---
title: "Video Overlay"
canonical: "https://blitzreels.com/glossary/video-overlay"
---

# Video Overlay

URL: https://blitzreels.com/glossary/video-overlay
Markdown URL: https://blitzreels.com/glossary/video-overlay.md
Category: Video Editing

## Definition

A video overlay is any text, image, graphic or video clip placed on top of your main footage.

## Extended Definition

Common overlays include titles, lower thirds, logos, watermarks, stickers, picture-in-picture clips and follow or subscribe prompts. In an editor, each overlay sits on a track above the main footage, so it can be moved or timed without changing the clip underneath.

A reaction video uses a picture-in-picture overlay. A gaming clip might add the streamer's handle as a lower third. A call-to-action overlay asks viewers to follow, subscribe or visit a link. On a phone, keep overlays away from captions and the app's buttons so the frame stays readable.

## FAQ

### What is an overlay in video editing?

An overlay is any element placed on a track above your main footage, such as text, a logo, a graphic or another video. It appears over the footage without changing the clip underneath.

### What is it called when video clips are placed on top of other clips?

Placing a clip on top of another in the timeline is called layering, or adding an overlay. The upper clip plays over the lower one. Resize it and you get picture-in-picture, a common format for reaction videos.

### What are the types of video overlays?

Common types are text titles, lower thirds, logos and watermarks, stickers, picture-in-picture clips, progress bars and call-to-action prompts. Captions are a kind of text overlay too.

### What is a call-to-action overlay?

A call-to-action overlay is an on-screen prompt that asks viewers to do something, such as follow, subscribe or visit a link. Show it after the viewer has a reason to act, and keep it clear of the app's buttons.

### What is the difference between an overlay, a filter and a transition?

An overlay sits on top of the clip and adds information, branding or a prompt. A filter changes the look of the footage itself, such as its color or contrast. A transition changes how one clip moves into the next.

### Where should overlays go on a vertical video?

Keep the main message in the middle of the frame, where the eye lands first. Put captions lower but clear of the app's controls, and logos or progress bars in a corner. Let one layer lead so the others don't compete for the same space.

## Next Step

[Add overlays on a timeline](https://blitzreels.com/editor): Layer text, images and video over your footage in the BlitzReels browser editor.

## Related Terms

- motion-graphics
- watermark

## Search Terms

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