When video edits for social media are done right, they are a game changer. These edits aren’t necessarily difficult to do, but you need to have the tools, training, creativity, and enough time to devote to the process.
Editing videos for social media involves creating a plan, creating engaging and unique content, and making sure that the video meets the varying requirements and technical specifications of the platform you intend to post it on.
Planning Streamlines the Social Media Video Editing Process
Make sure to have a clear idea of what you want to accomplish with a video, and peruse other videos in the same genre to see how they were produced. This helps identify what you find appealing (or unappealing) and how certain elements can help your video better reach its intended audience.
Pay Attention to Length and Other Technical Requirements
Answers vary, but experts generally agree that social media videos between thirty seconds and two minutes have the highest levels of engagement. That said, effectiveness and restrictions vary by platform.
-
Facebook: Videos posted to a Facebook feed, Marketplace, or search results can run up to 240 minutes. Stories can only be one to 120 seconds.
-
Instagram: Reels are usually between fifteen and sixty seconds but can be up to ninety seconds. A video posted to a feed must be between three seconds and one hour in length.
-
Twitter/X: Videos are limited to two minutes and twenty seconds, but those that are thirty seconds or shorter do best. Premium subscribers can now upload videos that are two to three hours long.
-
YouTube: Videos are limited to fifteen minutes for unverified accounts and twelve hours for verified accounts. Videos that are three to ten minutes perform best.
-
TikTok: Maximum video length was reduced in 2023 to ten minutes.
In addition to the length of the video, each platform has unique specifications related to aspect ratio, file size, image resolution, file formats, and more.
Jazz-Up Intros and Transitions
You need to grab your audience’s attention from the first moment, or you’re going to lose them. Video transitions should be smooth, and special effects can be used for visual interest as you steer from one clip to another. Use these effects in moderation; overusing them can have the opposite effect and distract the viewer from your message.
Don’t Get Carried Away
Don’t try to fit everything into one shot. Most people watch videos on their phones, and you want to make sure they can see what is going on. Similarly, make sure the video is edited so the viewer’s attention is drawn to the intended focal point.
Advantages of Using Professional Editors
If video editing is your thing, make sure to invest in a highly-rated editing program–or send your footage to Vidpros. It can take quite a bit of time to learn video editing for social media and how Instagrammers edit their videos if you try to do it on your own.
Vidpros has the experience and expertise to create engaging content that is brand-consistent and appropriate for each platform. Because we are at the forefront of our trade, we are always up on the latest social media trends and any changes implemented on various platforms.
Usually, there is no simple way to edit video to improve social media content. Creating high-quality content requires a deep understanding of your audience and how best to reach them with consistent branding messages while meeting each platform’s technical specifications.
Vidpros offers fractional video editing services that foster a strong brand identity on social media. With a video editor dedicated to your account, we will gain a deep understanding of your business goals and how to tailor content to grow your social media presence like never before!
