10 Simple Video Editing Tips You Need to Master to Become a Pro Video Creator

Editing is one of the final filmmaking processes before the final viewing. It is a slightly time-consuming process. In this era of the internet, most people tend to watch a video more as it provides visual and audio content. 

Whether you are an amateur or a professional editor, planning an outline for editing is the key. Once you get to know the video cuts required for editing, knowing all the tips and tricks on video editing will make the workflow much smoother. I get that video editing is not as simple as it may sound. It may feel intimidating at times, but with practice and effort, one can master the art of video editing in no time.

• Choose the right software and hardware.

“Choose your weapon wisely.” As it is for the editing process, having the right software and a fast computer makes learning more effective. 

There are a plethora of online video editors known for their usability, digital interface, and characteristic features. Knowing the best software helps your method of editing rather than going for the latest is more convenient.

In terms of hardware, you can choose any computer/ laptop, MAC or Windows, as long as it is fast enough to store enormous files while allowing the computer processing to be fast. Invest in a better, faster SSD that allows you to access files and software in a faster way.

• Watch all the footage that has been shot

Before starting the video editing process, watch all the clips and select the ones you feel will best fit the final product; make sure to save the unused clips so they can be used later if needed. 

• Choose the right audio.

“Films are 50% video and 50% audio. The audio overpowers the video,” says David Lynch, Director.

The audio you choose must suit the visual content. Having accurate audio will make the film more engaging and evoke an emotion in the audience. Music can act both as a subtle and integral part of video editing. 

The audio’s rhythm should synchronize with the video’s pace. One way of achieving perfect synchronization is to add markers using software or tap your finger along the audio so that those taps/ markers are the ideal points to cut a video. Audio waveforms can also be utilized.

• Follow the 321 rule.

One of the fundamental rules for any video editing process, be it online video editor or offline, is always to keep THREE copies of all that you create, in TWO separate locations, with ONE location physically separated from the other. This is to make sure that you will have a backup even if something goes haywire while editing.

• Be proficient in video cuts, transitions, and keyboard shortcuts 

The foundation to the basics must be strong. Be it different types of video cuts or transitions, or keyboard shortcuts. 

Knowing which cut to use and where to use it is vital. Using too many cuts than required will draw the attention solely to the edit and end up failing to narrate the story. 

Transitions are everything, and they have to be flawless. Transitioning the video clip to a new segment must be done to perfection, and it only comes with practice and effort. Keyboard shortcuts will save a ton of time in the long run.

• Know your story.

The main purpose of filmmaking is to deliver the story to the audience. If not for the proper fulfillment of the story, the audience will be left perplexed. 

If you don’t have the foresight of the story, editing the clips and figuring out how to put them together will be arduous. Envision the video and story beforehand so that you will exactly know what cuts to do with the video editing process.

• Color correction and color grading.

Color theory is the baseline for your video clip. Color correction is editing the footage to fix any imbalance in color. Online video editors will have built-in basic color correction features that make the video editing process effortless. 

Color grading is the process of styling the color scheme of the clip by painting on the result of the color correction. Many online video editors provide color grading options as there are 2 types; grading with presets and grading by hand.

• Add graphics and texts.

Next comes the graphics once you are done with editing, adding music, color correcting, and color grading. Graphics are difficult, so keep it simple and learn a new thing every time you do graphics. Learning everything at a time will leave you overwhelmed with the editing process overall.

Text figures make emphasis on main points. Hence, while reading the script, highlight the words and phrases you think will come up as a text in the future video editing process.

• Adopt production line method and organize

If you struggle with concentrating on one task at a time and easily get sidetracked, then following a strict production line/ assembly line process will help you focus on one task at a time.

• Watch all the clips, and save the best ones to a separate folder
• Cut videos, edit, transition, and reorder them until the flow seems perfect to you.
• Add audio tracks.
• Rewatch the edited part and reorder if required.
• Tune the audio, add sound effects and voice-over necessary for the video
• Rewatch and reorder if required. 

Organizing is the key to any project as it allows us to prioritize activities and set and achieve our goals. It takes time to organize the workflow and structure but the time well spent organizing means efficient workflow.

• Focus on quality.

Quality over quantity. Viewers tend to opt for HD (high definition) over others as it will be crisper and crystal clear. An online video editor will help make the raw footage of the best quality. Stabilize your plugins and tools. Shaky footage might be caused due to trembling hands and lack of proper gear, which will make the viewing experience bad. 

Conclusion

According to the survey in 2020, over 500 hours of video were being uploaded every minute on youtube alone. People starting their small businesses, influencers, and marketing mainly rely on video content as it is more engaging.

“Less is more.” This phrase is accurate for the video editing process. The more you edit, the more the viewer’s attention will be drawn towards editing and seems too pushy. Make your online video edits as precise as possible.