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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Table of Contents
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
Picflow
Deepen.ai
V7
Labelbox
Dataloop
Filestage
1. Picflow
Picflow is a modern gallery tool for images and videos that offers a powerful set of review and approval features—including video annotations.
It’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
We 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
Deepen 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
V7 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
V7’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
Labelbox 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
Labelbox 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
Dataloop 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
Filestage 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
Filestage 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.
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