[FAQ]

I went through something similar recently, and the key takeaway for me was realizing I needed to make my videos more informative by including supporting images and graphics, but I’m worried it just ends up looking like a clunky slideshow.

What are some of the best practices in 2025 for effectively using still images within a video to keep it looking dynamic and professional?

I’m thinking about things like how long an image should be on screen, how to add a bit of movement to it, and how it should interact with my voiceover to best illustrate my points.

Any tips on this would be a huge help!

[Jeff Bullas]

That is an excellent point. Knowing how to use static images and graphics without killing your video’s momentum is a key editing skill.

The main rule is that a still image should never feel completely static. You need to add some form of motion or context to seamlessly integrate it into the dynamic medium of video.

Here are some best practices to follow. First, you should apply subtle motion to every static image. Never just let an image sit motionless on the screen. In your editing software, you can apply a slow, subtle zoom in or out, or a gentle pan across the image. This technique is often called the “Ken Burns effect,” and it gives life to still photos.

Second, keep the on-screen time for any single image brief. A still image should generally only be on screen for as long as it takes for you to explain its relevance, which is typically just a few seconds. Leaving an image on screen for too long is a common mistake that can kill your video’s pacing and cause viewers to lose interest.

Third, you can combine the image with other graphic elements. You can overlay text headlines, arrows, or circles onto the image to draw the viewer’s attention to a specific part of the graphic that you are talking about. This adds another layer of visual engagement.

Fourth, use clean and simple transitions. A straightforward cut or a smooth cross-dissolve is usually the best way to transition into and out of your images. Avoid using jarring or overly decorative “wipe” transitions, which can look amateurish.

And fifth, you must support the image with your voiceover and sound design. Your narration should directly reference what the viewer is seeing in the image. You can also add a subtle ‘whoosh’ or ‘pop’ sound effect as the image appears on screen to make its entrance more dynamic and intentional.

In summary, you should treat your still images as dynamic elements within your video. By adding subtle motion, keeping their on-screen duration short, and supporting them with relevant graphics and sound design, you can seamlessly integrate them to enhance your story without losing the viewer’s momentum.

Cheers,

Jeff

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