choose an image that matches the size of your video viewing area. For instance, if your video frame is 480 X 360, an image of that size will produce the best quality Preview Image. Backlot will automatically resize an image, if necessary.
LABELING
Q. What is a label?
A. Labels are organizational tools that help you manage your video library and aid in video searches. Labeling your videos provides you with the flexibility of retrieving analytics based upon your label. Labels are located in the left side of the Content tab.
Q. When can I start adding labels to my videos?
A. You can start adding labels immediately after you begin uploading a video.
Q. How many labels can I apply to a video?
A. You can apply as many labels or sub-labels to a video as you need. The more labels you have, the easier it will be to find your video and to obtain
analytics based upon your labels.
Q. How do I create a label?
A. From the far left column of the Content tab, select the All Labels category. Next, click on the green "+" sign. Type in the name of the label you wish to create. To delete a label, select the red "X".
Q. How do I create a sub label?
A. Select the parent label for your sub-label. Click on the green “+”. Type in the name of your new label.
Q. How do I delete a label?
A. Click on the red "X" next to the label.
Q. How do I add a label to my video?
A. To add a label to a video, do the following:
- From the left column in the Content tab, select the category of your video.
- Expose the labels in the category by manipulating the drop down arrow.
- Select a label from the list or create a new label.
- Drag your video file(s) and drop them on top of the label. The label category will change colors when your video is accepted into the new category.
Q. How can I add more than one video to a label?
A. Use your computer’s multiple file selection method to select your videos. Drag your selected files over to the label.
Q. How do I delete a video?
A. Access the Content tab. In the list of videos, highlight the video you want to delete and select the Delete button in the upper right corner.
Q. What happens when I pause a video?
A. When you select the Pause button, your video will no longer play on the Internet wherever it is embedded.
Q. What is a Description?
A. A Description is a summary of video content. You can input numbers, dates, or text. Description entries are searchable. If you syndicate content, your syndication affiliates will be able to see that information.
SEARCHING
Q. How can I find videos?
A. You can search by words, titles, numbers, and video labels. You'll find search query boxes located at the top of the Content tab, the Exchange,and the Analytics tab. Backlot's search engine combs through video titles and descriptions.
Q. How can I refine my search?
A. You can refine your search by searching within a video category. Highlight the category in the left most column of the Content tab. Add your search key word to the category name in the search query box near the top of the Content tab.
Q. How can I find my videos faster?
A. Creating and adding labels to your video will make it easier to find them. To find a video by label, you simply select the label from the left column of the Content tab. All the videos associated with that label will appear in the Content tab.
WORK FLOW
Q. How can I adjust my Backlot so I can see my work flow more clearly?
A. There are several ways to get a better view of Backlot:
- To expand the application interface to fit your screen, select the green circle button on the upper left side of the application.
- While using Backlot, you will notice most of the listed columns have handles that you can drag to expand or contract.
Quality
Q. What are some general guidelines for achieving the best video quality with the Backlot platform?
A. As you pre-process your video, we recommend you keep the following in mind:
- Encode with the goal of producing the highest quality video file, regardless of the resulting file size. Backlot will accept all popular video file formats. The only disadvantage to encoding a large file size is that it the uploading and processing will take longer.
- If the quality of your text and graphics is a concern, build and encode your video with the target video embed size in mind. For instance, if you are adding motion graphics to a 640 x 480 video, you should build your graphics to an embed size of 640 x 480. Any resizing of video will likely diminish the quality of your graphics.
Q. What settings do you recommend to produce the best combination of image and audio quality?
A. For the best results, we recommend the settings below:
- Encode video at 24 ( 23.98), 25, or 30 ( 29.97) fps.
- Encode with H.264 codec.
- Encode with AAC audio codec or leave audio uncompressed
- Encode to your target video embed size.
Q. What codec should I use to obtain the best image results with Backlot?
A. We recommend that you use H.264, but we support many commonly used codecs: MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, VP6, VP5, H.264, H.263,WMV/WMA, and MJPEG. We believe you can obtain better image quality and faster processing times if you use the H.264 codec on video files that you upload to Backlot.
Q. Do you accept FLV files?
A. FLV files are generally accepted but this is not always the case. Our supported list goes by codecs (H.264, VP6, MPEG-4, etc) rather than file extensions (MOV, AVI, etc.) because a file extension or "wrapper" is not always a proper indicator of a codec used to create it. Though the file might appear to be a FLV it could be using an audio or video codec we do not accept.
Q. At what frame rate should I encode my video?
A. We recommend you use 24 (23.98), 25, or 30 ( 29.97) fps, but we will accept frame rates up to 60 fps. If you can shoot your video at 24 (23.98), 25, or 30 ( 29.97) fps--even better.
Q. How should I encode my audio?
A. We recommend you encode audio with the AAC codec or leave the audio uncompressed. In addition to AAC, we also support: MP3, WMA,MPEG-1, MPEG-2, WAV, ADPCM. Using AAC allows us to skip a compression step on your video file.
Q. How can I shoot video to get the best quality results when using the Backlot platform?
A. To obtain the best image quality for the web video, try these suggestions:
- Use good lighting technique and shoot with professional imaging and lighting equipment. Overexposed, underexposed, or grainy video will force the audience to lose interest in your video, as the subject matter can not easily be seen. Additionally, our processing engine cannot make poor video look better. Start off with good quality from the outset.
- Shoot in progressive scan mode. If you shoot interlaced, deinterlace your footage before uploading it to our system.
- Shoot at a high resolution such as 720p (1280 x 720).
- Shoot at a frame rate of 24 (23.98), 25, or 30 (29.97) fps.
- Shoot with a narrow depth of field to separate your background from your subject matter. This will force the codec to focus on the important parts of your video image. If your camera alone does not help you achieve this goal, we recommend you invest in lens adapters or other image/lighting modification equipment.
- Use simple backgrounds when possible. Complicated backgrounds usually do not compress well.
- Shoot tight, well-framed shots. Many background details will be lost in a very wide shot, especially one with lots of motion. To keep your viewers attention, shoot more tight shots.
- Avoid shooting rapid motion, big zooms, or camera pans.
