As a content creator, you know how important it is to protect your work from unauthorized use and ensure that you get proper credit for your efforts. One way to do this is by watermarking your digital content!
In this blog, we'll discuss why watermarking is important for content creators and how to watermark your digital content to protect your intellectual property.
What is watermarking?
A watermark is a transparent or semi-transparent graphic that is added to a digital image, video, or visual file. It is typically a logo, text, or combination of both that identifies the owner or creator of the content. Watermarks are used to claim ownership of the content and prevent unauthorized use or distribution.
Why is watermarking important for content creators?
There are several reasons why watermarking your digital content is important:
1. Preventing unauthorized use: Watermarking your content can discourage others from using it without your permission. Those who steal content benefit from pretending it is their own, and content with watermarks must either be re-edited or re-watermarked by those illegally uploading making it less likely they’ll target your brand.
2. Promoting your brand: Watermarking your content with your logo or brand name can help promote your brand and increase your visibility. Not all websites may spell your name properly when they reshare your content, and some may not mention your name at all. This ensures your brand is still credited as the original source!
3. Increases funneled traffic: Watermarking is one of the simplest and most effective ways to re-funnel traffic to a landing page or your official profile. If a fan likes your content that may have been reshared somewhere, they are very likely going to Google your watermark or type in your landing page into the search bar to find more of you. They may even turn into paying fans! Ensuring that you are using a tool that delists stolen content like BranditScan so when your fans do Google you, they find your pages and not more stolen content!
4. Ensuring proper attribution: Watermarking your content ensures that you get credit for your work and can help ensure that you get the recognition you deserve. Most importantly, it can also help enforce a removal notice over disputed content with a watermark present.
How to watermark your digital content
There are several ways to watermark your digital content, depending on the type of content you create and your needs. Here are a few options:
Use a watermarking software: There are many software programs that allow you to watermark your digital content. Some popular options include programs from the Adobe Creative Cloud or iMovie. These softwares have more flexibility and can give you precision over the location of your watermark without compromising the quality of your content. We recommend moving your watermark every few minutes to a new location for video content.
Use a watermarking app: If you don't want to install software, you can use watermarking apps from your phone. There are many free and paid tools available, such as Canva or Watermarkly. These tools allow you to upload your content and add a watermark in just a few clicks from your phone.
Watermark using OBS: If you’re a streamer, you’ll want to watermark your streams as they go live using programs like Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) that allow you to add graphics to your stream in real time. It's free software available to anyone and ensures your stream will always have a watermark in case someone is recording it.
Watermark your background: If you’re a creator who uses the same backdrop or background, consider getting a large printed poster of your watermark. No digital editing is needed, you’ll just ensure your watermark is always in the frame when you shoot. This also stops thefts from removing or overlaying on your watermark as it’s an integral part of your frame and background.
In conclusion, watermarking your digital content is an important way to protect your intellectual property, prevent unauthorized use, promote your brand, and ensure proper attribution. By watermarking your content, you can ensure that you get the recognition you deserve for your hard work and creativity!
