In the ever-evolving world of digital media, video editing stands as a crucial skill. From aspiring YouTubers to seasoned filmmakers, the ability to craft compelling videos is invaluable.

This comprehensive guide delves into how to do video editing, providing practical tips, techniques, and tool recommendations for both beginners and experienced editors.

Why good video editing matters?

1. Crafts compelling storytelling

At its core, making videos is all about storytelling. Good editing transforms raw footage into a compelling narrative, guiding the viewer through the story in a cohesive and engaging manner. It involves choosing the right clips, arranging them in an effective sequence, and determining the perfect timing for each scene. 

This process helps ensure the story unfolds logically and emotionally resonates with the audience.

2. Sets tone and mood

The editing process largely determines the tone and mood of a video. Through techniques such as color grading, music selection, and pacing, editors can evoke specific emotions and create an atmosphere that complements the narrative. 

For instance, a slow-paced edit with somber music can set a reflective mood, while rapid cuts and upbeat music can create an energetic vibe. This aspect of editing plays a significant role in how the audience perceives and reacts to the content.

3. Enhances viewer engagement and retention

Understanding how to make edits helps maintain viewer engagement. By ensuring a steady pace and rhythm, editing keeps the content from becoming tedious or overwhelming. It’s about finding the right balance between retaining important information and keeping the video concise and to the point. 

This balance is crucial to holding the viewer’s attention from start to finish, increasing the likelihood of them watching the full video and even revisiting it.

4. Conveys professionalism and quality

The quality of editing directly reflects how professional your video looks. A well-edited, polished video indicates a high level of care and expertise. This enhances the content creator’s or brand’s credibility and elevates the perceived content quality itself. 

Professional editing can turn even modestly shot footage into high-quality content, significantly impacting the viewer’s perception and the content’s overall reception.

5. Facilitates adaptability across platforms

Today’s diverse media landscape makes you adapt. Good video editing involves optimizing content for various platforms, each with its unique format and audience preferences. 

For example, a video for YouTube might require a longer, more detailed edit, while the same content for Instagram or TikTok would need a shorter, more visually captivating version. 

Effective editing ensures that the core message is conveyed consistently across all platforms, maximizing reach and impact.

6. Amplifies message and key points

One of the primary goals of video editing is to highlight and amplify the key messages of the content. Through strategic cuts, emphasis on certain visuals or dialogues, and the use of text or graphics, editors can draw attention to the most important aspects of the video. 

This targeted emphasis ensures the audience grasps the core messages, increasing the effectiveness and impact of the content.

Common mistakes in video editing

1. Poor pacing and timing

Effective pacing is essential in maintaining viewer engagement. Videos that drag on with slow pacing can bore the audience, while rapid, erratic cuts can overwhelm and confuse. Striking a balance is crucial, ensuring that each scene is given enough time to convey its message without losing the viewer’s interest.

2. Overusing transitions and effects

Transitions and special effects can add flair and professionalism when used sparingly and appropriately. However, overindulgence can make the video look amateurish and detract from the narrative. The key is to use them to enhance, not overpower, the content.

3. Neglecting audio quality

Audio quality is half the experience in video editing. Common mistakes include inconsistent audio levels, noticeable background noise, or unsynchronized sound with the visuals. Good audio editing ensures clear, level, and appropriately timed sound that complements the visual content.

4. Ignoring color correction

Color grading is vital for creating a visually cohesive and appealing video. They set the mood and tone, and help in maintaining visual consistency throughout the video. Neglecting this aspect can result in a product that looks unpolished and unprofessional.

5. Failing to maintain continuity

Continuity errors, such as objects changing position or appearance between shots, or lighting inconsistencies, can disrupt the flow of the video and distract the viewer. Maintaining continuity is crucial for preserving the narrative’s believability and keeping the audience immersed in the story.

6. Inadequate planning and storyboarding

Diving into editing without a clear plan can lead to a disjointed and incoherent final product. A well-thought-out plan with multiple ideas gathered in advanced guides the editing process, ensuring that the final video flows smoothly and includes all the essential details you need to convey your message effectively.

7. Using low-quality footage

The quality of the raw footage sets the foundation for the final video. The footage that is blurry, shaky, or poorly lit can be detrimental, especially if you’re using a simple video cutter without much editing features. Even skilled editing cannot fully compensate for low-quality source material.

8. Overlooking the importance of composition

Good composition is key to creating visually engaging shots. It involves thoughtful arrangement of elements in the frame, considering aspects like balance, symmetry, and focal points. Poor composition can result in uninteresting and flat visuals.

9. Ignoring the target audience

Every video should be crafted with the target audience in mind. This includes considering their preferences, interests, and viewing habits. Videos that fail to resonate with their intended audience are less likely to be effective or engaging.