Q. What can I do in post production to get the best quality results when using the Backlot platform?
A. Here are a few tips on obtaining the best results during post production
- Avoid dissolves, use straight cuts.
- Set your editing timeline to 24(23.98), 25, 30 (29.97) fps.
- Use the H. 264 codec to encode your video before.
- Deinterlace your footage if you shot in interlaced mode.
- Encode your video to 24 (23.98), 25, or 30 (29.97) fps. We can support a higher frame rate, but after 60 fps, you will start to drop frames.
- Set your encoder to 2-pass or multi-pass encoding.
- Set your the data rate on your encoder to "automatic" or at least 600 kbps.
- Set your encoder key frame rate to "automatic." If you have the option, choose frame reordering.
- If given an option regarding image quality, always choose the highest quality/best quality option. Although this will make your video file size bigger, it is worth it since Backlot does not have a file size limitation.
- If necessary, apply a noise filter, a contrast filter, or gamma filter to your video before you encode it.
Q. What resolution should I encode my video?
A. Pick the resolution that matches your desired video embed size. If you expect your viewers to watch in full screen mode, encode the largest resolution possible from your video. Backlot will give you a few video frame size options to choose from, but when video is played back at higher resolutions than what it was encoded at, artifacting may become more visible.
Q. How should I test my video quality?
A. For top quality playback, videos should always be tested on a page in the browser. Open windows, tabs and applications can also affect playback and should be kept to a minimum. Backlot is for making edits and changes to the video and is not designed to display and deliver each video at their set frame size or bitrate.
Publishing
PUBLISHING VIDEOS
Q. How do I embed a video?
A. Follow these steps to embed a video:
Your video is now ready to play on any website. For more control over how and where your video is published, use the Darkroom tools. Select the EDIT VIDEO button at the bottom of the Content tab to access the Darkroom.
- In the Content tab, select the video you wish to embed. (To select your video, you may need to select the appropriate video category, first (LIVE, ALL SOURCES, MY CONTENT, SUBSCRIBED CONTENT) and then find your video within that category.)
- Use the Details sub-tab to input information about your video, such as a Description. Your video labels will show up here, also.
- Go to the Embed sub-tab located near the bottom of the Content tab.
- Select your desired Embed properties.
- Choose from the FLASH or HTML EMBED code.
- Paste the embed code into your web page and publish it.
Your video is now ready to play on any website. For more control over how and where your video is published, use the Darkroom tools. Select the EDIT VIDEO button at the bottom of the Content tab to access the Darkroom.
Q. What are Embed properties?
A. Video Embed properties are options that allow you to control how your video is published such as video frame Size, Auto-play and Auto-repeat. You can edit the properties in the Embed sub-tab located in the Content tab.
Q. How do I edit the Embed properties?
A. To edit the Embed properties, follow these directions:
- Go to Content tab > select your video.
- Navigate to the Embed sub-tab, located near the bottom of the Content tab.
- Select the your video frame size from the drop down window.
- Select Auto-play and/or Auto-repeat options.
- Toggle the embed code drop down window to select the HTML EMBED CODE option or the FLASH EMBED CODE option.
- Select the COPY TO CLIPBOARD button to copy the embed code.
- Paste the code on to your web page.
PUBLISHING- CHANNELS
Q. What is a video Channel?
A. A Channel is a collection of videos in one video player.
Q. What is a Channel lineup?
A. A Channel lineup is a list of videos.
Q. How do I embed a video Channel?
A. To embed a video Channel, follow these directions:
Your video Channel is now ready to play on any website. For more control over how and where your video Channel is published, use the Darkroom tools. Select the EDIT CHANNEL button at the bottom of the Content tab to access the Darkroom.
- From the Content tab, select the Add a New Channel button
- Go to the Details sub-tab and add your title information, Description, and labels--if you have not already.
- Select the Embed sub-tab and select your Channel Embed properties.
- Copy the code to your clipboard.
- Go to the Lineup tab and add videos to your Channel.
- Paste the embed code into your web page and publish it.
Your video Channel is now ready to play on any website. For more control over how and where your video Channel is published, use the Darkroom tools. Select the EDIT CHANNEL button at the bottom of the Content tab to access the Darkroom.
Q. How do I create a video Channel? (watch video tutorial)
A.There are two ways to create a Channel. You can create a Channel in the Content tab or in the Darkroom.
The following covers both methods.
To create a Channel from the Content tab:
The following covers both methods.
To create a Channel from the Content tab:
- Select the Add New Channel button.
- In the Details tab, enter the video title and description.
- Select the Lineup tab.
- Next, you will add videos to your channel. The Lineup tab must be kept open while you add videos to the tab. If it closes during your work-in-progress, reopen it.
- Select the LIVE category located in the upper left hand side of the Backlot console.
- Drag the video title from the list into the Lineup Tap. If you have more videos to add to your Lineup, keep adding videos in the same manner.
- To change the order of your Lineup, select the Lineup tab and then drag the video titles to change the order.
- To set your Embed settings for your new Channel, select the Embed sub-tab and edit your video Channel Embed properties..
To create a Channel in the Darkroom:
- From the Content tab, select the Add New Channel button.
- Select the Edit Channel button, located near the bottom of the Content tab. This will take you to the Darkroom.
- From the Darkroom, select the Details tab and input the video Title, Genre, Description, Hosted At, and Custom Player information.
- To add videos to your Channel, select the “+ Video” button located at the bottom of the Darkroom.
- From your list of LIVE content, select the video titles for your Channel. You can select a single video or multiple videos. To select more than one video, use your computer’s multiple select feature.
- When finished selecting your Channels, select the ADD SELECTED CONTENT button. You will see your videos represented as colored segments on the video track at the bottom of the Darkroom.
- To change the order of your Channel Lineup, drag the segments into the desired viewing order. Adjust the Preview Range if you need to adjust your view of the video track.
- Next, set the Channel Embed Properties for your channel. Go back to the Content tab by selecting the Back to Content Tab button located on the upper right side of the Darkroom console.
- From the Embed sub-tab, follow the directions to assign Embed Properties and publish your new Channel.
