The Visual Lounge

Imagine logging in next month to find your bill for the AI tool you use has doubled, or that you've run out of credits halfway through a critical project.The explosion of AI video tools has brought incredible capabilities to content creators, but alongside these innovations comes a new challenge: complex pricing models that make it difficult to budget, explain costs to your boss, or know if you're getting sustainable value from your tools.Joining us in this episode is Daniel Foster, Director of Monetization at TechSmith, who studies the evolution of software pricing and has been closely watching how AI tools are being packaged and priced.Daniel shares practical advice for evaluating AI tools beyond just their features, looking at the "whole product" including support, documentation, and pricing sustainability. He explains how to navigate credit-based systems, and why bundled solutions might save you both money and headaches.Learning points from the episode include:00:38 - 01:52 Introduction to Daniel01:52 - 03:06 Daniel's tip for using images and video in work03:06 - 05:05 Why pricing decisions matter as much as features05:05 - 07:51 Current AI pricing models emerging in the market07:51 - 10:56 The complexity of credit-based systems10:56 - 13:47 Alternatives and features to look for in pricing13:47 - 19:54 Evaluating all-in-one vs. specialized tools19:54 - 22:29 Support and documentation considerations22:29 - 23:23 The most popular AI feature: Voice generation23:23 - 27:56 Speed round questions27:56 - 28:53 Daniel's final take28:53 - 30:14 OutroImportant links and mentions:Connect with Daniel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielfoster/Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/

What happens when everyone can create AI videos with just a text prompt?We’re entering the “watch bait era” where AI-generated short clips may start dominating social media feeds, making it harder to distinguish between AI content, misinformation, and reality.The technology is improving but still has real limitations. While AI avatars and lip-sync are getting better, we’re still dealing with 8-second clip restrictions, consistency issues (your character might lose their glasses between scenes), and the ongoing challenge of writing effective prompts.Joining us is Myra Roldan, Founder and Chief AI Officer at UnDesto AI, who’s been working in the AI space for 12 years. She shares practical insights on what AI video can actually do today, why you need authorization before using these tools with company data, and why storyboarding remains essential.Learning points from the episode include:00:00 - 02:45 Introduction to Myra Roldan02:45 - 03:41 12 years in AI: pushing limits and finding considerations03:41 - 05:18 Current state: better avatars, but still limited05:18 - 06:58 Understanding the "watch bait era"06:58 - 08:52 Corporate AI use: authorization and strategy first08:52 - 10:11 Cheap, fast or good, pick two10:11 - 12:38 Consistency challenges with AI characters12:38 - 16:00 Writing effective short prompts and accepting waste16:00 - 17:05 Generation costs and platform caps17:05 - 18:08 The "drunk intern" analogy18:08 - 20:14 Moving from experimentation to everyday use20:14 - 23:45 Why video editing skills still matter23:45 - 29:12 Speed round questions29:12 - 29:19 Myra's final take29:19 - 31:04 OutroImportant links and mentions:Connect with Myra on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/myraroldan/Find out more about UnDesto AI: https://intelligence.undesto.ai/Watch Hey It’s Myra on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@learnwithmyraCamtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/  

We've all sat through presentations that feel like a performance, polished, professional, but somehow disconnected. The speaker hits every point perfectly, yet we walk away feeling nothing. So, what's missing?For this episode, we're revisiting a conversation with Leslie Chamberlain, Head of Customer Success at Gibbs Smith Education. Leslie knows that great presentations aren't about perfection, they're about connection.She shares why infusing your personality into presentations matters more than hitting every bullet point, and reveals the secret to keeping audiences engaged through authentic delivery.You'll hear Leslie's approach to making presentations "sense-rich," her take on scripting versus speaking naturally, and practical tips for condensing information without losing impact. Plus, she reveals why being authentic beats being polished every time.Learning points from the episode include:00:00 - 02:49 Introduction02:49 - 05:13 How Leslie became involved in customer success05:13 - 06:49 Making learning presentations successful06:49 - 09:04 Leslie's tip for using videos and images in presentations09:04 - 10:43 Brand vs individual in your presentations10:43 - 16:14 The first steps towards a great presentation16:14 - 19:06 Making your ideas sense-rich19:06 - 24:54 Where people get stuck making presentations24:54 - 26:47 Should you script presentations?26:47 - 31:40 How to condense information and keep things short31:40 - 35:57 Hear Leslie's Speed Round answers35:57 - 36:36 Leslie's final take36:36 OutroImportant links and mentions:Connect with Leslie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leslie-chamberlain-a3475121/Snagit: https://www.techsmith.com/snagit/  

