Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 4 days ago

---

Learn how to create an automated video playback bar in After Effects that perfectly matches your footage duration. And you won't need keyframes!

In this tutorial, I'm building a smart, reusable playback bar that I'd use for a picture-in-picture media player. The whole thing works from a shape layer and trim paths, but it is automated using a couple of simple expressions, timeRemap and linear(). I walk you though all the code, so you'll learn what that does too!

Shoutout to @collectorsforecast1132 for requesting this video! Sorry for the wait!




*⬇️ Download the project here*
(Pay What You Want, including free):
- Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/s/9bded96ff8


*🎁 Bonus: Free step-by-step PDF:*
- Ko-Fi: ko-fi.com/s/db99f93472

@adobevideo
#AfterEffects #AeTutorial #MotionGraphics #AfterEffectsExpressions #VideoEditing

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*🔖Chapters*
0:00 What we're makin'
0:51 Setting up the comp
2:26 Using Time Remapping and expressions


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Get ShiveringCactus VFX as phone cases, T-shirts, mugs: redbubble.com/people/ShiveringCactus/shop

Or buy me a coffee: ko-fi.com/shiveringcactus

I'm an Adobe Community Expert - which means you can find me on the Adobe forums if you need any help. community.adobe.com/t5/after-effects/ct-p/ct-after-effects?page=1&sort=latest_replies&lang=all&tabid=all

#AdobeCommunityExperts