Q. How do I add videos to my Channel?
A. There are two ways to add videos to your Channel: through the Content tab and through the Darkroom:
Any changes you make to the Channel lineup in this manner will be automatically reflected on the web page where it is embedded. You can add or remove videos in the Channel and these changes will be automatically reflected in your embedded channel.
Content tab:
To add videos to your Channel, follow these steps:- Go to the Content tab > ALL TYPES category.
- Select your Channel from the main console in the Content tab.
- Select Lineup tab.
- With the Lineup tab still open, select the video you want to include in your Channel. If you have a lot of videos and navigating to find your video is cumbersome, use the orange sort arrows or the scroll bars on the right side of the console to help you select your video.
- Select the video you want to add to the Channel.
- Drag the video into the Lineup tab, letting it rest in the position of your choice. To adjust the order of the videos, simply drag the video to its preferred spot.
Any changes you make to the Channel lineup in this manner will be automatically reflected on the web page where it is embedded. You can add or remove videos in the Channel and these changes will be automatically reflected in your embedded channel.
Darkroom:
To add videos to your Channel:- Go to >Content tab> EDIT CHANNEL button to enter the Darkroom.
- Click the Add Video box on the left side of the Timeline.
- In the ADD CONTENT window, select the video files you want to add to your Channel.
- Select the SELECT ADD CONTENT button.
- Your selected videos will appear on the Timeline.
- You can edit the video play order by dragging the Timeline video segments.
Q. How do I change the Channel lineup of my videos?
A. There are two ways to change the Channel lineup of your videos. You can change the lineup from the Lineup tab in the Content tab or you can change the lineup from the Darkroom.
From the Content tab:
- Select your video Channel.
- Access the Lineup tab, located near the bottom half of the Content tab.
- Select a video and drag it into the desired position. You will see a line that will dynamically adjust to the new position.
From the Darkroom:
- Select the EDIT CHANNEL button at the bottom of the Content tab to enter the Darkroom.
- To edit the order of the videos, simply drag a video block from the Timeline and drop it in the desired order.
Q. How do I edit the video Channel Embed properties?
A. To edit the video Channel Embed properties, follow these directions:
- From the Content tab, select the CHANNEL category from the left side of the Backlot Console.
- From the list, select the your video Channel.
- Navigate to the Embed sub-tab, located near the bottom of the Content tab.
- Choose your desired video frame size from the Size drop down list. For best quality results, choose the video’s native frame size for publishing. You must have at least one video in your Channel Lineup to modify the Size option.
- Select Auto-play and/or Auto-repeat.
- Select an option from the Start Channel In drop down window.
- Select your Default Channel View, choosing a 2D or 3D view.
- Select your Channel Transition.
- Select your Channel Placement.
- In the embed code drop down window, choose from the HTML EMBED CODE option or the FLASH EMBED CODE option.
- Select the COPY TO CLIPBOARD button.
- Embed the code on your website.
Q. What is the Start Channel In feature?
A. The Start Channel In option, located in the Channel Embed sub-tab, allows you to choose what you want the viewer to see when they first access a web page. From the drop down window, you have two options: Preview Image or the Channel View.
Q. What is a the Channel Transition option?
A. The Channel Transition option, located in the Channel Embed sub-tab, allows you to control what happens after a video finishes. You can direct the Ooyala Video Player to return to the Channel View or play the next video. Choose the option that best suits your needs.
Q. What is the Channel Placement option?
A. The Channel Placement option, located in the Channel Embed sub-tab, allows you to designate where you want your list of Channels to be published while the video is playing. Your options are Left of the main video playing, Right of the video, or None. In the drop down tab next to that, you can also specify the percentage of the player area the channel browser will consume. If you chose the None option, the Channel listing takes over the whole video frame before the video plays, but after the Play button is hit, the list disappears.
Q. What is the Default Channel View?
A. The Default Channel View is a feature allowing you to control the way the Channels appear: you can choose from a 2D ( 2-dimensional view) or a 3D (3-dimensional view).
Q. How do I edit the video Channel Embed properties?
A. Follow these steps to edit your Channel Embed properties:
- Go to the Content tab> ALL TYPES category> CHANNEL label.
- Select your video Channel.
- Access the Embed sub-tab, located near the bottom of the Content tab.
- Modify the options listed: Size, Auto-play, Channel Placement, etc.
Q. What is the native video frame size?
A. The native video frame size is the original frame size of the video before uploading to Backlot. For best image quality results, always embed your native video frame size.
Q. What is the video size option?
A. The video frame Size describes the dimensions of the video that will show on your web page. The Size option is available for you to modify in the Embed sub-tab,located in the main Content tab. The default position for the Size option drop down window shows the native frame size for the video.
Q. What video frame sizes does Backlot support?
A. Backlot supports custom frame sizes, in addition to frame sizes in the standard 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios.
Q. Will Backlot preserve my 16:9 (widescreen) video?
A. Yes, Backlot enables you to show video with the Ooyala Video Player in the widescreen format.
Q. How can I show my 4:3 aspect ratio video in a 16:9 frame size?
A. Backlot will create several frame size options for you to choose from. Among them, you will have options to show your video in a widescreen format embed size. To achieve this, your video will appear with black bars on the top and bottom.
Q. I have a custom video frame size I want to embed using the Ooyala Video Player. How can I ensure Backlot will encode using my original frame size so I can embed it on my web page?
A. The Backlot encoder can process your video and produce your native video frame size, in addition to a few other frame size and aspect ratio options. From the Size drop down list, select the Custom setting. Add the dimensions you desire and check the Maintain Aspect Ratio option.
Q. What is the Auto-play option?
A. The Auto-play option, located in the video/channel embed properties, enables the Ooyala Video Player to immediately start playing video when the web page is activated.
Q. What is the Auto-repeat option?
A. The Auto-repeat option, located in the video/channel embed properties, enables the Ooyala Video Player to replay the current Channel or video when it ends.
Q. What is the Maintain Aspect Ratio option?
A. By using the Maintain Aspect Ratio option in the Embed sub-tab, you can ensure the native aspect ratio of your video is preserved even if you've requested a different frame embed size for your video. It is important to check this box in the Embed sub-tab if you are embedding a custom frame size for your video.