What if your carefully crafted training course could become a content campaign that actually drives behavior change? Most L&D professionals create amazing content that gets consumed once and forgotten. But what if that single course could spawn dozens of touchpoints that reinforce learning over time?We're seeing a shift where smart L&D teams are borrowing from marketing playbooks, and it's working. The secret isn't creating more content; it's strategically repurposing what you already have.Joining this episode is Mike Taylor, Learning Consultant at Nationwide and co-author of "Think Like a Marketer, Train Like an L&D Pro."Mike's been pioneering the campaign approach to learning, and shows us how one webinar recording can become email sequences, infographics, GIFs, and micro-learning moments.He explains why thinking in campaigns rather than courses changes everything, introduces the SURE model for creating content that sticks, and shows how to overcome the "we don't have time" objection with smart repurposing strategies.Learning points from the episode include:00:00 - 02:22 Introduction to repurposing and spawning multiple content pieces02:22 - 05:15 Why repurposing isn't more work and how to expand your reach05:15 - 06:56 Think campaigns not courses: the hero content pyramid06:56 - 09:19 Leaving breadcrumb trails across multiple channels09:19 - 11:51 Setting hooks and the SURE model for relevant content11:51 - 12:39 Why content creates feelings whether you know it or not12:39 - 14:23 Turning annual compliance into year-round micro-learning14:23 - 16:37 Using AI and A/B testing data to sell repurposing internally16:37 - 17:58 Finding small experiments to build credibility17:58 - 21:13 Visual repurposing: webinars to GIFs, polls to graphics21:13 - 23:13 Using Camtasia for Microsoft Office tips and animated GIFs23:13 - 25:00 Why even simple content benefits from repurposing25:00 - 26:53 Making subject matter expert content digestible26:53 - 31:15 OutroImportant links and mentions:Connect with Mike Taylor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miketaylor/Find out more about Train Like a Marketer: https://trainlikeamarketer.com/Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/  Snagit: https://www.techsmith.com/snagit/Audiate: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/audiate/

Have you ever watched a learning video and felt completely overwhelmed, even though the topic itself wasn't that complicated? That feeling of mental exhaustion is cognitive overload, and it's often the result of poor instructional design.Host Matt Pierce introduces Cognitive Load Theory (CLT), a framework that explains how our brains process information and, more importantly, how we can design learning experiences that work with our cognitive limitations rather than against them.Matt breaks down the three types of cognitive load: intrinsic (the inherent difficulty of the material), extraneous (unnecessary mental effort caused by poor design), and germane (the beneficial mental effort that leads to real learning).Throughout the episode, Matt shares practical, actionable strategies that video creators can implement immediately to create videos that teach rather than overwhelm.Learning points from the episode include:00:00 - 01:00 Introduction to cognitive overload in learning videos01:00 - 02:30 What cognitive load theory is02:30 - 03:45 A closer look at the three types of cognitive load in practice03:45 - 05:17 Managing content difficulty05:17 - 07:00 Timing actions for visual clarity07:00 - 09:46 Removing distractions and simplifying visuals09:46 - 11:00 Simplifying learning for better retention11:00 - 11:50 Promoting deeper understanding in videos11:50 - 13:10 Practical application and resources for creating effective training videos13:10 - 13:30 OutroImportant links and mentions:Learn more about Dr Richard Mayer’s principles for multimedia learning: https://www.digitallearninginstitute.com/blog/mayers-principles-multimedia-learningFind more resources from Jonathan Halls: https://jonathanhalls.com/

