17 video editing Hacks for beginners that will get you more views in less time (Pro Tips)

With these essential video editing tips for enhancing your productivity as a filmmaker, you’ll be able to improve your videos like a pro.

 

The first half of the battle is properly filming your shot; the second half is to complete post-production. This is where the magic happens, and make necessary edits so that your video flows smoothly and professionally. Editing videos could be challenging to beginners but keep it fun and casual to start. Doing so will help you develop an efficient workflow.

Video editing, like filmmaking, demands a high degree of creativity and technical skill. You will need the best video editing software for the task. This is only a fraction of the process; the rest is technological know-how coupled with creativity. This guide will share video editing tricks and techniques to maximize your productivity as a film producer. 

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Video editing tips for beginners

Prepare production ahead of time.

Before filmmakers even begin filming their footage, the best ones recognize the importance of editing. For example, they anticipate precautions they should take while filming, like using soundproof padding to minimize echo… Choosing the right camera and microphone for your studio will help solve half of the issues they’ll encounter during post-production editing.

I am pretty sure Steven Spielberg adhered to this principle while filming the movie Schindler’s List. It could have been a disaster if he had waited until post-production to correct sound issues. Sure, you’re thinking, “I’m not Spielberg. I don’t have that kind of money or resources.” But even if you’re filming on an iPhone, preparation is essential to make the editing process more efficient.

Having foresight could save you a significant amount of time by avoiding problems before they even come up. The more efficient your workflow, the better the final product will be. Being organized from the start will save you valuable time and money.

Have a clear picture in mind

Before you begin, ask yourself questions about the video you’re editing and what you want to accomplish. The footage you’re going to edit should have a clear theme, story, or objective. Consider the target audience it will serve and how they may receive the film. If the purpose is to inform the viewer of a particular topic, it should be immediately apparent.

A clear vision can help you properly sequence your clips and which target footage should get the most attention. It will also take care of more complex issues like determining the art style and visual direction you should take.

When you know what you want to do, the process becomes much more manageable. You can even ask to keep footage that might seem unnecessary at first but could be used as a flashback or for establishing the scene.

Think of it like this metaphor; a pond uses ripples to spread a message. Consider different elements of your video as single ripples that will later combine into a message.

Pay attention to the speaker’s body language.

Speakers may communicate a great deal through their body language on camera. Furthermore, each voice has a distinct intonation and rhythm. If you focus on body language and pick up on the subtle nuances in a person’s tone of voice, you may be able to create a natural rhythm in your editing that the audience will sense intuitively.

During the filming of The Conversation, renowned film editor Walter Murch noticed that Gene Hackman’s character personality would blink at almost exactly the same time whenever he made a cut. He further developed this concept over time, eventually concluding that when a person blinks every time they have a new idea or feeling, it becomes a “cut point.”

This technique can be used to improve effectiveness in your editing. Pay close attention to the speaker’s body language and intonation, and try to find moments when they express new ideas or feelings. When you make a cut at that moment, the audience will feel like they’re right there with the speaker. This will connect with the viewer and help keep them engaged with your film.

Use sound effects to evoke emotions.

Sound effects is one of the most powerful tools an editor has at their disposal. A well-placed sound fx can add depth and realism to a scene and invoke specific emotions in the viewer. Think about horror movies, for example. A lot of the fear that viewers feel comes from sound effects—the creepy cracks, the howling wind, and the screams of the victims.

By using sound effects effectively, you can help set the tone and mood of your film. Be creative with your sound effects and use them to convey the worldview of your movie.

Select Good Music

Like sound effects, music can be used to great effect in film editing. It may be used to set the tone and mood of a scene, to evoke emotions in the viewer.

When selecting music for your film, it’s important to find pieces that are both appropriate and effective. Look for pieces that sync with the scene’s mood, but don’t be afraid to deviate from the norm or go in a different direction. Try to find pieces that capture the essence of your sense.