Q. What is the Hosted At option?
A. The Hosted At option is a marketing tool for your video. Input the URL of the web page where your video will be shown. This information will be used in two ways:
- The link will be sent to an RSS feed to direct traffic to the "home" location of the video or Channel.
- The link will be an active link in the Info panel of the Ooyala Video Player. Having this link helps your viewers return to your site or return to the original web page of the video channel.
Q. After initially embedding my Channel, I changed my Channel Embed settings settings, do I need to re-embed the video code?
A. Yes, when you change any settings ( such as video frame Size, Auto-play, Auto-start) in the Embed sub-tab, a new code is generated. You'll need to copy and paste the new snippet in your web page.
Q. After initially embedding my Channel, I changed my Channel lineup, do I need to re-embed the video code?
A. No, you do not need to recopy the code. The player will be dynamically updated.
Q. How can I modify the way my Channel is published?
A. To modify the way your Channel is published, modify the video Channel Embed properties.
Q. How do I "multiple select" a video file?
A. To select more than one file at a time, follow your computer's multiple selection method:
- (Windows users) CNTRL-click single files or SHIFT-click adjacent files
- (MAC users) COMMAND-click or SHIFT-click adjacent files.
Q. What is the Info Panel?
A. The Info Panel is the panel that appears when the icon with an "i" in the center is selected from the video control bar. It also appears when a video finishes playing. The Info panel contains the URL link, the video or channel title, and the name of the Backlot account holder. To modify this information, go to the Account tab> Account Settings to change the Organization information.
Exchange
Q. What is the Exchange?
A. The Exchange is a syndication marketplace for professional video content. Content owners can use it to showcase and distribute their videos. For media publishers, the Exchange is a venue for acquiring new video content for websites. With so much content now available and easily discoverable, advertising professionals may also benefit from new audiences created by video content syndicated from within Exchange. The Exchange is located next to the Content tab within the Backlot client.
Q. I own high quality video content, why should I contribute video to the Exchange?
A. For content owners, participating in the Exchange offers you:
- An unlimited distribution channel for your video
- Monetization options to help you generate revenue from your video syndication
- A delivery system to quickly showcase and distribute video to content partners and other content owners
- A new way to expand/develop professional video content partnerships
- The ability to privately share video with your own selective network of video partners
Q. I am a website owner/manager/producer, how can the Exchange help me?
A. Web publishers can use the Exchange to:
- Quickly acquire fresh video content and immediately publish videos to websites
- Send special requests to content owners for video syndication
- Initiate and cultivate relationships with premium video content owners
- Preview video content from all over the world
Q. Why should I Privately Share a video in the Exchange?
A. By using the private video sharing feature and setting up your Syndication Groups to include your content affiliates, you can use the Exchange to:
- Privately show content affiliates your video
- Allow affiliates to quickly add your content to their Backlot account. When they add the video to their account and serve it on their web site, they will be paying for the serving costs for the video.
Q. How do I privately share a video?
A. To privately share a video, follow these directions: In the Accounts tab, create a Syndication Group that includes your desired syndication affiliate and the appropriate Syndication Controls. Your syndication affiliate will not be able to modify the Syndication Controls. If this method does not meet your needs, contact support@ooyala.com.
- From the Syndication Controls window of the Accounts tab, select the Add Group button or use one of the auto-generated group templates to begin creating your new group.
- In the Group Name area, type in the name of your Syndication Group.
- In the Domains drop down window, select Allow ONLY.
- Type in the domain(s) of your syndication affiliate(s).
- For the Exchange Permissions option, select Available in the Exchange by request only.
- In the Default Genre drop down window, select the appropriate category for this video.
- For the Geographic Locations option, select the most appropriate option for you and your syndication affiliate(s).
- Go to the Content tab and select your video.
- Select the EDIT VIDEO button at the bottom of the Content tab to enter the Darkroom.
- Select the Syndication tab.
- From the Group drop down window, select the Syndication Group that you just created.
- Exit the Darkroom.
Q. What is the Privately Shared tab?
A. The Privately Shared tab is an area in the main interface of the Exchange that showcases videos from other content owners who are making their video available to you for syndication. If no other Backlot user has privately shared video with you, you will not see this column in the Exchange area of your Backlot account. The content owners of these videos have included your website domain on one of their Syndication Groups. When your domain appears on anyone's Syndication Group for a specific video, that video will appear in your Privately Shared tab. You can also choose to ignore a video if it appears in your Privately Shared tab.
Q. What is Subscribed Content?
A. Subscribed Content is video acquired from the Exchange. It is listed as a category on the left side of the Content tab. Backlot identifies Subscribed Content with an orange star symbol.
Q. Does it cost anything to publish video from the Exchange?
A. There is no charge to add videos from the Exchange to your Backlot account. However, if you publish the video on your website and start showing it,you will be charged for the serving costs for that video.
Q. What does Exchange beta mean?
A. “BETA” is a term we added to the Exchange tab to indicate that this is our first working release of this feature in Backlot. We are aggressively testing the feature and working on improvements. If you would like to offer feedback or suggestions about the Exchange, please contact: support@ooyala.com.
Q. How can I find videos in the Exchange?
A. You can browse the Exchange by selecting the arrow icons appearing on both sides of the interface. You can also use the search box located in the upper right corner of the Exchange interface and input keywords.
ADDING VIDEO
Q. How do I use video from the Exchange?
A. You can start syndicating video from the Exchange by adding content to your Backlot. Select the ADD+ button. After doing this, the video is added to your Backlot account. You will find it listed as Subscribed Content on the upper left side of the Content tab. After it appears in your Content tab, you can embed the video on your own website and start showing it immediately.
Q. Can I use the Exchange to add video to someone else's Backlot?
A. Yes, if you have a content affiliate and wish to share video, you can privately share the video in the Exchange. This allows the content affiliate to discreetly preview the video, add it his/her own Backlot, and embed the video. Currently, the original content owner is the only one who can change the title information and Syndication Controls for a video.