Lo-fi and authentic works. Just look at the best short-form creators, they’ve figured out engagement. They know how to be authentic, intentional, and drop hooks that make people actually want to watch. No matter what kind of video’s you make, what can you learn from how short-form creators do it?In this episode of The Visual Lounge, host Matt Pierce explores how creators, educators, and businesses can borrow the best parts of short-form video to make any kind of video more effective. Matt unpacks why lo-fi, authentic content often outperforms polished production, how to apply short-form storytelling techniques to training and learning videos, and what it means to create “content like short-form” rather than “for short-form.”He also shares practical insights on hooks, energy, experimentation, and repurposing, plus how AI tools are helping teams create faster without losing their human touch.Learning points from the episode include:00:00 – 02:14 The rise and impact of lo-fi, authentic short-form video02:14 – 03:08 Why short-form video matters for all creators 03:08 – 05:05 Make content like short-form, not for short-form05:05 – 07:01 How to make any topic engaging07:01 – 07:27 Keep things moving to keep viewers engaged 07:27 – 08:20 Why energy makes your videos more engaging08:20 – 09:13 Experiment often and use feedback to improve09:13 – 12:31 Hook your audience early with curiosity and story12:31 – 16:04 Batch produce and repurpose your videos  16:04 – 16:59 How AI can help you create and edit faster16:59 – 18:23 Choose the right video length for your audience18:23 – 18:48 Keep learning from short-form creators as trends evolve  18:48 – 20:17 Lo-fi and authentic content builds real connection 20:17 – 21:27 Outro Important links and mentions:TechSmith Unlocked: https://discover.techsmith.com/techsmith-unlocked-2025/   Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/  

We've all been there, clicking on an instructional video only to sit through minutes of backstory when all we wanted was the solution. In a world where attention spans are shrinking, viewers want one thing: get to the point.For this episode, we're revisiting a fantastic conversation with Doug Brunner, Customer Education Manager at TechSmith. Doug knows firsthand what makes instructional content work (and what makes viewers click away). He shares why leading with the 'how' beats starting with the 'why,' and reveals the secret to keeping audiences engaged from the first second.You'll hear Doug's biggest pet peeves about instructional videos, his take on the webinar vs. video debate, and some insider tips on using Camtasia and Snagit features that can transform your content.Learning points from the episode include:00:00 - 05:06 Introduction05:06 - 10:01 Maximizing impact and the power of saying "no" to requests10:01 - 14:03 Webinars vs videos: Pros, cons, and when to use each14:03 - 17:31 Why defining your goals first changes everything about your content17:31 - 21:58 Doug's biggest instructional video pet peeve21:58 - 25:15 The truth about attention spans, how long do you really have?25:15 - 31:09 Three go-to features in Camtasia you should be using31:09 - 32:18 Why the viewer is the hero of your story, not the cursor32:18 - 37:30 Doug's three go-to tools in Snagit for better visuals37:30 - 42:32 Opinions on human avatars and generated voices in educational content42:32 - 43:34 How to determine the perfect video length43:34 - 46:36 What really counts as "bad video" and "bad audio"46:36 - 48:06 Using rounded corners in Snagit and Camtasia48:06 - 49:05 Outro and final thoughtsImportant links and mentions:Connect with Doug on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-brunner-b193abbExplore our Tutorials and Training: www.techsmith.com/learnCheck out our Webinars: www.techsmith.com/webinarsCamtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/  Snagit: https://www.techsmith.com/snagit/

AI is transforming how we create content, but there’s also a growing problem: AI slop. It’s the flood of auto-generated videos, images, and text that takes up space without adding value; and we’re seeing it everywhere. So how do you use AI to enhance your work without the noise?  Host Matt Pierce introduces TechSmith’s HUMAN Framework, a practical approach to keeping the human element at the center of AI-assisted content creation.  We hear why your expertise and lived experience gives you access to nuance that AI can’t replicate, how authenticity has become currency in content creation, and why treating AI as a thought partner rather than a replacement leads to better outcomes.  Matt also shares TechSmith’s philosophy on AI integration, including their approach to control and customization in tools like Camtasia AI. While AI is the worst it's ever going to be (meaning it will only get better), the choices we make now about how we use it will determine whether we're creating valuable content or just more noise. Learning points from the episode include: 00:00 - 02:01 What AI slop is and why being able to identify it is crucial 02:01 - 02:28 TechSmith Unlocked event announcement  02:28 - 03:23 Introducing the HUMAN Framework acronym  03:23 - 04:40 H - Harness your expertise 04:40 - 05:38 How humans have access to nuance through lived experiences 05:38 - 07:47 U - Understand your audience.  07:47 - 09:00 M - Make it authentic, not artificial  09:00 - 10:31 A - Aim for better, not just faster  10:31 - 11:52 N - Never skip reviews  11:52 - 12:30 How to use the framework as your guide 12:30 - 13:00 Why you need to choose tools that keep you in control of the output 13:00 - 13:28 The importance of ethical AI partnerships  13:28 - 15:40 Control and customization in Camtasia AI  15:40 - 16:30 AI as an augmentation tool 16:30 - 17:17 Outro   Important links and mentions: TechSmith Unlocked: https://discover.techsmith.com/techsmith-unlocked-2025/   Camtasia: https://www.techsmith.com/camtasia/  

