What Is Motion Tracking And How Can It Help You In Video Editing?

Motion tracking is one of the pivotal tools in a video editor's toolbox, but if you don't know how to use it properly, you might make yourself look like an amateur. A little more than 50% of all editing jobs require some form of motion tracking, and even just knowing the basics about this technique will make you way more competitive in the industry. So, read on to find out how to use this powerful tool!

‍

What is Motion Tracking?

Motion tracking is the process of tracking the movement of objects in a video. This can be done by manually tracking points in the video, or by using specialized software to automatically track objects. Motion tracking can be used to track the movement of objects in a video so that they can be replaced with other objects, or to add special effects to them.

Types of Motion Tracking

There are two main types of motion tracking: object tracking and point tracking.

Object tracking is when you track a specific object in your video clip, like a person or a car. This is useful if you want to add special effects to that object, or if you want to replace it with another object in your video.

Point tracking is when you track a specific point in your video clip, like the tip of a pen or a person's eye. This is useful if you want to add special effects to that point, or if you want to follow the movement of that point with another object in your video.

Filma allows you to track any point or object, any face and the body pose of any person. You can use the tracking information to pin objects, attach effects or filters with location based properties (properties that have a reference point in the screen such as Lights, Zoom or Focus) or draw a sick figure out of a body detection.
‍

Pros and Cons of Motion Tracking

When it comes to motion tracking, there are both pros and cons that you need to consider before using this technique in your video editing projects.

On the plus side, motion tracking can be a very effective way to add special effects or graphics to your video. It can also be used to stabilize shaky footage, or to track objects in a scene so that you can edit them more easily.

However, there are also some drawbacks to using motion tracking. It can be time-consuming to set up, and it may not always produce the results you want. Additionally, if you're not careful, motion tracking can introduce unwanted artefacts into your final video.

‍

Check out our tutorial about Motion Tracking with Filma

Conclusion

Whether you're a seasoned video editor or just getting started, motion tracking can be a valuable tool to add to your arsenal. By understanding what motion tracking is and how it works, you can start using it to create more dynamic and interesting videos. With a little practice, you'll be able to create professional-looking videos that are sure to impress your friends and family. So what are you waiting for? Give motion tracking a try today!

‍