Q. How do I privately share a video?
A. To privately share a video, follow these directions: In the Accounts tab, create a Syndication Group that includes your desired syndication affiliate and the appropriate Syndication Controls. Your syndication affiliate will not be able to modify the Syndication Controls. If this method does not meet your needs, contact
support@ooyala.com.
- From the Syndication Controls window of the Accounts tab, select the Add Group button or use one of the auto-generated group templates to begin creating your new group.
- In the Group Name area, type in the name of your Syndication Group.
- In the Domains drop down window, select Allow ONLY.
- Type in the domain(s) of your syndication affiliate(s).
- For the Exchange Permissions option, select "Available in the Exchange by request only."
- In the Default Genre drop down window, select the appropriate category for this video.
- For the Geographic Locations option, select the most appropriate option for you and your syndication affiliate(s).
- Go to the Content tab and select your video.
- Select the EDIT VIDEO button at the bottom of the Content tab to enter the Darkroom.
- Select the Syndication tab.
- From the Group drop down window, select the Syndication Group that you just created.
- Exit the Darkroom.
Q. What does it mean to "privately share" a video?
A. Privately sharing a video allows content affiliates to distribute and share a video, privately, in the Exchange. Most Exchange users will use the community to showcase a video publicly and offer it up for syndication. When you privately share a video, you can do this discreetly. Because you can easily add any video from the Privately Shared tab to your Backlot account, privately sharing a video is another easy way to distribute video between content affiliates.
Q. Why should I use the Exchange to privately share video vs. just emailing an embed code to one of my content partners?
A. Using the Exchange to privately share video makes it easier for your content partners to see your video and add it to their own content library. After you follow the steps to privately share your video in the Exchange, your video show up in the Exchange portion or your content partner's Backlot.
Q. Can I change the title or description of a video I acquired from the Exchange?
A. No, currently, only the original content owner of the video can change the title and description of the video.
Q. Can I change the Preview Image of a video I syndicated from the Exchange?
A. Yes, you can change the Preview Image.
Q. Can I add labels to my Subscribed Content?
A. Yes, you can add labels to video you acquire from the Exchange. The steps to add labels to Subscribed Content are the same as adding labels to your own videos.
Q. I added a video from the Exchange, where is it now?
A. After you add a video from the Exchange, it immediately appears on your list of videos in the Content tab. Backlot lists the video in the Subscribed Content category.
REQUESTING VIDEO
Q.How can I publish an Approval Needed video from the Exchange ?
A. To publish a video from the Exchange that requires approval from the content owner, follow these steps.
- Select the ADD+ button.
- Among your verified domain(s), select the domains that will host the desired video. You can select all of your website domains or a subset. If you do not have a verified domain, please follow these easy steps to verify your domain.
- Complete the Personal Message box with an introduction or details about how you would like to use the video.
- Hit the Send button.
- When the content owner receives your request, you will see the following changes to your account:
- The video title will appear in your list of Subscribed Content within the Content tab.
- You'll see a status change in your list of Sent messages in the Requests tab. Some content owners will also include a reply in their message.
Q. How will I know if my request to publish a video from the Exchange was approved by the content owner?
A. When the content owner receives your request and then grants you permission to syndicate his/her video, the following changes will occur:
- The video title will appear in your list of Subscribed Content within the Content tab.
- You'll see a status change in your list of Sent messages in the Requests tab. Some content owners will also include a reply in their message.
Q. How will I know if my request to syndicate a video from the Exchange was declined?
A. If the content owner declines your request, you will find a "Declined" message in your Sent tab located in the Requests tab.
Q. I requested a video, how long does it take to get approval?
A. The time to approve or decline a video syndication request depends on the video owner’s response time to Backlot messages.
Q. How do I know if the content owner received my request?
A. From the Requests tab, check your list of Sent requests.
Q. I added a video to my Backlot account from the Exchange. Will the content owner be notified that I’ve added their video?
A. No, the content owner will not be notified that you’ve added their video.
GET ANALYTICS
Q. Can I get analytics from a video I acquired from the Exchange?
A. Yes, you’ll find video from the Exchange listed under the Subscribed Content category located on the upper left side of the Analytics tab.
Q. When can I start measuring the performance of my Subscribed Content from the Exchange?
A. As soon as you start serving the video on your own website, the analytics pertaining to your Subscribed Content will begin compiling.
MESSAGES
Q. What is the Requests tab?
A. The Requests tab is located in the Exchange portion of Backlot. It holds messages about video requests from other content owners and media publishers.These messages contain information about the status of each request.
Q. What are Notifications?
A. Notifications are messages sent by Ooyala about the status of you video. You will find them in the upper half of the Exchange tab. You should check these frequently.
REMOVING CONTENT
Q. How do I delete Subscribed Content?
A. To delete video you acquired from the Exchange, simply select the "DELETE" button, located in the upper right hand corner of the Content tab.
VERIFYING DOMAINS
Q. Why do I need to verify my domain(s)?
A. Verifying your domain proves you have the authority to make changes to your website. You will need to verify your domain if you request "Approval Needed" videos from the Exchange.
Q. How do I verify my domain?
A. To verify your domain, follow these directions:
- Go the Account tab -> Syndication Controls. At the bottom of the Syndication Controls area, you will find a short list of directions.
- Create a file (no file extension) according to the directions in the Domain Verification area of Backlot.
- Put the file in the server of your domain.
- Type your domain name into the box on the right.
- You will receive a status message on the right side of the box.
Q. Do I need to verify all my domains?
A. Verify any domains that you will be using to publish video. There is no limit to the number you can verify.
Analytics
Q. How can using Backlot Analytics help me?
A. Backlot Analytics gives you insight on the value of your video assets and the effectiveness of programming strategies. Outside of your own content library, you'll have the tools to measure the performance of videos across your syndication networks and across your library of Subscribed Content from the Exchange. By understanding viewership and the popularity of your content, you'll have the business intelligence needed to make important programming decisions and maximize the value of your content.
Q. How frequently are the Analytics updated?
A. You can view updated Analytics every 15 minutes.
Q. How is the analytical data tracked?
A. Your viewing metrics are tracked by the Ooyala Video Player. As a built in function to the player, the player is able to accurately harvest viewership data.