What if pro-level video creation didn't require a film crew, expensive equipment, or weeks of production time? Imagine literally describing what you want and having it appear on screen. We're living through a moment where AI video generation has gone from science fiction to "just about usable" reality. The technology is still rough around the edges (and yes, you might find yourself shouting at your computer.) But we're witnessing the evolution of something new. Joining us in this episode is Ellis Pratt, Director at Cherryleaf, a UK-based technical writing and training services company, and host of the Cherryleaf Podcast. He’s been actively testing Google's VEO 3 and figuring out how to make AI-generated video actually work for real-world business applications. He talks us through his creative process of combining VEO 3 with tools like Camtasia and Audiate and gives us an honest look at what it's really like to work with this technology.  Learning points from the episode include: 00:00 - 02:27 Introduction to  Ellis Pratt 02:27 - 03:09 Ellis’ favorite exhibit at the British Museum 03:09 - 04:13 Ellis’ biggest tip for using images and videos in their work04:13 - 05:49 How technical writing is changing with video content  05:49 - 08:48 Why Ellis started exploring AI-generated videos 08:48 - 12:24 Why VEO 3 beats other AI video tools 12:24 - 16:18 The process from prompts to final video 16:18 - 18:02 How Camtasia solves VEO 3’s limitations  18:02 - 23:02 The French New Wave Video example 23:02 - 25:09 Ellis’ advice for starting out with AI video 25:09 - 29:34 The e-learning video example  29:34 - 31:08 Final advice for working with VEO 3 31:08 - 35:42 Speed round questions  35:42 - 36:54 Ellis’ final take on AI video 36:54 - 37:57 Outro Important links and mentions: Connect with Ellis Pratt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellispratt  Find out more about Cherryleaf on the website: https://www.cherryleaf.com Watch the Cherryleaf Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cherryleafltd 

Customer education is a must-have for a lot of businesses these days, especially software companies. But reading thick manuals and wordy passages of jargon is no one’s idea of a good time. So what’s the key to great customer education?For this episode, we look back at an older conversation we had with Greg Mead. Back then, he was Senior Instructional Designer at ClickUp, so we talked about ClickUp’s approach to instructional videos and the power of GIFs in learning design. Since the episode first went out, Greg has moved on to become a Learning Experience Designer at FloQast.You’ll hear a bit about Greg’s background in video, how ClickUp experimented with different learning mediums, his advice for making engaging videos, and the best times to use GIFs.Learning points from the episode include:00:00 - 01:30 One tip for improving how you use GIFs or short videos01:30 - 03:33 GIF vs video: How to decide what media to use03:33 - 05:09 Why should we lean into visual mediums?05:09 - 07:30 The tipping point that took Greg from written instructions to video07:30 - 09:21 Continuous improvement in video09:21 - 11:50 How to make sure the videos are engaging and helpful11:50 - 15:05 How GIFs help to communicate advanced concepts15:05 - 16:53 Greg’s background as a video creator16:53 - 21:57 Speed round questions21:57 - 26:04 How to connect with Greg26:04 - 26:50 Greg’s final takeImportant links and mentions:Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gdmeadFollow Greg on X: https://x.com/gdmeadFollow Greg on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregmead20/ Subscribe to Greg’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gdmead