If you’re looking to get into remote video production or want to optimize your current setup, chances are, changing up your remote production software or app will make a big difference. High-quality remote videos rely on software that is specifically designed to maximize quality and make your experience as stress-free as possible. The last thing you want is for bad internet to ruin your entire recording. In this article, we outline exactly what you should be looking for in your remote production software and take a look at some of the best options out there.
TL;DR
- Remote production software and apps are key to high-quality remote videos.
- Local multitrack recording, producer controls, and high-quality video are some of the key factors you should consider when choosing remote production software.
- Riverside offers creators everything they need to master high-quality remote video production.
What is remote production software?
Before we get into the details, let’s think about what remote production software actually is. As we’ve said, remote production software is the key to sleek and high-quality remote videos. They are apps that are either browser-based or downloadable that facilitate high-quality recording of audio and video with participants who are in different locations. In essence, they carry out the same basic function as Skype, for example, except they record your video call ready for post-production.
Why use remote video production software?
If you’re still feeling a little skeptical, here’s a brief explanation about why using remote video production software is so worth it. Understandably, it might be tempting to use solutions such as Zoom - it’s familiar, easy to use, and everyone knows it. However, since Zoom and other similar apps aren’t actually designed to support remote video production, you are likely to be disappointed by the final results.
Using a dedicated remote video production tool means you get access to specifically designed tools that guarantee you high-quality video, a smooth production process, and a great user experience. We’d say it’s a no-brainer.
How to choose remote video production software?
These kinds of decisions are never easy. And choosing remote video production software is no different. Here are a couple of the factors you should be looking out for when weighing up your options.
Local recording
One of the most common pain points when it comes to remote video production is how unstable internet connection can end up ruining your whole recording. Look for remote production software that records each participant locally. Local recording is where each participant’s recording is captured directly on their device and doesn’t depend on internet connection.
The biggest advantage of this is that even if one of your remote guests suffers from bad connection, they’ll still be crystal clear in the final video.
Multitrack recording
You should also be looking for a software or app that records each participant (and screenshares or other media) on an individual track. Multi-track recording gives you the ability to edit to your heart’s desire without affecting the entire recording. For example, if one guest interrupts another during your session, you can simply cut that out during post-production without impacting the flow of dialogue.
Producer mode
Just because you’re recording remotely, doesn’t mean your production team can’t have a role. Look for software that has a dedicated ‘producer mode’ that allows your crew to control your audio and video settings without being recorded.
Shared workspace
In a similar vein, a remote production software that offers your team a shared workspace for collaborative working, key visibility, and project oversight is definitely worth it. You should be able to control permissions for individual team members too so that everyone has an appropriate amount of access and control over your project space.
High resolution & high quality
Just because you’re recording remotely does not mean you need to settle for anything less than the best. You should be looking for a remote production software that defaults to high-quality recording. We’d recommend choosing software that records at a minimum of 720p HD video resolution.
Remote participants
A cornerstone of remote recording, and one of its most unique advantages, is the ability to include remote participants. You should look for software that makes inviting, onboarding, and recording with remote guests a breeze. Always check the number of remote guests you’re allowed to include too.
Mobile app
If you tend to record on the go, or simply want that flexibility, definitely look for remote recording software that also has an iOS or Android app.
Editing tools
Though not an absolutely necessary feature, integrated editing tools are always nice to have. Remote production software that also counts as editing software will make for a smooth and quick production process.
Value for money
Budget will almost always be a consideration. You should make sure that your chosen remote production software aligns with your budget and offers you good value for money.
Easy to use
Don’t underestimate the importance of user experience. Your remote production software should be inherently easy to use with an intuitive platform and features that actively enhance your overall experience.
Live streaming
You may also want to include the ability to live stream in your criteria. Being able to live stream directly from your remote video production software means you can connect and interact with a live audience and then use the recording afterwards.
6 Best Remote Production Software for top-class video
Here are 6 of the best remote production software and apps to choose from:
Riverside
Price: Free to use, paid plans start at $15/month for Standard Plan
Riverside is your very own browser-based recording studio. Riverside lets you record with up to 8 participants, each of whom will be recorded locally onto a separate track. Riverside defaults to high-resolution recording, so your video will be crystal clear every time. Since it’s designed with its users in mind, Riverside is also super user-friendly and intuitive to use. Unique features such as Producer mode give your production team the ability to stay in control without actually being in the recording.
Key features:
- Local recording to ensure no internet issues ruin your recording quality.
