Video Home System, or more widely known as simply VHS, has been out in the market ever since it was developed by Japan Victor Company (JVC) in 1976. The digital age might have pushed these tapes out of frequent use, as only collectors own and enjoy these magnificent inventions these days, but it surely hasn’t made us forget about them completely. It can sound pretty funny, but even though getting your VHS tape damaged in the 90’s meant losing your mind and having to record again, today this once annoying phenomenon came back to us as a video effect – as VHS Static Overlays!
VHS Static As A Video Overlay
VHS tapes used to have some static, and gained more and more additional “issues” as they got older. Now, the popularity of VHS static overlays, that make your video projects look exactly as if you had them on tape, is at its peak! Have you also noticed many music videos being made using an effect or an overlay that makes them look retro, just like they were played straight off of a video tape? We keep seeing it, and it’s present even in lyric videos of famous names like Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa.
VHS Effect Is More Than Just Music Videos
Are you captivated by this retro feeling? Would you like to add VHS static overlays to your video project? You’re definitely at the right place. We’ve spent some time researching this phenomenon and it seems like it is actually quite simple to achieve this retro effect. It can be applied to your music video, like in our example, or your short film, business project, school video, promotional video… Including any other form of art you’re about to create. You miss the looks of the old VHS? Thankfully, the advanced technology has allowed us to bring our memories back!
Add VHS Static Overlays To Your Project With Our Help
There are many ways to achieve VHS static video effect in your video project. We will show you the simplest & the easiest one today: By applying VHS static video overlays. In case you’re unsure of how to add an overlay and achieve exactly the look you’re looking for, visit our Definitive Guide Through Video Overlay Blend Modes. Specifically for VHS video overlays, we suggest you use either “Add” or “Screen” blend mode, as they tend to give most realistic results, consequently truly taking your video project back in time!
Before we show you another way to add a VHS effect to your video project, take a look at our retro collection of VHS static overlays. We are sure that you will find at least one worth saving for your future video projects, seems like VHS is certainly coming back again, in a whole new form!
1. VHS Overlay + Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQ_Z-fGzvkk
Download link is right below, but don’t forget to watch the short tutorial at the end of this video, as it may help you a lot.
2. VHS Tape Overlay
3. Blank VHS Tape Overlay
4. VHS Play Button Overlay
Do you need just that good ol’ play button? Here’s one exactly like from your favorite VHS player!
5. VHS 4:3 Overlay
Did you know that the most popular video aspect ratio at the time of VHS tapes was 4:3? This overlay will help you keep your video project realistic, check it out!
Advanced Ways To Add VHS Static Overlays
If you feel like these overlays are not enough for you, and you want a customization option, we suggest you take a look at Universe VHS developed by Red Giant. This plug-in allows you to create a VHS look on any clip you want. It also includes many presets that you can just drag and drop inside your video project. The custom options are endless, starting from editing the colors of the VHS distortions to static amount. With this plug-in, you will feel like you’re in complete control of your video project! Unfortunately, this After Effects plug-in is not free, but don’t worry, because a little while ago, we created a collection of 10 Free After Effects scripts and plug-ins. Maybe you’ll find something you like here, and download it for free!
It feels good to look back into the past, and realize how much technology has changed and advanced from the time when the VHS cassette was the invention of the year. It surely makes us appreciate our modeling & editing programs, that save us so much time and make us more productive than ever! Contact Us if you’ve got something you think we can help with – retro mood inspires us, and we’d be happy to help you create a masterpiece of a retro project!
