Do you want to edit your Youtube videos, but don’t know where to start? Well, you’re in the right place.
YouTube is a great video-sharing platform, but it’s also a very competitive one. In order to make your videos stand out from the crowd, you need to put in some effort to make them look professional. Editing does just that.
While editing might seem daunting at first, a few simple changes can grab your audience’s attention and help grow your Youtube channel. These beginner video editing tips show you how to become a video editor and create professional videos without breaking the bank.
Choose the right editing software
You can use video editing software to edit and create new videos, or to improve existing ones. There are a lot of different video editing software programs out there, so it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. Some are very simple and easy to use, while others are more complex and take some time to learn. Don’t worry though, because they all have similar features.
Here are some tips to help you choose the best video editing software for you:
- Consider your budget. There are many professional video editing software programs for you to choose from, but they can vary greatly in price. You need to decide how much you’re willing to spend on the software before you start looking.
- Consider your needs. What do you need the software to do? There are many different features available, so you need to decide which ones are most important to you.
- Do some research. Once you know your budget and what you need the software to do, you can start researching different programs. Read reviews and compare features to find the best software for your needs. Make sure the software you choose is compatible with your computer!
- Try before you buy. Many software companies offer free trials of their products. This is a great way to test out the software to see if it’s a good fit for you.
If you’re just starting out, perhaps choose a program that is easy to learn. That way, you can focus on learning how to edit your videos, without having to worry about the software.
Luckily, this doesn’t have to be expensive – you have plenty of great options available for free. We recommend starting with free programs like iMovie or Windows Movie Maker. These programs are simple but have a lot of useful features. Once you get more experience, you can consider upgrading to something more powerful, like Adobe Premiere Pro.
Before you begin your editing
A good video tells a story, so before you touch anything, think about what you want your video to say. What is the main point you want to get across? What sequence of events do you want to follow? You need to make sure there is a logical flow and cohesion to the video. Keep these things in mind as you start putting your video together.
Trim your video
Once you have chosen a video editing program and have a story in mind, you need to import your video footage. This can be done by connecting your phone or camera to your computer, or by importing the video file from a storage device. Once your video editing program is installed on your computer, open it up and load the video file that you wish to edit.
Most video editing software programs have a timeline that you can use to arrange your video footage. The timeline allows you to see all of the video footage that you have available, and to choose which pieces you want to use in your final video.
From here, find the trim tool. This is usually located in the editing menu of the software.
With the trim tool selected, you will then need to select the portion of the video that you wish to remove. To do this, you will need to click and drag the mouse cursor over the portion of the video that you wish to remove. Once you have selected the portion of the video that you wish to remove, you can then hit the trim button.
After you have hit the trim button, the portion of the video that you selected will be removed from the video file. Now your video is free of unwanted footage.
Color Edit Your Content
Color editing is important because it can help create a certain mood or feel in a video. It can also be used to correct errors in a video, such as poor lighting or exposure. You need to know both color correcting and color grading.
YouTube Video Editing: Color Correcting v Color Grading
Color correcting is the process of adjusting the colors in a video to be even throughout your video. For example, you may want to:
- correct the white balance to make the colors in the video more accurate
- correct the exposure to make the video less or more bright
- correct the color saturation to make the colors in the video more or less vibrant
Color grading is the process of changing the overall look of a video by manipulating the colors. This creates a certain effect. For example, you can:
- Add a blue tint to make a video look more dark and mysterious
- Add a yellow tint to make a video look more warm and inviting
- Add a green tint to make a video look more natural and calming
Both color correcting and color grading can be done in most video editing software by adjusting the hue, saturation, and lightness of each color channel.
We recommend you research the basics of color theory at some point. This will give you a strong foundation on which to build your editing skills.
Add effects for a more interesting video
Adding effects to your videos can make them more interesting and engaging for viewers. Identify any sections that are boring or could be improved. You can then add effects to your video footage using the video editing software, such as transitions, titles, and music:
Add Transitions
Video transitions are a way to add visual interest to your video, and can help to make your video look more professional. In order to add transitions between video clips, use the video editing software to split the video footage into two separate clips. Then, you can add a video transition between the two clips.
There are many different types of video transitions that you can choose from, so experiment with a few different ones to see what looks best. Here are some transitions you can try:
- Dissolve: This is a popular choice for video transitions, as it is a smooth and gentle way to switch between two clips.
- Fade: This video transition is similar to a dissolve, but with a more pronounced effect.
- Wipe: This video transition is more abrupt than a dissolve or fade, and can be used to add a sense of drama to your video.
- Cut: This is the most basic type of video transition, and simply involves switching between two clips with no transition effect.
Add Titles
Titles can be a great way to introduce your video or add visual interest. You can use the video editing software to add titles to your video by importing a title file, or by creating a title file in the software. Once you have created the title file, you can add it to the timeline and adjust the size, font, and color of the text.
There are two types of video titles: static and animated. Static titles are simply text on the screen that does not move, while animated titles can include text that moves, fades, or appears on the screen.
To add a title to your video, you will need to create a title file in the video editing software. Once you have created the title file, you can add it to the timeline and adjust the size, font, and color of the text.
Add Music
When you are choosing music for your video, it is important to consider the overall tone of the video. Music greatly impacts the tone of your message.
Therefore, if you are making a video that is meant to be funny, you might want to choose a piece of pop music that is light and playful. If you are making a serious video, you might want to choose a piece of classical music that is more somber.
You can always experiment with different genres to see what sounds best with the visuals in your video.
Once you choose the song that you want to use, add it by importing it into the video editing software. Once it is imported, you can add it to the timeline and adjust the volume so that it is not too loud or too soft.
There are a few different places where you can find music for your YouTube videos. One option is to use a music streaming service like Spotify or Apple Music. You can also purchase songs from online stores like iTunes or Amazon Music.
However, in order to avoid any legal troubles, it’s easiest to use royalty-free music. You can find royalty-free music on websites like SoundCloud or YouTube Music.
Have fun with your YouTube video editing!
Editing videos can be a lot of work, but it can also be a lot of fun. You can improve by finding Youtube video editing tutorials online, but take some time to experiment on your own.
There are no strict rules when it comes to editing, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find an editing style that works for you. After all, the process can be a fun and creative way to express yourself.
So, don’t be afraid to experiment with your editing process, make mistakes, and most importantly, have fun!
It is satisfying to see the finished product of your hard work – especially if your video is well-received by viewers. Just remember to save your progress often to keep everything safe.
Ready for showtime?
After you have edited your video, export it so that it can be uploaded to YouTube. This process is different for each video editing program but usually involves choosing the file format you want to export your video in, and then selecting a location to save it. Once it’s exported, you can upload it and share your Youtube video with the world.
You can see that there are many steps involved to edit Youtube videos! We hope that it helps you feel more confident as a beginner video editor.
We know what it’s like to do everything on your own, but it doesn’t have to be that way. If you want to save some time, consider hiring someone who can do it for you.
A professional video editor can make a big difference in the final quality of your Youtube video while freeing you of time and energy. If you have any questions about how Vidpros can help, book a chat with our consultant, Jo. He can outline how to take your Youtube channel to the next level.
Here are some more great reads you might like:
The Best Video Editing Company: Your Complete Guide
Why Should I Use A Monthly Video Editing Service?
How To Improve Your YouTube Channel: Advice From YouTube Royalty
The Power Of Microcontent: How Small Content Drives Big Results
