Is Video Editing Hard? Yes and No—Here’s Why

Video editing is a marketing skill that many creators struggle with. Since digital video editing became available to the masses in the 90s, it became an essential tool for anyone who wants to create amazing videos and engaging content, but mastering it comes with a steep learning curve.

If you’ve never edited a video, navigating software and making countless technical decisions can be overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.

We’ll show you how video editing exists on a scale of difficulty, along with a step-by-step guide on which skills to develop yourself and which to outsource to pros.

What makes video editing hard?

Video editing is the process of manipulating video footage through software. It’s most often used to build a relationship with your audience and upgrade your video content since edited clips tend to keep viewer interest and drive higher engagement.

Why learn video editing?

Control

Video editing gives you total control over your content. With professional editing skills or free online video editor, you can communicate your message, establish your style, and build trust with your audience– three key components to building a loyal following. That, plus technical expertise, can push viewers further along their journey to becoming subscribers.

Plus, because video editing allows you to add effects, transitions, and graphics to raw footage, you’ll create stunning videos that stand out. Depending on your skill level, you can also use advanced techniques like motion graphics or color grading that go beyond what most creators achieve.

Cost savings

Content creation can be expensive, especially if you’re hiring pros for every aspect of production. Basic video editing skills are scalable and have a low barrier to entry, which is great for budget-conscious creators.

Instead of paying someone to do simple cuts and transitions, you can learn those foundational skills yourself and allocate resources to other parts of your content strategy. Also, there are many online video maker options available that allow you to create and edit videos without incurring any costs.

Repurpose content

Getting your audience’s attention and building brand awareness is more complex than ever. Marketing channels are flooded with social media posts from creators and brands of all sizes. You’re competing against millions of people for the limited number of organic post slots in your audience’s news feed. Most social media platforms are going video-first. In other words, you’ll get more reach and engagement if you’re sharing short-form videos.

Video editing skills allow you to repurpose content across multiple platforms without creating new videos. If you’ve recorded a long-form YouTube video, use free video editor to clip the most engaging parts, change the aspect ratio to vertical, and add automated subtitles. Bam! You’ve got content ready to post on TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube Shorts, and it’s taken minimal extra work.

Vidpros Advantage: Insights from Thousands of Creator Projects

Working with thousands of creators has allowed us to identify common pain points in the video editing process. Time constraints make consistent uploading difficult for many creators. Others struggle with complex video editing tools that have steep learning curves. We’ve also seen inconsistent quality when creators constantly change freelancers instead of building long-term relationships.

Our team handles various editing tasks daily, from adding motion graphics and overlays to integrating music and sound effects. We merge footage from multiple sources, optimize videos for retention, and create thumbnails that drive clicks. Through this experience, we’ve realized video editing exists on a range– basic tasks are relatively accessible to beginners, while advanced features require significant expertise.

Why Video Editing is Hard: A Pro’s Perspective

Advanced editing requires mastering complex software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro, skills that take months or years to develop. Choosing the best online video editor can significantly ease this learning curve, especially for beginners. Tasks like creating motion graphics, detailed color grading, or seamlessly merging multiple video sources require specialized technical knowledge that isn’t built overnight.

Video editing is time-consuming, even for pros. Simple edits can take hours of work, while complex projects with motion graphics can take days of focused attention. This time commitment is often underestimated by those new to content creation.

Editing goes beyond technical skills into creative territory. Editors must make countless decisions on pacing, transitions, and storytelling elements that impact audience engagement. This innovative aspect is more challenging to teach and often develops through experience rather than tutorials.

Platform-Specific Requirements Many Creators Miss

Each platform has unique requirements that many creators overlook. 

• YouTube performs best with horizontal (16:9) videos and longer formats, allowing in-depth content. 

• TikTok and Instagram favor vertical (9:16) videos and shorter clips that grab attention immediately. 

Each platform has specific aspect ratios, resolutions, and content lengths to perform best. Missing these requirements can impact your content’s reach and engagement, no matter how good your editing is.

Hardware and Software Costs

Professional editing requires significant equipment investment that shouldn’t be ignored. 

• Computers with at least 16GB RAM and advanced GPUs are necessary for smooth rendering and preview playback. 

• External SSDs provide fast storage access when working with large video files.

• Professional software subscriptions like Adobe Creative Cloud are an ongoing cost that needs to be factored into your budget.

Why Video Editing is More Accessible Than Ever

While video editing is challenging, technological advancements have dramatically lowered the barrier to entry. Modern software has made basic editing more intuitive than ever.

Modern Software Improvements and Free Video Editing Software

Intuitive drag-and-drop workflows in iMovie and Wondershare Filmora have simplified the editing process, making it easier to create videos for various purposes.

AI-powered features can automatically enhance footage, generate subtitles, and apply effects with minimal user input.

Mobile apps like Adobe Premiere Rush and CapCut allow editing directly from smartphones, making video creation possible without expensive hardware.

Free Video Templates and Resources to Accelerate Learning

• Many editing programs include pre-made templates for transitions, title screens, and effects, allowing beginners to achieve professional-looking results quickly. Editing video online offers the convenience of accessing these resources without the need for downloads.

