Quick answer
This glossary explains 31 video editing, motion graphics and animation terms in plain English, written by freelance video editor and motion designer Bhavesh Vaghela. Use it to understand a quote, a brief or a feedback round.
- 2D animation
- Animation built from flat shapes and illustrations. It is usually faster and cheaper than 3D animation. Read more
- AI avatar video
- A video in which an AI-generated presenter speaks a script. It works best for training and updates rather than emotional brand stories. Read more
- AI video
- Video scenes or clips generated by AI tools such as Higgsfield or Kling. Good projects still need human editing for hook, pacing, captions and sound. Read more
- Alpha channel (transparent video)
- A video file that keeps transparency, so a logo animation can sit on top of other footage without a background box. Read more
- Aspect ratio
- The shape of the video frame. 9:16 is vertical (Reels, Shorts, TikTok), 1:1 is square and 16:9 is wide (YouTube, websites). Read more
- Call to action (CTA)
- The one thing you want the viewer to do at the end of the video, such as start a trial or book a call.
- Captions
- On-screen text that shows the spoken words. In short-form video they are also a design element and help people watching without sound. Read more
- Codec and export settings
- The file format and compression used to export a video. H.264 MP4 is the safest choice for websites and social platforms. Read more
- Explainer video
- A short video, usually 60 to 90 seconds, that explains a product or idea and ends with one clear next step. Read more
- First draft (rough cut)
- The first full version of the video, sent early so the client can steer before details are polished.
- Hook
- The first few seconds of a video, designed to make the viewer keep watching. Read more
- Kinetic typography
- Text that moves, scales and reveals in time with the voice-over or music so the words themselves carry the message. Read more
- Logo animation
- A short animation of a logo, used as a video intro, outro or social profile video. Read more
- Logo reveal
- A longer logo animation that builds up to the final logo, often with sound. Read more
- Logo sting
- A very short logo animation, usually a second or two, used as a quick brand signature. Read more
- Lower third
- A name or title graphic placed in the lower part of the frame, usually when someone first speaks.
- Motion graphics
- Animated graphics such as type, icons, charts and shapes. They explain ideas without needing live-action footage. Read more
- Product demo video
- A video that shows the product being used, step by step. It is more specific and more literal than an explainer. Read more
- Retainer
- An ongoing monthly arrangement with an editor for a set amount of work, instead of paying per project. Read more
- Revision round
- One batch of feedback on one version of the video. The number of rounds is agreed in the quote. Read more
- SaaS explainer
- An explainer video for a software product, often built from UI animation, kinetic type and a short script. Read more
- Safe zone
- The area of a vertical video that stays clear of platform buttons and captions, so text and faces are not covered. Read more
- Screen recording
- A video capture of a real screen. It is often the raw material that gets polished or replaced by UI animation. Read more
- Sound design
- Music, sound effects and mixing that make a video feel finished. Sound hits often mark cuts and animation beats.
- Storyboard
- A sequence of simple frames that plans the shots and timing before animation starts.
- Style frames
- A few finished still frames that show the look of the video (colors, type, illustration style) for approval before animation.
- UGC-style ad
- An ad that looks like a user-made video, usually someone speaking to the camera, but made on purpose to sell something. Read more
- UI animation
- Animating an app or website interface so viewers can follow what a product does, instead of watching a raw screen recording. Read more
- Video sales letter (VSL)
- A video that makes a full sales pitch, usually with a person or narrator speaking and graphics supporting each point.
- Voice-over
- A recorded narration laid over the video. It can be a human voice or an AI voice. Read more
- Vox-style motion graphics
- A news-explainer look that mixes maps, charts, archive images and bold type to explain data or ideas. Read more
Need help with a video? See how I work or send a brief.