Zenfolio Now Lets Photographers Host Video Directly on the Platform
Zenfolio has announced that its Portfolio, PortfolioPlus, and ProSuite plans now include the option to host video. Video or slideshow files can be uploaded directly to the platform.
Business-Focused Video
While there are multiple options for photographers to host video and slideshow files through third-party platforms such as YouTube or Vimeo, Zenfolio is now adding the ability to host videos directly on a website through its service. The company says that it envisions users leveraging the video feature to showcase their work or capitalize on video e-commerce.
The company says that it has noticed that many photographers have added video services to their offerings either through a full video production or a simple slideshow. Photographers increasingly are using behind-the-scenes video to market their business as well. Whatever the case, video is a powerful tool that photographers can use to promote their services, and Zenfolio now lets its customers host videos directly on its platform.
Portfolio, PortfolioPlus, and ProSuite plans now include the option to upload and store video files directly on the Zenfolio platform as well as share them in client galleries. Video files can then be used on their Zenfolio websites to promote or market services, but they can also be used to deliver finished products as well. The service supports custom watermarks and allows Zenfolio users to include video in pre-sold packages to clients.
Video support does not cost extra and is integrated into three options. Portfolio tier subscribers can host up to 25 videos over the lifetime of their account. PortfolioPlus users can host up to 75 videos. Top-tier ProSuite members are able to host up to 250 videos. Additional video units can also be purchased a la carte if needed. The videos are supported at a maximum of 1080p Full HD, support two-channel audio, and can be uploaded as an .mov or.mmp4. Videos can be no longer than 20 minutes and cannot exceed a file size of 3 GB.
So while more limiting than a third-party option, Zenfolio’s service allows videos to be more seamlessly integrated into a website. An example of what the video player looks like can be seen on Zenfolio’s release notes.
Other Recent Updates
Since its acquisition of Format last November, Zenfolio has published several major updates to its platform including the support for video. Also included in the video support update, users can now add a location tool to the website that shows the location of a business on a map and provide directions to it. On November 22, the company published a new website template called District, which adds to the two others launched on November 11. On December 9, Zenfolio enhanced the shopping experience for clients, allowing them to include items from multiple print labs in a single order which in turn makes the check-out process faster and more streamlined. Additionally, Zenfolio launched a more streamlined price list layout to help make the sales process more efficient.