For example, suppose you’re making a drama film. In that case, you’ll want the perfect song or instrumentals to make crucial moments (such as when you want to elicit specific emotions in your audience) more powerful. Cheerful comedies aren’t as intense and more forgiving, but it’s easy to go overboard with cheery music. So try to keep a good balance in your edits.

Before you start downloading just any song, keep in mind that the safest option is to use a royalty-free music source. You can find free music online, but the best audio beats generally come with a price tag. Music is generally included in the production budget for a professional project.

Visit premiumbeat.com for a wide variety of songs that you can use in your edit, or try pond5.com for their library of sound effects and loops.

Make sure the hardware is sound.

Depending on your project demands, you’ll want to invest in high-quality hardware that doesn’t limit the software’s functionality. When the program is working at its top speed, it feeds the video across all your working stations. This can keep your workflow from being slowed or interrupted.

This means that you’ll need a powerful system with a high enough speed to keep up with your editorial demands. A fast computer can reduce software rendering, meaning you’ll spend less time waiting for your computer to do the work.

For example, if you’re going to edit in 4K, producers should buy a powerful computer for video editing with at least 8GB RAM and 4GB VRAM. For cloud-based editing software, a good internet connection is required.

Good hardware for video editing can be the difference between a smooth and frustrating editing process. I recently purchased an Apple MacBook Pro with Apple M1 Chip from Amazon, making editing a breeze. It handles video rending quickly, and I haven’t had any issues with lag or dropped frames. If it’s possible to purchase one, I recommend it.

Choose the appropriate software for your project.

You’ll need to choose the appropriate video editing software for the task based on your budget and expertise. If you’re doing basic edits, stick with your device’s default video editor, such as Windows Video Editor or Apple iMovie.

Your device operating system also offers more beginner-friendly tutorials on using their software. However, built-in software isn’t suitable for advanced editing; nevertheless, if you’re cutting, transforming, and minor enhancements, they should be enough.

Mid-level online video editors like Canva or Filmora are beginner-friendly fun to use. For example, Canva internet editor offers a wide range of features, including music, filters, overlays, and text, to make your video more engaging.

For more advanced needs, consider mid-range and beginner-friendly cloud video editors like Canva or Filmora. If you have expert editing skills, go with professional video-editing programs like Apple Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere Pro. The video editing software for professionals allows users more control over the video and audio editing process.

Before you decide, it’s worth considering the cost of the software you’re thinking about purchasing. Unless you’re editing videos as a profession, basic editing software (or even the free ones) should be enough. I generally advise against purchasing professional video editing programs unless you have complicated projects or enough money.

So if you’re a beginner or making minor video edits, keep it simple silly! It might be more cost-effective to invest in a new camera or computer rather than purchasing premium editing software for simple modifications… Especially in the beginning, the upgraded hardware could help improve your workflow and editing efficiency.

Learn and memorize keyboard shortcuts

One of the most significant errors I often see beginners make is not learning keyboard shortcuts. Take some time to commit to memory the most commonly used keyboard shortcuts for your video editing software. It might feel like more work at first, but it will save you time in the long run.

For Adobe Premiere Pro, the following are a few examples of key commands: To recall selection tool, use V; to access the Zoom Tool, use Z; to establish a New Project, type Ctrl+Alt+N; and to import footage from another program, utilize Ctrl+I.

Other popular editing software, Adobe Premiere Pro CC, Avid Media Composer, and Apple Final Cut Pro X, also feature their keyboard shortcuts. I always look up the help menu of the software I am using to find a list of keyboard shortcuts. That way, I can customize my keyboard shortcuts to fit my needs.

Customizing your software keyboard shortcut settings allows you to work faster by minimizing your effort. Once you are comfortable with specific shortcuts, you won’t have to look at the keyboard anymore.

