Pictory Adds Ken Burns Effect to Storyboard Tool

• Pictory launches the Ken Burns effect in its Storyboard feature to animate still photos.
• The effect applies pans and zooms automatically when users add images to scenes.
• It suits applications like real estate listings, food promotions, and product videos.
• Pictory enables the feature by default for immediate use in new projects.
• The update aims to make static visuals more dynamic and viewer-friendly.

Pictory, a software-as-a-service platform for video creation, has released a new feature in its Storyboard tool. The update introduces the Ken Burns effect, a technique that adds subtle pans and zooms to still images. This creates movement in photos, turning them into more engaging elements for videos.

According to an email update sent to Pictory users and a YouTube video demonstration by Pictory representative Jimmy, the feature activates automatically upon adding an image to a scene background.

It works with Pictory’s current version, compatible with web browsers on desktop and mobile devices supporting HTML5 video playback.

No additional software installation is required, as it integrates directly into the cloud-based editor.

How the Ken Burns Effect Works

The Ken Burns effect – named after documentary filmmaker Ken Burns – simulates camera motion on static images. Instead of a simple slideshow where pictures change abruptly, the tool slowly zooms in or pans across the photo.

This gives the image a sense of depth and narrative flow, much like a video clip.

Jimmy explained in the YouTube video:

The Ken Burns effect is a way of bringing still photos to life. It’s kind of like when you’re watching a slideshow, but instead of just flipping from one picture to the next, the camera seems to slowly zoom in or pan across the image.

Users access the effect via an icon in the Storyboard interface.

Once enabled = which it is by default – Pictory applies the motion during video rendering. The platform supports common image formats like JPEG and PNG, with resolutions up to 4K for high-quality output. This ensures compatibility with social media platforms such as YouTube and Instagram, where videos often require dynamic visuals to hold attention.

Applications for Businesses

Pictory targets small businesses and content creators with this update. The effect proves useful for real estate listings, where panning across property photos highlights details like rooms or exteriors.

It also fits food and dining promotions, animating dish images to draw viewer interest, and retail product videos, showcasing items with smooth zooms on features. Jimmy noted in the video: You can use this new effect for things like real estate listings, food and dining promos, or retail product videos.

The email update emphasizes its broad appeal: For all types of businesses: Real estate listings, food and dining promos, product highlights, and more.

By automating the process, Pictory reduces editing time, allowing users to focus on content rather than manual adjustments. Sources confirm the feature rolled out immediately, available to all subscribed users without extra cost.

User Benefits and Implementation

This addition addresses a common challenge in video production which is making static content more lively.

Pictory’s implementation keeps things simple, with the effect toggling on or off per scene. Preview options in the Storyboard let users see changes in real time before exporting.

The YouTube video shows a demo with real estate images, where multiple scenes automatically gain motion, resulting in a cohesive video flow.

Pictory positions the update as a step toward cinematic quality for non-professionals.

As Jimmy stated:

Transform your static visuals from dull and lifeless to vibrant and alive. This new effect automatically makes your video way more engaging and gets people interested in your visuals.

For implementation, users simply upload images to a project, and Pictory handles the rest. The platform requires an internet connection and accounts with at least the basic subscription tier for full access.

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