Understanding VJ loops

Ever heard of a VJ loop before? Perhaps not. But we guarantee you’ve seen one. Whether you’re new to the world of VJ loops and want to learn more, or you’re interested in making your own and finding VJ loops that you can use in your own work, keep on reading. Today, we’re taking a closer look at the world of VJ loops!

What are VJ loops?

So first things first, what are VJ loops? VJ loops are otherwise known as video loops, and the clue is in the name. VJ loops are a short video clip that spans only 4, 8, or 16 seconds in length. However, because the visual sequence is seamless, the video can be played continuously on a loop without any apparent, abrupt transitions. Take a look at these examples below:

What are VJ loops used for?

Now that you’ve seen the above examples, you’ll realize that you probably have seen VJ loops before. They were first deployed in the music industry as a way of elevating DJs and music bands’ live performances (often on a huge screen behind the stage and performers). Nowadays, you’ll find them used in many different areas, including:

• Presentations
• Music videos
• Weddings
• Corporate events
• Live music gigs
• Live streams
• Church events
• Website background videos

Why use VJ loops?

VJ loops are a great way to elevate your event. Whether you’re giving a presentation, playing a live music gig, or at a wedding, the VJ loop gives the people attending the event something a little more visual and interesting to look at, as compared to a blank, static background.

When paired and tailored to your event properly, they can also help in the storytelling aspect of the event, communicating key themes and elements in a faster, more succinct way.

Creating a VJ loop from scratch

If you’re feeling creative and ambitious, plus you want to tailor your VJ loop very specifically, you can make a VJ loop from scratch. There are a few ways to achieve this.

Option #1: Stock video footage and Adobe After Effects

Working with Adobe After Effects and downloading stock footage, you can come up with some pretty impressive, unique 4K VJ loops.

Option #2: 2D animation and Adobe After Effects

If you really know what you’re doing in After Effects, you could use various tools to animate your 2D animation – geometries, patterns, colors, and characters can all be played with.

Option #3: 3D animation and Blender

The third option is to create 3D animations from scratch using Blender. This program is a versatile open-source 3D software that’s well-known in the industry for its extensive features and community support. Best of all…it’s free!

Of course, all of the above options require a lot of time as well as some serious knowledge and expertise in the various software. This is where the other option comes in…

Ready to use VJ loops

Unsurprisingly, there is big demand for VJ loops around the world and you’ll be pleased to know that you don’t have to make yours from scratch. Creating a VJ loop from scratch is a really intense, time-consuming process and on your first few attempts at least, you can’t guarantee greatness. Instead, it may be much easier to download VJ loops that are already in existence and available for you to use right now.

For example, on Artlist, there are hundreds of different 4K VJ loops to choose from. When searching for footage, simply type in “VJ loops’ in the search bar. You’ll come across plenty of great options just like these:

If you have something specific in mind, you can tailor your search by adding a specific color to the search bar. For example, green will give you plenty of results just like this:

Meanwhile, adding another term like “city” can present you with results such as this:

Whatever you’re looking for, you can find it on Artlist. Even if you’re building a video loop from scratch, be sure to check out all of the great templates and assets that are available to you at the click of a button!

Wrapping up

So, that’s just about everything you need to know about the recurring world of VJ loops! Simple, effective, and with plenty of options to download today, they’re a great asset to utilize at your next event or presentation. If you’re feeling creative and up to the challenge, it can also be a lot of fun to experiment and create your own!