• Stock assets like music, sound effects, and visual elements are available through subscription services and free libraries.

• Online tutorials allow creators to learn specific techniques step by step without formal education.

Skills Most Creators Can Realistically Learn

• Basic editing techniques like trimming clips, adding simple transitions, and adding text overlays are within reach for most creators with minimal practice. 

• Color correction and audio adjustments through simple controls can be learned quickly through targeted tutorials. 

• Platform-specific optimizations using templates and presets will ensure your content meets technical requirements without advanced knowledge.

The Hybrid Approach Used by Successful Creators

Many successful content creators have adopted a balanced approach that maximizes efficiency. They edit basic content themselves using accessible software like OpenShot or iMovie, focusing on content structure and simple enhancements. 

For more complex elements like motion graphics or advanced color grading, they partner with professional video editing services, like Vidpros, that specialize in those technical aspects.

This hybrid approach allows creators to control their content creatively while benefiting from professional expertise where it matters most. It’s a cost-effective strategy that scales well as content demands increase.

Video Editing Tools and Software Recommendations by Professional Editors

Our Team’s Professional Tools

• Adobe Premiere Pro is the industry standard for advanced projects that require detailed motion graphics and platform-specific optimizations. At $22.99/month, it’s an investment, but it gives serious creators the most capabilities.

• DaVinci Resolve has excellent color grading and advanced editing features rivaling premium options. The free version is great for beginners, while the Studio version is $295 for those ready to commit to professional editing.

• Final Cut Pro (Mac only) is preferred by Mac-based editors for its speed and streamlined workflow. At $299 one-time, it’s a good value for Apple users who focus on video creation.

Beginner Friendly Options

• Adobe Premiere Elements is a simplified version of Premiere Pro with guided edits and AI tools to help newbies learn the basics. At $69.99 (one-time purchase), it’s an entry point into the Adobe ecosystem.

• Wondershare Filmora has a user-friendly interface with drag-and-drop functionality and templates that make editing approachable. At $59.99/year or $59.99/one-time purchase, it balances capability with affordability.

• iMovie (Mac/iOS only) is free for basic tasks like trimming, transitions, and text overlays. Its simple interface is perfect for beginners learning fundamental editing concepts.

• Clipchamp is a free browser-based editor for Windows/Microsoft users. Its templates are specifically designed for social media videos, and its cloud-based approach eliminates hardware concerns for new users.

Feature Evaluation Based on Content Type

• Vloggers should focus on software with good text overlay tools, simple transitions, and basic color correction features that enhance YouTube videos without requiring advanced technical knowledge.

• Tutorial Creators benefit most from editing software that offers screen recording capabilities, annotation features, and zoom/highlight options that help illustrate complex concepts clearly.

• Narrative Content creators should prioritize programs with advanced audio control, multi-track editing, and color grading capabilities that support storytelling through visual and audio elements.

Common Mistakes We See in Client Submissions

• Raw Footage Organization Issues. Disorganized footage creates significant bottlenecks in the editing process. We receive client submissions with unlabeled files and unsorted clips, making the editing process more complicated. After implementing structured organizational systems, editing time can decrease by almost 40%, a significant efficiency gain.

• Audio Issues That Viewers Find Most Distracting. Poor audio quality is the most viewer-turning-off issue across all content types. Common problems include background noise competing with main audio, inconsistent volume levels between segments, and bad microphone placement, which causes uneven sound quality.

• Pacing and Structure That Kills Engagement. Videos with slow pacing or disjointed structure struggle to keep viewers engaged beyond the first few seconds. We see unedited takes that run way too long, repetition of information, and abrupt transitions that disrupt the viewing experience.

• Technical Settings That Affect Final Output. Technical oversights can destroy the final video quality regardless of editing skill. Common problems include recording at low resolutions when higher options are available, incorrect frame rates that cause motion problems, and inadequate lighting that no editing can fix.

The Video Editing Learning Curve

• Skills Clients Can Self Learn

  • Basic Editing Techniques like trimming clips, adding simple transitions, and overlaying text require 1-2 days of focused practice to achieve serviceable results.

  • Platform-specific adjustments for distribution channels become second nature after 1-2 weeks of consistent practice and experimentation. 

  • Audio Syncing and Basic Adjustments like aligning audio with video and making simple volume adjustments can be learned in 1-2 days of guided practice.

• Skills That Take the Longest to Master

  • Advanced Editing Techniques like color grading, motion graphics, masking, and compositing require 6 months to a year of consistent practice to achieve professional results. 

  • Creative Storytelling through editing develops over years of experience working with different content types and audience expectations. 

  • Cinematographic Principles like framing, lighting, and exposure require 6 months to several years to internalize and apply consistently.

• Time Investment for Different Competency Levels

• • Beginner-level editors can expect to invest 10-20 hours of focused learning to master basic cutting, simple transitions, and text overlays. Intermediate Level takes approximately 100-200 hours over 3-6 months to develop skills in basic color correction, simple effects, and multi-track editing. 

  • Advanced Level takes 500+ hours over 1-2 years to confidently handle color grading, basic motion graphics, and compelling storytelling through editing. 

