A Winnipeg-based video message company is reaching the eyes (and hearts) of loved ones in over 180 countries.

VidDay helps people create videos for loved ones using its videomaker, a tool that edits the videos for its users. The company curates wedding greetings, birthday wishes, and other kinds of videos on its platform. 

Denis Devigne, the president and co-founder of VidDay, says his company has helped people share their messages all over the world.

Listen to the full interview here:

 

"To see people from every continent use it and to come into a video together to surprise a loved one has been very fulfilling."

The company's 12 workers have a unique way of measuring its successes: in smiles.

"It is at the core of what we are doing, what we feel is very cool to be part of, having such a global impact while we come from a little prairie city."

Now reaching its one-millionth smile, Devigne is hoping to see that number reach a billion.

Five years ago, the co-founder did not imagine reaching across the globe with his idea. Devigne says he created a birthday video for a friend, sparking the business idea.

"He was blown away, cried tears of joy, and I knew right then and there I was onto something very special," Devigne says. "When I (made a video) for my best friend on his birthday over five years ago I realized how hard it was."

vidday teamFrom left to right: Jeff Laxson, Will Robinson, Greg Stevenard, Denis Devigne, Ross Sabourin, Kyle Sierens (Supplied)

The co-founder says he wanted to remove barriers to making a video such as the direction the video was filmed or what kind of video file was used.

Devigne says while their videos are often used for celebratory reasons, they are also used for get-well wishes. He says if a video is going to someone who is ill or needs support, they do not charge anything for the video.

"If people want to use our service for doing good, it is just one more way that we are making more smiles."

Their latest initiative is asking people to nominate an everyday hero. Once they choose a winner, the hero will be surprised by their own video featuring a celebrity from a selection of people such as Dolly Parton or Chuck Norris thanks to a partnership with Cameo.

Devigne says they want to "support people that help other people."

VidDay also is giving away 1,000 videos to 1,000 charities, nonprofits and volunteer groups. This can be used to make thank you videos to donors or volunteers or to highlight the organization's work.

"We have seen a lot of ministries use our services," Devigne says. "I would be happy to help."

If an organization wants to use the service, Devigne says to contact them directly.

With the recent pandemic, Devigne says their service has been used more than ever before, prompting the company to embark on a new charitable venture, donating one tree for every video made.

Previously, the company uses its profits to donate school supplies and rebuild a school in Laos, giving students electricity and washrooms.