Build your shortcuts based on your hand positioning on the keyboard. For example, if left-handed, use the left hand to operate shortcuts for cutting and deleting video clips and the right hand to adjust the volume. You will work faster and have an overall better editing experience.

Study the industry jargon.

I can not stress this one enough. To be taken seriously in the video editing world, you need to know the lingo. Every industry has its own set of terms to identify common tools and techniques. You may call it technical jargon, but there’s no escaping or getting around without eventually getting exposed.

By familiarizing yourself with the terms, you’ll communicate your ideas and intentions better. If you know someone who works in professional video editing, you can ask them to teach you. You can also find a library of training videos online for specific software programs… Hint hint, KingZoeFX.com!

It’s essential to learn these phrases because every time you run into a problem, and need to look up a solution. Your search will be much easier if you know how to describe your issue using the proper terminology.

File management for video editing

How would you like to spend hours editing a video, only to find out that you can’t find the footage you need? Sound like a disaster, right. That’s why it’s important to think about file organization from the very beginning.

Be sure you label your footage correctly according to the order in the final video edition. It’s usually a good idea to make different folders for the images, music, and sound you’ll need during editing. It makes it easier for you to stay organized and locate your files when you need them. In fact, many video editing software enables you to do this in the program as soon as you’ve finished your new project.

When you’re editing footage, storage space is a commodity that you can never have enough of. When your hard drive fills up, the video editing software will slow down as it tries to access necessary data. Consider moving your videos off your computer hard drive and onto an external hard drive to speed up the editing system.

During post-production, good organization skills can help avoid lost footage, missed deadlines, and a lot more heartache down the road.

321 backup rule

The worst thing is to work on a project only to lose all your hard work due to a computer crash or other unforeseen problem. That’s why the 3-2-1 backup rule is so important. By having three copies of your data, you can be sure that you won’t lose any work no matter what happens.

Ideally, one should be on your computer’s hard drive, another in the cloud, and the last on an external storage device. Honestly, it would be wise to back up your work daily, whether for video editing or other projects.

Several excellent cloud storage services allow you to retain backups of all your video files. I use Idrive online cloud storage, and it’s an excellent service. It’s very affordable, and they offer a good amount of storage space.

Another way to back your edited visual content is an external SSD. They come in a range of prices, storage sizes, and speeds. One of the most affordable options would be a SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD on Amazon. I use SanDisk Portable SSD for all my work, including video editing projects and their high-speed transfer rates make it easy to move large amounts of data quickly.

Create video for the web

Information travels fast on the internet and is expected to be available almost immediately. High-resolution videos may look fantastic but create issues with speed. Creating a scaled-down video for the web can significantly affect the loading speed for viewers.

The lagging could cause your viewers to lose interest and navigate away from your video before it has even finished loading. This could be the difference between someone watching your masterpiece and them moving on to the next best thing. Let’s face it, people’s attention span is short, especially when viewing content on the internet.

It’s wise to make a few low-fidelity versions of your project so you can easily share them on social media or in blog articles. Remember, online content is king in this day and age. People are likely to share your video if they can view it quickly and easily.

Color correcting your videos

If you didn’t already know, most of your edited footage will need some level of color correction. This ensures that your video will look professional and as natural as possible. New video editors often confuse color correction with color grading, but they are two different processes. Color correction is the process of making footage look like it is supposed to look according to the human eye. In comparison, color grading is the process of applying a particular style or tone to your video and creating the aesthetic of the video. Often color grading is intended to set the scene’s mood, and it can also be used to hide or emphasize certain elements in the frame. For example, if you wanted to make a video that looked dark and ominous, you might color grade it in such a way as to make the colors darker and the contrast higher.

With color correction, the aim is not to create a specific aesthetic but rather to correct the color and exposure of your footage to look natural. There are several different aspects of color correction: white balance, shadows/midtones/highlights, and exposure.

Do not neglect coloring while editing your footage. It can be the one thing that takes your video from amateur to professional.