My Dashboard
Q. What is the My Dashboard report?
A. My Dashboard is a customizable, snapshot view of your reports on an account level. Use this console to display your organization's key performance indicators. To modify the layout, select the Edit Dashboard Layout button located in the upper right hand corner.
Q. Does the date range selector, located at the upper right corner of the report, apply to all the graphs on My Dashboard?
A. Yes, the date range selected will apply to all data displays.
Q. What will I see if I do not have any content uploaded?
A. When initially logging in, users will see a Get Started page. This page will provide users with quick tips on how to upload and embed content to start collecting data.
Q. How do I customize the reports show in the Dashboard?
A. You can customize your My Dashboard report by selecting the Edit Dashboard Layout button, found in the upper right hand corner next to the date range.
Q. How do I select a date range?
A. There are multiple options for setting the date range. When clicking on the pull down you are given two choices to set the date range:
- Use the calendar and click on the respective Start Date and End Date. Select the Apply Range button to apply time period to the graphs.
- Select fixed time periods from the Select from list" pull down. Ranges include: Yesterday, Last 7 days, This week, Last week, Last business week, This month, Last month, This year, Last 12 months, and Custom. Select the Apply Range button to apply time period to the graphs.
Performance
Q. What can the Performance report tell me?
A. This report shows you comprehensive performance data for all your videos. Data can be viewed on an account level or by individual video.
Q. How can I customize the columns to show different data?
A. Customize the data you would like to be displayed by clicking on the Edit Dashboard Layout icon, located in the upper right corner of the console. Select from the following options:
- Uploaded
- Length
- Displays
- Plays
- 25% Play-Through
- 50% Play - Through
- 75% Play - Through
- 100% Play - Through
- Replays
- Hours of Play
Q. Can I sort the data in my Performance report?
A. Yes, all metrics in your Performance report can be ordered (ascending/descending) by clicking on the column header.
Q. What does the Video 30 Day Trend at the bottom display?
A. The bottom graph shows you a 30 Day Trend of the selected metric. Data can be seen on an account level (default) or by unique video. You can click on the column icon to customize the data. When clicking on the icon you will be prompted to select one of the following metrics:
- Uploaded
- Length
- Displays
- Plays
- 25% Play-Through
- 50% Play - Through
- 75% Play - Through
- 100% Play - Through
- Replays
- Hours of Play
Q. How are date ranges selected?
A. There are multiple options when setting the date range. When clicking on the pull down you are given two choices to set the date range:
- Use the calendar and click on the respective Start Date and End Date. Hit the Apply Range button.
- Select fixed time periods from the drop down window. Ranges include: Yesterday, Last 7 days, This week, Last week, Last business week, This month, Last month, This year, Last 12 months, custom. Hit the Apply Range button to apply time period to the graphs.
Q. Will my calendar settings in the Performance report be saved the next time I log in?
A. The date range in your Performance report will automatically update the next time you log in. For example if you set your date range to the last 7 days, the next time you log in the data will reflect performance for the last 7 days starting from that specific day as opposed to the day of the initial log in. This automatic update applies to all ranges selected.
Q. How do I can I search for videos to be used in this report?
A. To select videos for use in the Performance report, enter the name of the video in the search box. You may also use the Select a Label button to search by label.
Daily Delivery
Q. What does the Daily Delivery report show me?
A. The Daily Delivery report shows a daily breakdown for several metrics:
- Plays
- Unique plays
- Displays
- Unique Displays
- Hours of Video Watched
Q. Can this data be viewed in a list format?
A. No, this data can only be seen in a graphical format.
Q. What is the bottom graph used for?
A. The graph at the bottom of the Daily Delivery console is an interactive graph that shows overall performance since creation of account. You can click on the arrows to adjust the date range. The range can be modified by moving buttons to the left, or right. As you modify the ranges on the bottom, the graph at the top is automatically updated.
Q. Can I compare different metrics?
A. You have the option to compare displays and plays. To compare both metrics, select both buttons. Deselect one of them to show only one metric.
Q. What does the dotted line represent?
A. The dotted line shows the number of unique displays or plays.
Q. How are date ranges selected?
A. There are multiple options when setting the date range. When clicking on the pull down you are given two choices to set the date range:
- Use the calendar and click on the respective Start Date and End Date. Hit "Apply Range" to apply time period to the graphs.
- Select fixed time periods from the "Select from list" pull down. Ranges include: Yesterday, Last 7 days, This week, Last week, Last business week, This month, Last month, This year, Last 12 months, custom. Hit "Apply Range" to apply time period to the graphs.
Q. Will my calendar settings be saved the next time I log in?
A. The date range will automatically adjust to the settings specified the next time you log in. For example if you set your date range to the last 7 days, the next time you log in that data will reflect performance for the last 7 days starting from that specific day as opposed to the day of the initial log in. This automatic adjustment applies to all ranges selected.
Engagement
Q. What are the Engagement reports?
A. The Engagement reports show how viewers are interacting with your video. There are two kinds of reports: Segment Watched and Percent Watched. The Segment Watched report illustrates the viewing engagement at various points in the video. The Percent Watched report shows you how much of the video was watched.
Q. What can I learn from the Segment Watched report?
A. The Segment Watched report shows you what segments of video are engaging viewers and how viewers are responding to your video. With a real-time, side-by-side comparison of the actual video program and a graphical analysis of video plays vs. specific points in the video program, you will know exactly where viewers are engaged and where they're dropping off. You'll also learn what parts of the video were replayed and skipped. Normal viewing behavior is represented by a descending or horizontal line graph. Spikes in the graph illustrate where viewers have shown more interest and re-watched a point in the video. Dips in the line graph show where viewers are abandoning the video. You can adjust the date range to look at engagement over a specific time period.
Q. What is a segment?
A. A segment is a small portion of the video where viewing data is collected from the Ooyala Video Player. The player tracks viewing data and sends it to our system. The aggregated data for each video across the specified date range appears in your Segment Watched report.
Q. What is a play?
A. A play is the number of times a video program was started by a viewer.
Q. How can I get engagement data for specific segments in the video?
A. To learn about engagement for specific parts in the video program, follow these steps:
- Using the View Analytics search tools located at the top of the console, search for your video title.
