We Tried the Top Video Annotation Tools

Video annotation tools are changing the way we collaborate on video content. Let’s explore the top annotation tools for feedback.

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Helpful Summary

  • Overview: We review eight leading video annotation tools for feedback and training AI, including key features, pricing, pros, and cons.

  • Why you can trust us: Over 10,000 creative professionals, agencies, and brands trust us to improve their workflow through collaboration, customizable review options, delivering an exceptional customer experience, and more.

  • Why this is important: The right video annotation tool will enhance collaboration and help develop sophisticated models to understand and interact with video content.

  • Action points: Our top picks are Picflow, Deepen AI, V7, Labelbox, Dataloop, and Filestage.

  • Further research: Check out the Picflow Blog for more recommendations and insights into annotation tools for creative professionals.

Looking for the Best Video Annotation Tools?

Video annotation tools are changing the way we collaborate on video content across industries. Whether you're working in a creative field or training AI models, having the right annotation tool can make a significant impact on your workflow and results. 

In this Picflow article, we'll explore the importance of using video annotation tools, as well as some top picks for you to consider.

Let’s dive in.

Why Trust Us?

At Picflow, we demonstrate our commitment to improving the workflow for creatives with features like video annotation for clear feedback and faster approvals. As we expand our annotation tool, we’ve tried and tested tons of annotation platforms, so we know precisely what to look for in an outstanding tool for creatives.

What Is a Video Annotation Tool?

A video annotation tool can mean different things depending on your needs and industry. 

In general, an annotation tool is a software that lets you annotate or label data in some way. So, a video annotation tool is a software that specifically allows you to annotate videos. This can be anything from adding text or shapes to highlighting specific areas, leaving comments, and tagging objects.

There are tons of use cases for video annotations, including:

  • Training video editors

  • Collecting precise feedback from clients and team members

  • Training AI models to recognize objects in videos

  • Analyzing user behavior in video platforms

  • Enhancing educational video content with interactive elements

Criteria to Consider When Choosing a Video Annotation Tool

  • Accuracy and Precision: Whether you’re gathering feedback or training AI, the video annotation tool you choose needs to be pixel-accurate and precise to ensure accurate results.

  • User-Friendliness: An intuitive user interface and smooth learning curve are essential for teams to use the tool without spending excessive time learning how to use it.

  • Collaborative Features: Tools enabling multiple users to annotate and review data simultaneously are a lifesaver for teams working on complex projects. 

  • Scalability and Performance: As your annotation needs grow, the tool you choose should be able to handle large datasets while maintaining performance.

Here Are the 6 Best Video Annotation Tools

  1. Picflow

  2. Deepen.ai

  3. V7

  4. Labelbox

  5. Dataloop

  6. Filestage

1. Picflow

Top Video Annotation Tools for Feedback and Training AIPicflow is a modern gallery tool for images and videos that offers a powerful set of review and approval features—including video annotations.

Top Video Annotation Tools for Feedback and Training AIIt’s easy to design stunning galleries, share them with clients via invite link, and collaborate on feedback in real-time. Annotations are frame-by-frame, so you can pinpoint exactly where changes need to be made. 

Plus, all comments are organized into neat discussion threads, making it easy to keep track of feedback and make revisions.

Features

  • Video & Image Annotation: Draw your feedback directly onto video frames and images to easily communicate changes with your team.

  • Real-time Collaboration: Collaborate with team members and clients in real-time through comments, tags, approval statuses, and lists.

  • Easy Sharing: Share your galleries by inviting clients and team members with a simple link or embedding gallery widgets.

  • Gallery Designer: Easily create and customize your own gallery layouts to showcase your work professionally.

  • 4K HDR Video: Upload and view your videos in stunning 4K resolution for the best visual experience.

Check out our feature index to explore Picflow’s 60+ features.

Pricing

Top Video Annotation Tools for Feedback and Training AIWe keep our pricing simple with three plans:

  • Free: Unlimited reviewers, 2 GB Base Storage

  • Plus ($8/month): 4K HDR Video, Comments, and Annotations

  • Pro: ($16/month): Custom labels, 1 TB Base Storage

We offer a 14-day free trial, and you can easily expand your storage on any paid plan.

Pros & Cons

  • Easily share galleries with clients and team members

  • Supports high-quality images and videos

  • Great gallery designer

  • Powerful tools for boosting efficiency

  • Limited free plan

2. Deepen AI

Top Video Annotation Tools for Feedback and Training AIDeepen AI is an AI video annotation tool specifically designed for deep learning and computer vision projects.

Their expertise in LiDAR data and ability to customize tools and workflows make them a strong contender for projects that demand high-quality annotations and a focus on safety and accuracy.

Key Features

  •  Multi-Sensor Support: Handles LiDAR data well, which is important for autonomous systems and advanced computer vision tasks.

  • AI-Powered Annotation: Automatically pre-labels up to 80 standard classes and significantly improves productivity.

