I recently discussed the capabilities of the video player with one of our key account customers during the Project Launch phase. Before BEML, the primary choice was between adopting an existing template or creating a fully custom video player using Flash and/or JavaScript.
With BEML, the scope of player functionality has fundamentally improved. Now, everyone—except those with a Brightcove basic account—can easily create a custom template to suit their needs. For most users, it’s faster and simpler to duplicate an existing template and modify the BEML code to create a tailored variant. However, the real power of BEML lies in its ability to specify all the features of the video player in detail.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR CUSTOMIZED VIDEO PLAYERS
Below is a list of questions I use to help customers identify the parameters needed for building a customized player:
- User Experience: At what point in the user journey does the player appear, and in what context?
- User Interaction: What do I want users to do while watching a video? Switch to fullscreen? Read an article?
- Post-Viewing Actions: What do I want users to do after watching the video? See more videos? Navigate to related content? Share it with others?
- Content Type: What type of content will the player display (e.g., aspect ratio, quality)?
- User Interface Elements: What interface elements should be included (e.g., menu overlay, playlist, control buttons)?
- Styling: What styling considerations (e.g., design, branding) are necessary?
- Localization: Does the player need specific labels for niche or non-English-speaking markets?
- Sizing and Layout: How much space does the player need? Should it use an elastic or fixed layout?
- Advertising Features: What display ad capabilities are required (e.g., banners, extended banners, background banners)?
- Brand Marketing: What branding features should the player include (e.g., logo, colors, images)?
- Syndication and Distribution: Does the player need to be syndicated or shared virally? Will it maintain its appearance in environments outside my control?
- Advanced Options: What specific features are required (e.g., chaptering, custom buttons)?
- Skills and Resources: Do I have the skills to achieve the above, or do I need help from Brightcove or a partner?
These questions form a solid starting point for building a fully customized video player. Of course, there are many more considerations, but addressing these will lay a strong foundation.