- Select your date range on the right side of the console.
- Play the video and let the line graph play-through.
- Pause the video when you've reached your destination in the video.
- Mouseover the graph at the point of interest. A data tip will appear, showing you the part of the video watched and the number of video plays associated with it.
Q. I can't see any data in my Segment Watched chart. What's wrong?
A. To see data in the Segment Watched chart, you must first select a video and a date range in the upper part of the report console. Next, play the video. The data will populate itself in the graph.
Q. What does the Percent Watched chart show?
A. The Percent Watched chart shows what percentage of the video was watched vs. number of plays. If the number of plays was 600 and the percentage watched was 50%, you can think of it like, "600 people started watching the video and watched 50%" of the video program.
Q. How can I find out how much of the video was watched?
A. To find out how much video was watched, mouse over the graph. A data tip will appear, showing you the percent of video watched vs. the number of plays.
Domain Distribution
Q. What is the Domain Distribution report?
A. The Domain Distribution Report provides insight on your video reach. The report displays your top domains and the distribution of your videos. By default, it offers an account level reporting of the best performing domains in your network, but title search is available. You can also choose the metrics and date information for each domain. For domain activity on specific dates, use the date listing in the lower half of the console to navigate to your desired date.
Q. How do I search for a video title?
A. To search for a video or ad title in your library, use the View Analytics search box or the Select from My Content button, located in the upper portion of the console, to find your video.
Q. How do I change the metric I want to view?
A. Use the Show drop down window, located in the upper right corner of the console, and select a metric.
Q. How do I obtain an account level view of my Domain Distribution?
A. To obtain an account level visualization of the reach for your videos, follow these directions:
- Make sure the View Analytics for search box is clear from any titles.
- You may need to reset the data displayed on the console by changing your date range or selected another report and then returning to the Domain Distribution report. When the data has been cleared, your account level information will appear. This is the default state for the console.
Q. How can I get analytics for a video published on a specific web domain?
A. To view metrics from a referring domain, follow these instructions:
- Input the video title in the View Analytics search box or use the Select from My Content button to locate your video.
- Select the date range.
- Select the metric of interest from the Show drop down window.
- Select the domain name.
- For domain activity on specific dates, use the date listing in the lower half of the console to navigate to your desired date.
Q. How do change the sort order of my metrics displayed in the Daily Delivery area?
A. To change the sort order, click on the name of the metric displayed.
Q. Can I change the order of the dates displayed?
A. No, you cannot change the order the dates are displayed. The order will change, however, if you change the sort order or your metrics.
Geographical Distribution
Q. What is the Geographical Distribution report?
A. The Distribution report shows viewing metrics per country/region. It illustrates where viewership is concentrated and where it is scarce. The distribution reflects the selected metrics for that country, across your whole account. The country with the most viewing traffic is represented with dark blue color. Light grey colored countries represent areas where no viewing data has been collected. Mouseover the countries for more detailed information.
Q. How do I view the geo-distribution for specific countries?
A. To get geo-distribution data for specific countries, follow these directions:
- Select the metric of interest from the Show window in the report console.
- Mouseover the country on the report map.
- View the country name and the metric.
- You can also select any of the countries in the list below and it will highlight the country on the map.
Account Summary
Q. What is the Account Summary?
A. The Account Summary offers an account level display of viewing trends in the past 30 days and a ranking of your top performing content across a specified date range.
Q. What does the Top Content Report show?
A. This report shows the ranking of your content based on the performance. You can view stats by displays, plays, and hours of play.
Q. How can I modify the Top Content report?
A. To modify your Top Content report, use the Show drop down window to change your metrics shown or use the "for" drop down window to change the date range of your metrics displayed.
Q. What can the 30 day Account Trend tell me?
A. The 30 Day Account Trend shows you trends for the entire account over the past 30 days based on the following metrics: displays, plays, and hours of play.
Q. What does the line represent in this report?
A. The line shows the number of Uniques for the respective metrics.
Q. How do I add this report to my Dashboard?
A. You can add this report to the dashboard by clicking on the Page Icon with a "+" sign found in top right corner of the header row.
General Functionality
Q. How do I save a report?
A. To save your report, select the Save icon from the upper left area of the report. You may save reports in .CSV, .JPEG, or .XML formats.
Q. Can I print reports?
A. Yes, select the Print icon located in the upper right corner of each report.
Q. How do I add a report to My Dashboard?
A. To add a report to My Dashboard, select the Add to Dashboard icon on the upper right corner of each report.
Q. How can I remove a report from My Dashboard?
A. To remove the report, select the Remove Report icons.
Darkroom
Q. What is the Darkroom?
A. The Darkroom is a workstation within Backlot where you can:
- Edit advertising content
- Add metadata to your video
- Assign Syndication Controls
- Customize video players
- Set Preview Images
Q. Who will use the Darkroom?
A. The Darkroom is designed for all Backlot users: video content owners, media publishers, and advertising professionals. Whether you are engaged in creative production work or serve as a media executive, Darkroom tools can be used quickly and easily without the need for a video editor, software developers, or design professionals.
Q. How can I preview my video?
A. After your video has been processed, you can preview it in the Darkroom. From the Content tab, select the EDIT VIDEO button. When your video appears, select the Play button. To accurately assess your video, it is strongly recommended that you preview your video on a testing server in the desired video embed frame size. The video preview made available in Backlot may be of a different codec and frame size from your desired web page.
Advertising
Q. How can Backlot help me monetize my video?
A. Backlot has several advertising features that allow you to insert advertising in your video. You can use your own ad content, your own sales force to sell ads, or an ad server or ad network to supplement your content with advertising. Use Backlot Analytics to measure the reach and viewer engagement for your videos and share the data with your sponsors. Backlot's syndication services will help you distribute video to your content affiliates, thus increasing your monetization opportunities through a larger audience. You can also use the Exchange Syndication Marketplace to showcase your content globally and to acquire new syndication partners.