- Multitrack recording for more control during post-production and editing.
- Up to 4K resolution video so you look your best in your recording.
- Up to 7 remote guests so you can invite and record with participants from anywhere in the world.
- Custom branding & frame rates. Make your video truly your own by adding custom logos and backgrounds. You can also choose your own frame rate.
- Invite your audience to get involved. Connect with your audience during your recording session by inviting a live audience to watch and even call-in.
- Live Streaming directly to YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitch, Facebook, Twitter or any custom RTMP.
- Progressive upload during your recording session to keep files safe and reduce the amount of time you have to wait for your recording to process.
- In-built editor to get your video ready for publication quickly and easily.
- Mobile app for Android and iOS so you (or your guests) can record on the go.
- Producer mode that allows your production team to remain behind-the-scenes whilst still maintaining control over the recording.
- Business plan with a collaborative workspace. Set appropriate levels of permissions and access for each team member.
- Magic Clips to easily repurpose your long-form video into shareable bite-sized content.
- Transcriptions that are automatically generated, making your content even more accessible, SEO friendly and repurposable.
Best for: Creators who want an affordable, easy-to-use, remote production software that locally records in 4K quality.
Streamyard
Price: $20/month for Basic Plan (in order to be able to record your stream)
StreamYard is a browser-based software focused on live streaming. To record remote videos you’ll need to sign up for the Basic plan. Beware, though, StreamYard will only keep your recording for 15 days after your broadcast. This platform is also more focused on streaming than recording so if your main goal is to record, you may want to try an alternative to StreamYard.
Key features:
- Live streaming
- Up to 10 remote guests
- Can use from your mobile browser
- Multi-track audio
- Up to 1080p HD streaming (on the pro plan)
Best for: Live stream fanatics who also want the ability to record on occasion.
GoogleMeet
Price: $12/user/month for the Business Standard Plan
Google Meet is Google’s answer to Zoom and Skype. Google Meet is a good option because it’s easy to use and will be familiar to a lot of users. However, note that your recording will only feature the active speaker and anything being presented (such as a screen share), anything else won’t be recorded.
Key features:
- Easy to use
- Mobile app (though you can’t record through the app)
Best for: Enterprise & companies that already use Google Meet, and aren’t looking for anything too fancy.
Zoom
Price: Free on the Basic Plan (40-minute limit)
At this point, Zoom is a household name. Everyone knows it and has used it, which makes it a great option in many ways. Remember, though, since Zoom doesn’t record locally, your video recording is vulnerable to unreliable internet connection.
Key features:
- Easy to use
- Budget-friendly
- Up to 100 remote guests
- Mobile app
- Separate audio tracks for each participant
Best for: Creators on a budget who want to create a basic remote video or record with a huge number of remote guests.
Socialive
Price: Available on enquiry.
Socialive is a remote video production software that targets enterprise accounts. It’s a high-powered platform with a whole range of features, but is likely to be inaccessible to individual or independent creators due to budget.
Key features:
- Record with up to 20 remote guests
- Mobile app
- High-quality recording (HD or 4K)
- Live stream
- Producer mode
- Basic editing tools
Best for: Big enterprise accounts looking to create professional-grade live streams.
Remotely.fm
Price: $25/month for 8 hours of recording per month
Remotely.fm is another browser-based recording studio that locally records each participant onto a separate track. Though it’s a strong competitor, its plans don’t offer much in terms of recording. The audio plan costs $15 and only allows you to record 5 hours of audio per month whereas the audio & video plan starts at $25 and caps at 8 hours of recording per month unless you pay more.
Key features:
- Local recording
- Up to 4K
- Multitrack recording
- Up to 8 remote guests
- Browser-based
- Mobile app
Best for: Creators with a bigger budget who don’t want to record too much every month.
FAQs on Remote Production Software
How does remote video production work?
Remote video production isn’t complicated or challenging with solutions like Riverside. Think of it like having a fully-equipped studio on your browser or mobile. You log in, invite your participants, and start recording!
Learn about recording high-quality remote videos in our guide.
Do I need remote production software?
Remote production and editing software is definitely a must if you’re planning on consistently producing remote videos. High-quality remote production relies on specifically designed platforms that ensure you capture yourself and your guests in the best quality possible.
What remote production equipment do I need?
You don’t need to have an extensive studio set up to produce a high-quality remote video. That being said, a standard remote production kit will definitely include remote production software, a mic, camera, and computer.
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