How to Edit YouTube Videos: Tips and Tricks for Creators
YouTube has become a great platform for content creators to express themselves and share their ideas with the world. However, to stand out amongst the millions of videos on the website, editing is crucial. Good video editing helps create a polished, cohesive look for your channel, and keeps your viewers engaged. In this article, we’ll provide helpful tips and tricks for YouTube video editing, aimed at beginners to improve their content creation game.
Best Editing Software
Before starting the editing process, the most important thing to consider is which software to use. There are plenty of options available, both free and paid. Here we listed some of the best editing software to help YouTubers to decide which software is best suited for their needs.
Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro is one of the most popular software for video editing. It is considered as a professional-level editing software. Premiere offers an easy-to-use interface with plenty of features, including color correction, audio editing, and motion graphics. However, the price might be a bit steep for some users, with packages starting at $20.99/month.
Final Cut Pro
Final Cut Pro is a video editing software exclusively for Mac users. Unlike Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro has a one-time cost of $299. Users can enjoy robust features like multichannel audio editing, 360-degree video editing, and support for HDR content.
iMovie
If you want a free and easy-to-use video editor specifically for Mac, try iMovie. Users can import their footage, trim and cut video clips, and add basic effects. While it lacks the advanced features of other editing software, it is a great starting point for beginners.
Step-by-Step Guide
After selecting the right editing software, the next step is to start editing your video. Here is a step-by-step guide for editing your video from start to finish.
Importing Footage
The first step in video editing is selecting and importing footage into the editing software. Make sure the footage is well organized before importing to avoid confusion. Once imported, drag the footage into your timeline in chronological order.
Adding Effects
Once the clips are in order, it’s time to add effects. Start by correcting the overall color and brightness of the footage, followed by adjusting the contrast. You can also add text, zoom in or out, or add filters depending on your style. Don’t over-edit your video, as it can be distracting and take away the focus from the content.
Exporting the Final Product
After completing the editing process, it’s time to export the final product. Ensure your settings are correct before exporting, including the resolution, aspect ratio, and format. Many editing software will allow you to export in different formats, including .mp4, .mov, and .avi. Choose the format that suits your needs and speeds of the internet connection and hit export.
Beginner’s Guide
If you’re new to video editing and the technical terms that come with it can be overwhelming. Here are a few beginner concepts worth considering:
Color Grading
Color grading is the process of adjusting the tones in your footage to make it look consistent. Color grading helps create the mood and atmosphere of a video and can be achieved through adjusting the color temperature, tint, and saturation.
Audio Mixing
Audio mixing involves adjusting the levels of the audio to make it sound professional. It’s crucial to balance the audio levels, so it is consistent throughout the video.
Transition Effects
Transition effects are used to connect two clips smoothly. They can create an effect like a fade to black, fade to white, or a cross-dissolve effect. These simple effects can make your video look much more polished.
Tips and Tricks
Editing is more than just following the fundamental steps. Here are some tips that can help you improve the quality of your videos:
Keyboard Shortcuts
Editing can be a time-consuming process, but using keyboard shortcuts can make it much easier. Before you start editing, learn all the shortcuts that are available for your editing software. It can save you a lot of time and make editing an enjoyable process.
Creative Effects
Uniqueness is a crucial point when it comes to satisfied viewers, so try new and unique effects to make your videos look fantastic. Experiment with split-screen, freeze frame, or picture-in-picture effects. Explore the features of your editing software to know what’s possible.
Create a Montage
A montage is a compilation of clips edited together in a creative and artistic way. Montages involve quick cuts that are in sync with the music, creating a fun and entertaining video. Practice good timing and test various effects to ensure your montage is dynamic.
Case Studies
The best way to learn video editing is to watch and learn techniques used in popular YouTube channels. Pick your favorite YouTuber and watch their videos, taking note of how they use effects and transitions to enhance their videos.
Case Study #1
Picking the right music to accompany the video is essential for creating the desired mood. PewDiePie videos mix energetic background music with audio from the game he is playing, creating a fun and entertaining atmosphere.
Case Study #2
An often-overlooked aspect is the use of sound design in videos. In Shane Dawson’s documentaries, the use of sound design makes the real-life footage even more engaging.
Conclusion
Editing is a crucial part of creating high-quality videos. To achieve excellent results, it’s recommended to use a professional-level editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro. Import your footage, correct colors, balance audio levels, and add transitions. Experiment with unique and creative effects like using split-screen or freezes. Finally, don’t forget to learn from the best by analyzing other YouTubers’ editing techniques and apply that to your own video editing style.
