Filmora
Filmora - AI Video Editor
Edit Faster, Smarter and Easier!
OPEN

What is Motion Tracking?

A comprehensive guide to understanding, applying, and mastering Motion Tracking in video editing with Filmora
Andrew Murray
by Video Tech Expert
updated Jul 07, 25
In this article

Part 1. Definition - What is Motion Tracking?

That object or label that seems to follow a person or vehicle in a movie or video doesn’t naturally move that way on its own. It was created using a technique called motion tracking.

motion tracking in video
Definition

Motion tracking is a technique that records and follows the movement of objects, people, or cameras (often in real time) and uses this data to attach or control other elements in a video scene, such as graphics, text, or visual effects.

This technique has evolved from early manual keyframing methods into highly automated processes thanks to advances in computer vision and software algorithms. Today’s video editors with motion tracking are capable of analyzing footage, detecting motion, and applying tracking data with impressive speed and accuracy

Technical Breakdown:

In video editing, motion tracking relies on three key components that work together to capture and apply movement accurately:

  • Tracking Devices: These can be cameras, sensors, or visual markers that help detect motion. In basic video editing, software tracks visual details in the footage itself.
  • Data Capture: As the subject moves, these devices record their position, rotation, and sometimes depth in 3D space. The goal is to turn real-world motion into digital data.
  • Processing and Analysis: Specialized software then analyzes this motion data to figure out how objects are moving. Editors use that information to add effects, graphics, or animations that follow the same motion.

Common Methods of Motion Tracking:

  1. Point Tracking: Tracks one or more small, high-contrast points in a video frame.
  2. Planar Tracking: Follows flat surfaces, such as signs, walls, or screens, and analyzes how these planes shift in scale and perspective.
  3. 3D Camera Tracking: Camera tracking tracks the movement of the actual camera in 3D space. It creates a virtual camera in the editing software that mimics the original camera’s path, allowing for realistic integration of 3D elements into a live-action scene.
  4. Facial Landmark Tracking: Focuses on tracking specific points on a face, like the eyes, eyebrows, nose, and mouth, to capture expressions and subtle facial movements.
  5. Full Body Tracking: Captures the entire motion of a person’s body, usually through markers, suits, or depth-sensing cameras.

Part 2. Application - When/Where to Use Motion Tracking

Real-World Applications of Motion Tracking

As video software advanced, motion tracking became an essential feature in post-production. It is widely used in films, TV, gaming, and even social media content.

Marketing & Advertising
Brands use motion tracking in their videos to add dynamic graphics, logos, or products into moving scenes. It enables post-production product placement and customized ads without reshoots.
Film/TV
In entertainment, motion tracking is important for visual effects, such as syncing CGI with live footage, animating digital characters, and creating realistic 3D environments. It’s also key in camera tracking and green screen compositing.
Content Creation
Creators on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram use motion tracking to attach text, effects, and AR filters to people or objects. This helps improve viewer engagement with minimal editing skills needed.
Game & Animation
Motion tracking is essential in game development and animation for creating lifelike characters and immersive environments. Full-body and facial tracking capture real human movement, which is then applied to digital avatars for more realistic animations.

Case Studies:

  • Product Demo: Let’s say you're showcasing a new smartphone. With motion tracking, you can make floating icons or text labels follow the phone as someone tilts or swipes through features. This helps highlight what’s being shown, like the camera or a new app, without distracting the viewer.
  • Sport Breakdown: In sports analysis, motion tracking makes it easy to keep your eyes on key players. For example, during a football match, you can add an arrow or name tag above a specific player’s head that follows them as they move across the field. This is super helpful for commentary breakdowns, highlight reels, or teaching strategy.

Limitations and Challenges:

Inaccurate Tracking

Motion tracking relies heavily on clear visual data. If the tracked object is blurry, moves too quickly, or lacks distinct features, the software may lose track or drift off target.

High Costs

Advanced tracking tools can get expensive. For instance, tracking with Mocha inside Adobe After Effects offers professional-level planar tracking, but it often comes with a high price tag and a steeper learning curve.

Complex or Busy Backgrounds

When the background is full of motion, patterns, or similar colors to the tracked object, it becomes harder for the software to isolate and follow the intended target. This can result in mis-tracking, where the software latches onto the wrong point or loses the object entirely.

Manual Adjustments Still Needed

Even with advanced tools, motion tracking often requires manual tweaking. Editors may need to correct tracking paths, adjust keyframes, or re-track sections where the software has lost accuracy.

While it is powerful, motion tracking still comes with a few hurdles that editors and creators need to work around:

Part 3. Practical Demonstration - How to Use Motion Tracking?

To understand how motion tracking actually works in a real editor, take a behind-the-scenes look at Wondershare Filmora. Filmora is a motion tracking video editing app that makes it easy to follow moving objects and attach text, graphics, or effects that stay locked in place.

How to Use Motion Tracking in Filmora:

Filmora lets you use two types of tracking: motion tracking (point tracking) and planar tracking. Both tracking modes are built into Filmora’s interface and don’t require any advanced setup.

Filmora
AI Video Editing App & Software
Try It Free Try It Free
qrcode-img
Scan to get the Filmora App
Best tool for making videos anywhere for all creators!
Filmora's AI video translation does the hard work for you.
wondershare filmora motion tracking

Step-by-Step Tutorial:

Step 1
Enable Motion Tracking: Select your video clip in the timeline, go to the AI Tools tab, and turn on Motion Tracking or Planar Tracking. A tracking box will appear on the preview.
Step 2
Track the Moving Object: Position the box over the object you want to follow and click Start Tracking. Make sure the object stays visible throughout the clip. For Planar Tracker, you can choose between two modes: Auto or Advanced.
Step 3
Attach an Element: Add any image, text, or graphic to a track above your clip. Then, with the video selected, go to Link Element and choose the object you want to follow the motion of.
enable motion tracking in filmora
start tracking the object
link the element for tracking

You May Also Like

recom-article
What are Generative AI Videos?
author avatar
James Hogan
recom-article
What is AI Object Removal?
author avatar
James Hogan
recom-article
What Is a Video Collage?
author avatar
James Hogan