Web 2.0 Tool of the Week: Animoto

(http://www.animoto.com)

Animoto is an online application that instantly produces videos using pictures, video, text, and sound. Animoto’s technology allows you to drag and drop pictures in the order you want to view them, select a song and the program integrates the two for a professional-looking video production. Animoto takes presentations to a new dimension!

Animoto allows you to:
• Create a picture slide show
• Upload pictures from your computer or from your account on Flickr, Facebook, Picasa, SmugMug, or Photobucket
• Incorporate music
• You are given a choice of licensed soundtracks or you can upload your own music
• Include text for captions
• Share the video
• Send to an email, blog, or website
• Export directly to YouTube
• Download to a CD or flash drive

Things to know:
• Users must create an account
• Free accounts allow users to create 30 second videos. Longer videos require a subscription at the cost of $25/year.
• Videos will be branded with Animoto’s logo at the end.
• Images must be in jpeg or gif formats.
• Apps available for the iPhone and Facebook; providing easy sharing and allowing you to create videos on the go.

Ready to explore Animoto?
View a sample video and sign up for an account.