  • Annotation Types: Supports 2D and 3D bounding boxes, semantic segmentation, polylines, and scenario labeling, all essential for various computer vision tasks.

Pricing

Deepen AI’s pricing isn't available on their website. Consider scheduling a call with them to find out more.

Pros & Cons

  • Quality control measures

  • Adherence to major security standards

  • Possible dependency on a technical infrastructure

3. V7

Top Video Annotation Tools for Feedback and Training AIV7 is designed to automate annotation and train AI to recognize complex video elements. It can accelerate AI development by annotating videos 10x faster and is ideal for creatives working on computer vision and generative AI projects.

Key Features

  • Dynamic Frame Extraction: Extracts frames on the fly, efficiently handling long video files at their native frame rate​​.

  • Interpolation for Video Annotation: Automates the annotation process across frames using interpolation, significantly reducing the manual effort required for video annotation tasks.

  • Workflow Customization and Model Training: Users can build custom workflows combining manual and model-assisted labeling, train label-assistant models with AutoML, and register any external model for use within their pipelines.

Pricing

Top Video Annotation Tools for Feedback and Training AIV7’s pricing information is not available on their website. However, they do present the plans available and what you’ll have access to:

  • Free: 10 User Licenses

  • Business: Model-in-the-loop Annotation

  • Pro: V7 AutoML Model Training

  • Enterprise: 60+ Second & 4K Video

Pros & Cons

  • Auto annotation capabilities

  • Advanced video handling

  • Lacks pricing transparency

4. Labelbox

Top Video Annotation Tools for Feedback and Training AILabelbox is a powerful AI data labeling platform that offers various features for the annotation and management of data. With Labelbox, users have access to state-of-the-art tools for image, video, text, and audio annotation.

Key Features

  • Boost Services for On-Demand Labeling: This feature enables users to access the world’s best data labeling teams for their projects.

  • Frame and Global Classifications: This lets you apply classifications at both the frame and global video levels and provides flexibility in labeling detailed video content.

  • Model-Assisted Labeling: Achieves up to 80% labeling efficiency gains by using AI models to pre-label data, so you can focus on verification and adjustments rather than starting from scratch.

Pricing

Top Video Annotation Tools for Feedback and Training AILabelbox has three plans and charges based on Labelbox Units' consumption. LBUs are consumed based on each asset or data row used within each product.

  • Free (500 LBU/per month: Multi-modal data annotation 

  • Starter ($0.10/per LBU): Custom labeling and review workflows

  • Enterprise (custom plan): Volume discounts available

Pros & Cons

  • Comprehensive video annotation tools

  • Collaboration and access to labeling teams

  • Poor technical support

5. Dataloop

Top Video Annotation Tools for Feedback and Training AIDataloop embeds quality and validation tools into the annotation process, facilitating direct communication between data managers, engineers, and annotators and enabling efficient feedback and task assignment.

Key Features

  • Hyper-Extendable Annotation Studio: Designed for high-performance data annotation across retail, drones & aerial imagery, robotics, autonomous vehicles, precision agriculture, and media & content.

  • Scene Classification: Categories single frames, selected scenes, and complete clips using intuitive start and end time locators.

  • Workforce Management: Dataloop offers real-time visibility into workforce processes, labor performance, annotation insights, cost usage, and reporting, enabling effective management of internal and external labeling teams.

Pricing

Dataloop’s plans are not available on their website. Consider contacting them for pricing information.

Pros & Cons

6. Filestage

Top Video Annotation Tools for Feedback and Training AIFilestage is a cloud-based platform providing collaborative video review and approval. It’s designed to help teams streamline their workflow in reviewing, annotating, and providing feedback on different content types.

Key Features

  • Real-Time Collaboration: Annotate videos simultaneously, providing instant feedback—perfect for time-sensitive projects.

  • Automated Timecode Capture: Allows users to tap anywhere to create comments and annotations on top of videos, streamlining the annotation process.

  • Extensive Annotation Features: Add highlights, drawings, and text boxes to videos to provide precise feedback.

Pricing

Top Video Annotation Tools for Feedback and Training AIFilestage has four plans:

  • Free: Unlimited team members

  • Basic ($49/month): 10 active projects

  • Professional ($249/month): Review reports

  • Enterprise (custom plan): Unlimited reviewer groups and automation

They offer a 7-day free trial and two months free when you pay annually. 

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Robust collaboration features

  • Integrates seamlessly with tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams

Cons

  • No dedicated mobile app version

Use Picflow for Precise Annotation

Video annotation tools have all kinds of applications—from video production to education to marketing and training AI. The tools on this list are a great starting point as you look for a tool that meets your needs.

Looking for a collaborative platform that supports video annotations? At Picflow, we offer creatives a seamless way to share video content with clients, team members, and stakeholders to gather annotations and feedback in real-time.

Sign up today to try Picflow out for free.