Include Text and Graphics to your Visual Edits

Depending on the type of imagery you’re shooting, other text should be included in addition to the title, opening/closing billboards (for distribution), and credits. You should generally stick to a basic, clean, and white sans-serif font that doesn’t draw attention away from the sense. Test it out on your film, let the text dissolve in and out to see how it works for you.

However, if you want to add eye-catching visuals, you can use your editing software to do so. Adobe After Effects is a popular software for creating outstanding motion graphics. If you’re unable to create your own, consider using RocketStock’s After Effects templates to get stunning results.

For fiction films, you’ll want to include text that helps set the scene and establish the film’s genre. Flex your video editing skills by implementing motion titles or flashy graphics to your films.

Sharpen your Skill by Watching Video Editing Tutorials

There’s a plethora of instructional videos on YouTube, blogs, and educational websites that’ll help you produce fantastic video content. Most of the lessons you’ll find on the internet are free, making them even more accessible. Many courses online offer a wealth of different video editing tutorials, including Udemy and Skillshare.

Both free and premium resources will teach you how to improve video editing skills. Whether you’re looking to create a video for your next project or are just trying to better yourself, plenty of video editing tutorials are available.

Edit Tight Cuts

A good editor will know how to make tight cuts on any video with a lot of talking. Shorter films allow for greater focus on the story, but they also necessitate more editing to make them as coherent as longer movies. Cutting scenes tight eliminates unwanted pauses and utilizes quick cutaways to close gaps between dialogue.

Every film, however, has an estimated running time that must be considered. Tight cutting scenes efficiently to save time will prevent you from going back and re-work sections if the edit grows lengthy. This technique is helpful for vlogs and documentaries where narrative flow is more important than telling a story.

Don’t Overuse Wide Shots.

Most often, wide shots are used to establish a shot or show the action’s environment. Overusing wide shots does not communicate any specific information and can make your scene seem dull.

It’s usually necessary to switch between different camera angles at the start of a scene for the audience to comprehend the place it’s taking place. However, when the narrative has been contextualized and dialogue begins, medium and close-ups have the most impact on the audience.

When you can use full shots effectively, they can be compelling. For example, the opening scene from Saving Private Ryan uses a wide shot to establish the setting before cutting to a medium shot of the soldier walking through the door. You felt the dread of the scene before you even saw any violence. 

Editing this sort of shot in post-production can be a bit tricky. You’ll need to make sure the shot is well composed and focus on the right elements. It’s always a good idea to speak to your video editor about the best way to use wide shots in your specific project.

Review the final video project

Finally, when you finish editing a visual project, always take a step back and review the final video as a whole. Sometimes, minor changes can significantly impact your project’s overall look and feel. While you’re in editor mode, it’s easy to overlook these types of mistakes.

Before submitting your film, get a group of trusted friends together and watch your project on the big screen. They’ll be able to help you catch any mistakes you may have missed. Your selected group of friends could also provide valuable feedback on the pacing and structure of your video.

Are you happy with the finished product? If not, don’t be afraid to make some changes. Editing is a fluid process, so feel free to experiment until you’re satisfied with the result.

Good luck! And remember, always stay positive and be open to feedback.

Conclusion

To create a powerful video, you need an understanding of the basics. The 17 video editing tips for beginners we’ve outlined in this article should give you a good starting point. Whether you’re editing a vlog, music video, or TV commercial, the tips are tailored to help make your videos look professional and make them engaging.

With these post-production essentials under your belt, you can’t go wrong when making a great impression online. Whether it’s for social media marketing campaigns or even just personal use, this list of video editing tips will help you set your videos on the right path.

Just remember the 321 backup rule, make sure your footage is labeled correctly, and always check the audio – don’t let industry lingo or keyboard shortcuts scare you away from video editing; it’s not that difficult!

And that’s it! These 17 video editing tips will change the way you edit forever. Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to creating high-quality videos like a pro.

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