More content is uploaded to the internet every month than all 3 main US TV networks have produced in the last 30 years. This rapid production has increased the need for online video editors.
The main reason for this is the power of a video as a marketing tool. It’s the primary way consumers discover new brands before making their first purchase, and 76% of marketing teams are already investing in it.
If you want one of these teams to hire you, remember that editing is a skill anyone can learn but few can master. Read on for the most crucial video editing tips that beginners need to know.
Choose the Right Software
A video editing expert will likely recommend programs such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or Davinci Resolve. These programs are effective but expensive and difficult for beginners to learn.
Other options include:
- Filmora
- Pinnacle Studio
- Lightworks
- Autodesk Smoke
- Sony Vegas
There is no one perfect program for everyone, so try a few to find one you can afford that fits your editing style.
Cut With Care
The most important part of the video editing process is cutting one clip into 2 or more. This involves creating montages, adding L or J-cuts before or after audio, and other tricks.
Editing isn’t only about cutting or removing clips; you may also need to combine video and images. This creates a consistent look throughout the video that your audience will appreciate.
Keep an Eye on Color
Color correcting keeps the video’s images consistent. Make sure that there aren’t any jarring changes in lighting, brightness, contrast, or white balance.
Color grading gives clips a unique look. You may want to use sepia for flashbacks or make a certain section black and white.
The best video editing software will make it easy to complete both of these steps. You can also use specialized programs dedicated to them.
Balance Your Audio
Keyframes help create simple animations and balance your audio. Set them throughout the video to adjust volume.
Start with balancing the speech so that viewers don’t miss any important dialogue, then move on to any music or background noise.
Focus on the Story
The purpose of a video is to tell a story, and that should be the reason behind every choice you make while editing it.
Make sure the clips are in the right order and that no important plot points get lost. Keep the focus is on the characters while they’re talking.
Choose takes where the actors give their best performances. Cut out unnecessary elements and don’t add in any distractions.
Backup Your Work
Creating backups is a piece of video editing advice you can’t ignore. Most programs do automatic backups, but they can fail.
Follow the 321 rule by keeping 3 copies of everything in at least 2 places with 1 copy on an external drive or the cloud.
Look for More Video Editing Tips
The demand for professionals to arrange and polish online video is shooting up. Beginners looking for video editing tips need to know where to begin.
Start by purchasing quality software. Use it to cut clips, balance audio, and create a compelling story. Practice often and get video editing advice from seasoned professionals.
Read the rest of our content for more on video editing and what makes videos so powerful.
