NotDisco's avatar
NotDisco
Explorer | Level 4
4 years ago
Status:
Closed

Timestamped comments for clients with any account type

I work as a video editor/producer and frequently send out files via Dropbox to my clients. More and more of them like the ability to comment directly on Dropbox's player, but they can't leave comments at desired timestamps without us both having Dropbox Professional accounts or equivalent. The easy workaround is writing in the timestamps manually per comment (i.e. 0:00 - 2:42 change this), but that's not super intuitive and clients don't always follow this workaround, forgetting to mention of a timestamp altogether. The latter instance is a client problem, not a Dropbox problem per se, but if they had the option to select timestamps from the get go, some of these issues could be averted.

 

I'm happy to upgrade my account to allow clients the option for timestamped comments, but I don't feel it's fair for me to suggest to each of my clients to either pay for a full business account or sign up for a free trial in order to leave comments at specific timestamps. It would be much more helpful on the user-client workflow side to allow the commenters to leave timestamped comments, regardless of account type (or perhaps for paid Personal account types and up, not solely Professional/Business/Enterprise).

 

Of course, there are other platforms specifically designed for video review (Frame.io, Vimeo, etc.), but I'd love to keep my workflow all in one place.

  • I have a feeling that Dropbox just does not care for video producers like us.

    I would love to use that tool to submit my videos for approval; Instead I am experiencing more and more bugs everyday with Vimeo and Dropbox integration.

  • elley's avatar
    elley
    Helpful | Level 5

    Agree with Branco-- Dropbox does not care about video producers. It is lacking several very basic video review functions that make it impossible to use for client review. I've spent so much time trying to get these very minimal requests heard and I'm just told to come here to vote for feedback that I agree with. So here I am--one upvote for you! 

  • Walter's avatar
    Walter
    Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff

    Hey peeps, thank you all for your feedback on this!

     

    I'm not sure if this would do the trick, but have you considered using Replay? It's still in Beta, but you should be able to sign up now if you like. 

     

    If you get the chance to try it out, please let us know how you find it!

  • elley's avatar
    elley
    Helpful | Level 5

    Hi Walter — I have tried Replay. It's getting there but it is still lacking some very basic features that make it impossible for me to use for client review. Simple, simple things like being able to share one link for a batch of videos. And being able to include still images with that batch. Or being able to delete just a version of a video, without deleting the whole project. It's very bare bones and does not work for my workflow in its current state. Regular dropbox review would be significantly better if for one thing  — timecodes included automatically with comments, rather than the additional step of having to click the clock icon. I curse that clock icon, every, d*mn, day. Change it back DB! That's the only advantage Replay has for me over regular dropbox.

  • Walter's avatar
    Walter
    Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
    Status changed:
    Gathering Support
    to
    Accepted
    The team is working on this idea!
     
    Thanks for sharing your suggestions with us and to everyone for supporting it. 
     
    We’ll update you when we know more!
     
    elley - thanks for your additional feedback on this - most appreciated!
     
    Just note that you can post any other ideas or feature requests you might have in mind in our Share an Idea board. 
  • NotDisco's avatar
    NotDisco
    Explorer | Level 4

    WalterI've also tried Replay and used it a few times in the last month or two. Definitely an improvement for me, but I'm still only testing it for select projects. It's working for a couple individual projects involving single edits (nothing involving batches of deliverables) - the timestamps and drawing functions are an improvement over lengthy e-mail chains trying to describe visual elements via text - but I do agree with elley that there's still a ways to go. (I acknowledge this is still in Beta).

     

    Reiterating from my initial post though, having the timestamps included on regular Dropbox review instead of being restricted to Dropbox Professional accounts would make a big difference in workflow for simpler projects (where using a separate web interface like Replay is overkill). Ideally I would love to eventually keep my workflow on one integrated platform or as few platforms as possible.

  • Megan's avatar
    Megan
    Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff

    Hi NotDisco, happy Monday!

     

    We listen to your needs because it allows us to fully appreciate how Dropbox and Replay fits into and influences your daily routine. Your comments on Replay have been quite helpful, and I will do everything I can to ensure that your voice is heard.

     

    In the meantime, you can always post a new idea about any changes, or new features about Replay. 

     

    Thanks a lot!

  • Nancy's avatar
    Nancy
    Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
    Status changed:
    Accepted
    to
    Delivered

    This idea has been delivered! You should be able to find out more about this here.

     

    Thank you for your support!

  • Walter's avatar
    Walter
    Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
    Status changed:
    Delivered
    to
    Closed
    This idea has been closed as it has reached the end of the Share an Idea process.
     
    Thank you for your suggestion, and if you have another idea to share, please do! 
     
    You can find out more about this feature here and get support or provide feedback in Ask the Community.