10. Lack of Creative Risks

Creativity keeps content fresh and engaging. Sticking to the same tried and tested methods can result in bland, forgettable videos. Taking calculated creative risks, experimenting with new styles and techniques, can lead to unique and memorable content.

Basic video editing techniques

1. Start simple

Familiarize yourself with foundational film editing techniques like cutting, fading, and basic transitions. It’s essential to grasp these basics before venturing into more complex edits.  Practice using them on different footage to gain confidence and proficiency.

2. Pacing and timing

Pacing is one of the main principles of editing for keeping the audience engaged. Use slower cuts for more significant moments and faster cuts for action-packed scenes. Varying the timing of each cut can create an organic flow that keeps viewers attentive.

3. Effective transitions

Transitions can be used to establish a connection between two scenes, indicate a change in time or location, or add visual interest. Common transitions include cuts, fades, wipes, and dissolves. Experiment with different types of transitions to find ones that best suit your content.

4. Audio editing

Basic audio editing involves adjusting levels, removing background noise, and adding music or sound effects. Be mindful of the impact of audio on pacing and timing. For example, fast-paced scenes might benefit from upbeat background music, while dramatic scenes may be more effective with little to no background sound.

Trending video editing techniques in 2024

1. AI-powered editing

AI has been making waves in various industries, and video editing is no exception. AI-powered editing can help analyze footage, detect patterns, and make creative decisions to enhance the overall quality of the video.

2. VR editing

With the advancement of technology, virtual reality technology has become a new trending video editing thing in content creation. Some of the most significant benefits of VR include an immersive viewer experience, increased interactivity, and the ability to tell stories in unique and engaging ways. VR editing  requires specialized software and equipment, making it a more advanced technique.

However, it is expected to become more accessible and widely used in the coming years.

3. Vertical videos

With the rise of mobile devices, vertically-oriented videos mark  a significant shift in video editing techniques. Many platforms, such as Instagram and TikTok, now prioritize vertical videos over horizontal ones. This type of editing requires a different aspect ratio, framing, and composition.

4. Motion graphics

Animated elements that add visual interest and information to a video help engage the audience. They can range from simple text animations to complex 3D graphics. This technique is popular in corporate videos, commercials, and music videos.

5. Advanced color grading

Making some adjustments to the color and tone is okay, but advanced color grading takes video editing to a whole new level. It involves manipulating colors to create specific moods and aesthetics, resulting in more visually appealing and professional-looking videos.

6. Multi-cam editing

Multi-cam editing allows for the simultaneous use of footage from different cameras, providing various angles and perspectives. This technique is popular in live events such as concerts or sports games, as well as in TV shows and films.

4 video editing software to try

1. Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro is a leading industry-standard software used by professionals worldwide. It offers a comprehensive set of editing tools, support for a wide range of formats, and integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications.

Pros: 

• Highly versatile and powerful
• Multi-cam and VR editing
• Excellent for complex projects

Cons: 

• Steeper learning curve
• Some features are not beginner-friendly

2. Movavi Video Editor

Movavi Video Editor is good for beginners, as it offers a user-friendly interface and easy-to-use features. From a precise cutting feature and a vast selection of visual and audio elements to advanced features like color correction, green screen, and AI-powered tools, this software has something for everyone.

Pros: 

• Easy to use with a straightforward interface
• Wide range of features and enhancement tools
• Quick video creation with the Montage Wizard

Cons: 

• Limited professional features for advanced users
• May experience some inconsistencies when working with larger files

3. Final Cut Pro X

Exclusively for Mac users, Final Cut Pro X is known for its high-end capabilities and optimized performance. It’s popular among professionals for its advanced editing, color grading, and audio tools.

Pros: 

• Robust audio and color editing tools
• Fast rendering times
• Strong ecosystem for Apple users

Cons: 

• Available only on macOS
• The interface may be challenging for those used to other editing software

4. Lightworks

Lightworks is a professional-grade video editor that offers advanced features such as multi-cam editing, real-time effects, and high-quality output. It has been used in the production of several popular films and TV shows.

Pros: 

• Powerful and feature-rich
• Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, Mac, Linux)
• Supports a wide range of formats

Cons: 

• Steeper learning curve for beginners
• Free version has limited features and export options.

Wrap up

Video editing is both an art and a technical skill, requiring practice and patience to master. Whether you’re learning the basics or keeping up with the latest trends, choosing the right tools and techniques is crucial. 

From making simple cuts to exploring advanced color grading, your journey in video editing should be one of continuous learning and creativity. Armed with these tips and tools, you’re well on your way to creating engaging, professional-quality videos in 2024 and beyond.