A video greeting card is a printed card with your photo on the front and your own video message that the recipient can watch right on the photo. With Closer Prints (formerly Closer Cards), you upload a photo, write two short lines, add a video of up to 90 seconds, and we print the 5×7 card and mail it for you. It takes less than five minutes to create.
A text message disappears in a scroll. An e-card gets opened once. A card with your face, your voice and a moment you chose is something people put on the fridge and replay. Here is everything you need to know before you send one.
What is a video greeting card?
It is a real paper card, not an e-card. The front carries the photo you choose and two lines in your own words. Your video message, up to 90 seconds with full sound, plays right on that photo when they watch it. No app is needed, and the card still looks beautiful on its own as a traditional greeting card.
How to make your Closer Card in 3 steps
- Upload. Pick a design from our greeting card collection, add your photo and adjust it in the frame, write a headline and a short subheadline, and add your video (MP4 or MOV, up to 90 seconds).
- Preview. As you type, a live preview shows the printed 5×7 front, so you can change anything before it goes to print.
- We print and mail. Your card is printed on premium heavyweight cardstock within 1–2 business days and mailed in a matching envelope, either straight to them or to you so you can hand it over yourself.
Which occasions work best?
- Christmas and the holidays: a Christmas card with your photo and a holiday video message for family who can't be at the table.
- Birthdays: sing happy birthday in your own voice with a birthday card with a video message.
- Anniversaries: relive the moment you shared with an anniversary card with photo and video.
- New baby: let grandparents far away see the first weeks with a new baby card.
- Save the date, graduation and Mother's Day: see save the date cards, graduation cards and Mother's Day cards.
- Your own design: already have artwork? Upload your own design and add your video.
Tips for recording a video message they'll replay
- Keep it short and personal: 30–60 seconds is plenty. Say their name in the first sentence.
- Record in good, soft light facing a window, and hold your phone steady.
- Share one specific memory instead of general wishes.
- Don't be afraid of a little imperfection. Laughter and real moments are what people rewatch.
- Group idea: ask family members to each record a few seconds and combine them into one clip.
Video greeting card vs. e-card
An e-card lives in an inbox. A printed card is something they can hold, display on a mantel or desk, and keep for years, and with Closer Prints it carries your actual voice and face too. It is the warmth of a handwritten card with the closeness of a video call.
Frequently asked questions
Do they need an app to watch the video?
No. Nothing to download and no app needed. They watch your video right on the photo using their phone.
Does the video play with sound?
Yes. Your video plays with its full sound, so you can record a spoken greeting, a song, or a message in your own voice.
How long can the video be?
Up to 90 seconds.
What size is the card?
5×7 inches, printed on premium heavyweight cardstock with a matching envelope. A digital PDF version, sent by email, is also available.
How long does shipping take?
We print your card in 1–2 business days (Mon–Fri) and ship it free. Tracked, Priority and Express shipping are available at checkout. See our shipping page for details.
What if they don't have a smartphone?
The card is beautiful on its own with your printed photo and words, so it works perfectly as a traditional greeting card too.
Can I order many cards at once?
Yes. Quantity discounts apply at checkout. See quantity orders.
Who makes Closer Prints?
Closer Prints is a small team based in Westwood, Los Angeles, CA. Read our story.
Ready to send something they'll keep? Create your Closer Card in less than five minutes.