Top Tips for Making a Memorial Video
A memorial video is a compilation of photos and videos spliced together with music that showcases your loved one's spirit and personality. Displaying a memorial video at a service can add a heartfelt touch that your friends and family will appreciate.
There are online professional services available to create these types of videos. Sometimes even the funeral home can create and organize a video. However, creating a video is something you can do yourself and save the cost.
Here are a few tips to assist you with the process:
- Tools and Software - With mobile phones, scanners, computers and programs like iMovie (Mac) and Windows Movie Maker (PC), creating a memory video has never been easier. Your first step is to gather images you want to include in the video. If you do not have a digital photo, you will need to scan the image and save it to your computer. Once you have all the photos you wish to use, you will be ready to edit.
- Editing - Usually, iMovie or Windows Movie Maker are programs already installed on your computer, but if they aren't, there are many free editing programs available online. Add each photo to the editing software timeline in the order you wish to have them played back. The most popular arrangement is to start with childhood photos and move through time.
- Consider the music - If the music has a slow beat or rhythm, you will want to take your time with photos -- generally 5-6 seconds and not any longer. If it is a photo with lots of details or people, you can add a few more seconds, but do not do this for all your photos. If the song is a bit more upbeat, try to time the cut for each photo to the beat.
- Transitions - Fade in and out or just cut right to the next photo? A typical rule of thumb is to use faded transitions when using slower music. It will provide a smooth and relaxing display of one photo to the next. However, if you have more upbeat music, then you may want to consider not using a transition; again editing to the beat. The use of whimsical transitions such as a barn door, flying star, or other similar transitions are out-of-date and are not recommended.
- A beginning and an end - A title card in the opening of your video will tell viewers what they are about to watch. Opening with a soft fade into the first image also is an effective introduction. If you decide to use a title card, it is popular to display the person's name in the beginning and a phrase at the ending (i.e. In loving memory, We will never forget you, or You have touched our lives).
See a good example of the uses of title and overlay graphics in this video:
- Consider other elements - You have your photos, music, and your intro/outro. What else is there? One element that is very effective is the overlay of words during the video. Word overlays add even more personal touches. Common things to add are places she or he lived or traveled, accomplishments, and special moments with friends and family.



Creating a memorial video for a loved one has many benefits. The best part is reminiscing with memories of the past and thinking about the legacy of your loved one.