Here are some recommended steps for publishers who are new to online video advertising and for publishers who are already working with an ad server or ad network:
- If you are new to online advertising:
- Upload/manage your own ads with Backlot and insert the ads into your videos.
- Use your own sales team to acquire advertising for your content and upload/manage your ad creative with Backlot.
- Look into working with an ad network or ad server.
- If you already use an ad network or ad server: Contact your Backlot account manager to activate your account for ad server/network integration.
- Manually insert your ads in your video titles.
- Use the Ad Sets feature (see below) to apply ad templates to your videos
Q. What video ad formats can I use with my Backlot videos?
A. You can use pre-roll, post-roll, and in-stream advertising formats. Overlay ads will be available in the near future.
Q. How many ads can I place in my videos?
A. You can use as many ads as you want and you can place them anywhere in your videos.
Q. How do I begin using my own ads with Backlot?
A. You can manage and upload your ads in the same way that you manage and upload other video content. Drag and drop to upload and automatically transcode your ad. You can also use the Upload button to upload your videos. You can organize it like your other videos and obtain analytics, too.
Q. What can I do if I don't have any ads?
A. We suggest you look into using a 3rd party server or network. We integrate with the following service providers:
- Doubleclick
- Yume
- LightningCast
- Google Adsense for Videos Overlay
Q. What video formats can I upload to Backlot?
A. We recommend that you use ads in H.264, but we support many commonly used codecs: MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, VP6, VP5, H.264, H.263, WMV/WMA, and MJPEG.
Q. How can I see a list of all my ads in Backlot?
A. To view a list of your ads, follow these steps:
- Access the Content tab.
- Select the Ad category. Ads that you have marked as "Ads" will show up in this list. To check to see if an ad is marked as an "Ad," select the ad in your content list and check the Details tab.
Q. Why do I need to mark my ads as "Ads" in Backlot?
A. Marking your ads will make your ad content available when you try to insert your ad. To mark your ad, select the ad in your content library. In the Details tab, check the "Mark this content as an Ad" box.
Q. How can I get analytics from my ad content?
A. To obtain analytics from your ad content, select the ad title from your content library and apply the date range. The analytics relate to the ad itself, but they do not measure how the ad performed alongside specific videos.
Q. What is an Ad Source?
A. Ad Source describes where your video comes from: My Content or an ad server/network. You find this option among other options when using the Ad Sets feature.
Q. How do I use an ad server/network with my Backlot account?
A. To use an ad server or network with your Backlot account, your account must be enabled by your account manager. If it is not enabled, these options will not show up in your ad options to choose from when inserting ads.
Q. What is a Click URL?
A. A Click URL is a web address used for promotion and sales.
Q. What is a Tracking Pixel URL?
A. A Tracking Pixel URL is a pixel that will be displayed with an ad. You can track your ad delivery with this pixel URL. A pixel URL is commonly comprised of a 1x1 transparent pixel that is placed on a web server that the content owner controls.
Q. How can I insert advertising into my Backlot videos?
A. There are two ways to insert advertising using the Backlot platform:
- Manually place the ads from your own content library ("My Content") or from your ad server or ad network.
- Use our Ad Sets to apply ad templates to your videos. Ad sets are ad templates that allow you to designate where your ads should come from and the placement of your ads in the video. Once you set up the template, you can program specific ad serving rules and apply them to your videos. We recommend this method if you are managing a lot of ads or ad placements. The directions are below.
Q. How do I manually insert my ad content in my video?
A. To manually insert an ad of your own in your video, follow these directions:
- To insert advertising from your content library to a video, your ads need to be marked as "Ads" in your Backlot. Marking your ads, makes them easily accessible when you insert them.
- To mark your ad, access the Content tab.
- Select your ad.
- In the Details tab, check the "Mark this content as an Ad" box. Your ad will now be categorized as an ad.
- In the Content tab, select your video title.
- At the bottom of the console, select the Edit Video button to enter the Darkroom where you will place ads in your video.
- Select the Ads tab.
- On the lower left side of the Ad tab, select the +Ad button.
- Choose the My Content option to insert an ad from your own video library. Videos marked as "Ads" will appear in your list of ads.
- Drag the yellow playhead in the Ad track to the desired position for your ad.
- Select the +Ad button located on the lower left side of the console.
- From your content library, select the ad you want to use.
- Select the Add Selected Content button on the bottom of the console.
- You will return to the Darkroom and your ad will be inserted where you placed the video playhead.
- If you wish to change the placement of your ad, you can drag the ad in the Ad track, stopping at your desired location in the video track.
- To delete your ad, mouse over the ad in the Ad track and select the garbage can icon.
- To ad a click URL to your ad, select the pen icon and add your URL the Click URL window.
Q. How do I manually insert an ad from my ad server or ad network?
A. To insert ads from your ad server/network, your Backlot account must be enabled for integration. See your Backlot account manager for assistance or email support@ooyala.com. After this is set up, follow these directions:
- In the Content tab, select your video title.
- At the bottom of the console, select the Edit Video button to enter the Darkroom where you will place ads in your video.
- Select the Ads tab.
- On the lower left side of the Ads area, select the +Ad button.
- Select your ad server/network from the displayed options.
- Drag the yellow playhead in the Ad track to the desired position for your ad.
- If you wish to change the placement of your ad, you can drag the ad in the Ad track, stopping at your desired location in the video track.
- To delete your ad placement, mouse over the ad in the Ad track and select the garbage can icon.
- To ad a click URL to your ad, select the pen icon and add your URL the Click URL window.
Q. What are Ad Sets?
A. Ad sets are ad templates that allow you to designate where your ads should come from and the placement of your ads in the video. Once you set up the template, you can program specific ad serving rules and apply them to your videos. If you are integrating ads from a 3rd party ad network or have multiple ads in different placements, we highly recommend our Ad Sets feature. Here is a short video introduction. To enable your account for this integration, contact your Backlot account manager or email support@ooyala.com. If your account is not enabled for integration, you will not see these options in your Ad Source drop down windows.
Q. Why should I use the Ad Sets feature?
A. Ad Sets make the process of inserting ads much faster if you are managing a lot of ads or large advertising campaigns. By using the Ad Sets you can create a set and apply it like a template to yo