  • Professional Level takes 2,000+ hours over 3+ years to develop expertise in complex motion graphics, advanced color grading, and sophisticated visual effects.

Essential Skills Every Creator Should Learn

• Basic Cutting and Content Organization. Basic cutting and organization are the foundation of all video editing success. Develop a file naming convention that makes footage easy to find, learn basic cutting techniques that maintain visual continuity, and understand the basics of sequencing clips to tell a story.

• Simple Audio Adjustments for Clarity. Master basic noise reduction to eliminate background noise, normalize audio levels for consistent volume throughout your video, and learn to balance voice, music, and sound effects to achieve a professional audio mix.

• Thumbnail Creation Basics. Design thumbnails with bold text that clearly communicates your video’s topic. Use contrasting colors that stand out in crowded feeds, and include clear imagery that accurately represents your content. Create templates for consistent branding across your channel to build recognition.

• Platform-Specific Requirements Understanding. Master aspect ratios for different platforms to ensure your content displays correctly everywhere it’s published. Understand optimal video length by platform to maximize engagement metrics critical for algorithmic promotion. Learn platform-specific engagement strategies like hook timing and pattern interrupts to keep viewers watching.

• Communicating with Editors. When working with professional editors, create detailed briefs with visual examples that clearly communicate your vision. Provide organized footage with timestamps for key moments to streamline the editing process. Give constructive feedback that focuses on objectives rather than specific technical instructions.

Intermediate Skills to Level Up Content

• B-Roll Techniques. Use a B-roll strategically to illustrate concepts and provide visual diversity in talking-head content. Using complementary footage, create smooth transitions between topics that maintain narrative flow. Match your B-roll’s pace to the main content for a cohesive viewing experience.

• Basic Color Correction. Start with white balance correction to get natural-looking footage regardless of lighting conditions. Use contrast and exposure adjustments to create visual depth that makes images more appealing. Apply consistent color grading across clips to establish mood and brand identity.

• Graphics and Text. Create consistent lower thirds that provide information without distracting from the main content. Design animated text overlays that highlight key points without overwhelming viewers. Use subtle motion in on-screen text to naturally draw attention to important information.

• Music and Sound Effects. Choose music that enhances rather than competes with your message and sets the right emotional tone. Use sound effects sparingly to accent important moments without creating audio clutter. Adjust audio levels throughout your video to maintain the right balance between elements.

• Content Pacing and Viewer Retention. Get valuable content in the first 15-30 seconds to beat short attention spans. Vary shot types for longer videos. Create “pattern interrupts” every 30-45 seconds to reset viewer attention and reduce drop-off.

Your Video Editing Learning Plan

• Skill Level Roadmap. Beginners should focus on trimming and sequencing clips, adding simple transitions and text overlays, basic audio adjustments, and organizing footage. As you move to intermediate skills, concentrate on B-roll integration, pacing, basic color correction, audio enhancements, and graphics for branding. Advanced editors should develop motion graphics, visual effects, advanced color grading, multi-camera editing, and platform-specific optimization expertise.

• How to Work with Professional Editors. Provide clear briefs with specific examples that illustrate your vision. Organize your raw footage with clear file names and group-related clips before submission. Give feedback constructively using collaborative tools like Frame.io, which allows time-coded comments. Treat editors as creative partners, not technical service providers.

• Hybrid Workflows Many Creators UseDo basic tasks yourself, like content organization and simple cuts, and outsource advanced techniques to professional editors. Consider batch editing for a streamlined production schedule that maximizes efficiency. Create platform-specific versions of your content to repurpose videos across different platforms without starting from scratch.

Vidpros: Your one-stop-shop for professional video editing

Say goodbye to juggling multiple freelancers, each requiring extensive management when you use Vidpros for your content. Our professional editing service has everything you need to level up your videos:

• Expert editors with thousands of hours of experience across platforms.

• Professional motion graphics and animation capabilities for eye-catching content.

• Comprehensive audio enhancement, including noise reduction and mixing.

• Collaboration tools to maintain creative control throughout the process.

• Platform-specific optimization to maximize performance wherever you publish.

• Consistent quality that builds viewer trust and channel recognition.

Thousands of creators already trust Vidpros to handle their video editing needs. Book a call with us today to get your content strategy rolling with professional support.

Capping off

Whether you find video editing hard or easy depends on your needs, time, and willingness to learn. The good news is you don’t need to become a professional editor overnight—or ever—to create content that resonates with your audience. Many creators take a gradual approach, starting with the basics and building up over time. Others recognize their strength lies elsewhere and work with professional editors to bring their vision to life while they focus on content creation. Both are valid in today’s digital world.

Video editing technology is moving fast, and AI tools are making complex tasks more accessible. With new software and workflows, what’s hard today might be easy tomorrow.

The most important thing is to start where you are, use what you have, and assess when to expand your skills or seek professional help. By keeping this balance, you’ll develop an editing strategy that supports your content goals without becoming an obstacle to your creative process.

Whether you edit yourself or work with professionals like our team at Vidpros, the end goal is to create engaging, high-quality content that connects with your audience and helps you stand out in a crowded digital space.