Publishing a movie created with Windows Movie Maker, while no longer as straightforward as it once was due to the software’s discontinuation, is still entirely achievable. This guide details the necessary steps to convert your Movie Maker project into a widely accessible video format and subsequently share it with the world through various online platforms.
Understanding the Landscape: Movie Maker’s Legacy and Modern Alternatives
Windows Movie Maker, a beloved video editing program for many years, was officially discontinued by Microsoft in 2017. However, projects created with the software still exist and require careful handling to be published. The key lies in understanding the .WLMP file format, which is merely a project file, not a video file. It’s essentially a set of instructions for Movie Maker, not a self-contained movie. Therefore, converting the .WLMP file into a usable video format is the crucial first step. Furthermore, understanding modern alternatives can help you edit and publish future video projects seamlessly.
Converting Your .WLMP Project
Since Windows Movie Maker is no longer supported, opening .WLMP files directly is problematic. However, if you still have Movie Maker installed on an older machine, or have managed to acquire a legacy copy, you can open the .WLMP project and export it as a video file. The recommended format is MP4, as it’s widely supported and offers a good balance between file size and video quality. Other options include WMV (Windows Media Video), but MP4 offers better compatibility across different devices and platforms.
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Using Legacy Movie Maker: If you have a functioning Movie Maker instance, open the .WLMP file within the program. Go to “File” > “Save Movie” > “For Computer” (or choose a specific profile) and select MP4 as the output format. Choose a suitable resolution and quality setting. High resolution (1080p) is recommended for modern viewing, but be mindful of the resulting file size.
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If you don’t have Movie Maker: There are several third-party .WLMP to MP4 converters available online. Exercise extreme caution when downloading and installing any software from the internet, especially free converters. Research reputable options and scan downloaded files with a robust antivirus program. Some online converters might claim to convert .WLMP files, but their efficacy and safety can be questionable.
Modern Video Editing Alternatives
Consider using modern, actively supported video editing software for future projects. Many excellent free and paid options are available:
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Free Options: DaVinci Resolve (free version), OpenShot, Shotcut. These offer a wide range of features suitable for both beginners and more advanced users.
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Paid Options: Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro. These are professional-grade tools with advanced capabilities for complex video editing tasks.
Choosing Your Publishing Platform
Once you have your video in MP4 format, you have many options for sharing it with the world. The best platform depends on your target audience and the purpose of your video.
YouTube
YouTube is the world’s largest video-sharing platform, ideal for reaching a broad audience.
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Advantages: Wide reach, monetization opportunities (with eligibility), easy embedding on websites, built-in analytics.
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Considerations: Competition is fierce, copyright restrictions apply, requires creating a Google account.
Vimeo
Vimeo is known for its higher quality content and professional user base.
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Advantages: Focus on artistic videos, less cluttered interface than YouTube, higher video quality encoding (if using a paid plan).
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Considerations: Smaller audience than YouTube, more geared towards professionals and filmmakers.
Social Media Platforms
Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter (now X) are suitable for shorter, engaging videos.
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Advantages: Huge potential reach, shareable content, direct interaction with viewers.
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Considerations: Videos need to be short and attention-grabbing, different platform-specific video requirements (e.g., vertical videos for TikTok).
Your Own Website
Hosting the video on your website gives you complete control over the content and presentation.
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Advantages: Full control, no platform restrictions, branding opportunities.
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Considerations: Requires website hosting and bandwidth, video playback may be slower depending on server resources.
Preparing Your Video for Publication
Before uploading, optimize your video for the chosen platform.
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File Size: Compress your video to reduce file size without sacrificing too much quality. Handbrake is a popular free tool for video compression.
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Resolution: Choose a resolution appropriate for the platform. 1080p (1920×1080) is generally recommended for YouTube and Vimeo.
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Audio Quality: Ensure your audio is clear and balanced. Poor audio can significantly detract from the viewing experience.
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Title and Description: Craft a compelling title and description that accurately reflects the content of your video and includes relevant keywords. This will help viewers find your video.
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Thumbnails: Create an attractive thumbnail image that will entice viewers to click on your video.
FAQs: Addressing Common Questions
FAQ 1: Is it illegal to use Windows Movie Maker?
No, it is not illegal to use Windows Movie Maker if you have a legitimate copy that you acquired before it was discontinued. However, downloading Movie Maker from unofficial sources carries a significant risk of malware.
FAQ 2: What if I can’t find a working version of Movie Maker?
Consider using one of the modern video editing alternatives mentioned earlier, such as DaVinci Resolve (free version) or OpenShot. They offer similar functionality and are actively supported.
FAQ 3: What is the best video format for uploading to YouTube?
MP4 is the best video format for YouTube, with H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec. YouTube’s recommended upload encoding settings are readily available on their support pages.
FAQ 4: How do I compress my video without losing quality?
Use a video compression tool like Handbrake. Experiment with different compression settings to find a balance between file size and visual quality. Reducing the bitrate is the most effective way to compress video.
FAQ 5: What are the copyright rules for using music in my videos?
You must have the legal right to use any music in your video. This typically means obtaining a license or using royalty-free music. YouTube has a content ID system that can detect copyrighted music. Using copyrighted music without permission can result in your video being taken down or monetization being disabled.
FAQ 6: How do I create a good thumbnail for my video?
Use a visually appealing image that accurately represents the content of your video. Add text overlays to grab attention. Use bright colors and clear fonts. Thumbnails are critical for click-through rates.
FAQ 7: How long should my video description be?
Your video description should be detailed and informative, but also concise. Aim for a few paragraphs that summarize the content of your video and include relevant keywords. The first few lines are particularly important, as they are often displayed in search results.
FAQ 8: How can I promote my video after I publish it?
Share your video on social media, embed it on your website, and encourage viewers to like, comment, and subscribe. Collaborate with other video creators. Consider using paid advertising on platforms like YouTube and Facebook.
FAQ 9: What does “monetization” mean on YouTube?
Monetization allows you to earn money from your videos by displaying ads. You must meet certain eligibility requirements, such as having at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 valid watch hours in the past 12 months.
FAQ 10: How can I improve the audio quality of my videos?
Use a good quality microphone, record in a quiet environment, and edit the audio in a program like Audacity to remove background noise and adjust levels.
FAQ 11: What resolution should I use for my videos?
1080p (1920×1080) is generally recommended for most platforms. However, 720p (1280×720) may be sufficient for smaller screens or if bandwidth is a concern. 4K is gaining popularity, but requires more storage and processing power.
FAQ 12: What are the benefits of using Vimeo instead of YouTube?
Vimeo offers higher quality video encoding (especially on paid plans), a less cluttered interface, and a more professional user base. It’s often preferred by filmmakers and artists.
Conclusion: Sharing Your Movie Maker Legacy
While publishing videos created with Windows Movie Maker requires a few extra steps in today’s landscape, it’s a perfectly attainable goal. By converting your project to a widely compatible format and choosing the right publishing platform, you can share your creative work with the world. Remember to optimize your video for the chosen platform and promote it effectively to reach your target audience. Embrace modern video editing alternatives for future projects to streamline your workflow and take advantage of the latest features and technologies.