By the time you’re finished reading this sentence, YouTubers will upload almost 300 hours of new footage. And that’s for a single platform!
Before you’re able to create your masterpiece, however, you’ll first have to learn to edit.
There’s a lot to learn, but we’ve outlined a few basics that every new editor needs! So keep reading to learn which video editing tips will change your workflow!
1. Find the Software You Click With
Frankly, the toughest part of learning how to edit videos is learning how to use your software. There are a ton of options out there, and it’s not always easy to know which is best for your needs.
It’s a good idea to try out a few different programs and see which you like best. Fortunately, just about every program out there comes with either a free trial or an outright free version.
These aren’t barebones versions, either. Adobe, an industry leader in the creative field, offers Adobe Express, its social video editing software free of charge.
Don’t hesitate to try a few programs until you find one you like.
2. Get Organized
One of the most important video editing skills you can learn early on is to mark and organize your footage and projects. If you’re not organized, you’ll waste time searching for clips more often than you’d think.
And when you add multiple angles to the mix…well, things get messy.
Name each project and label your footage. If you’re serious about learning how to edit videos, we suggest using a shorthand on your clips to determine the type of shot, too.
For example, let’s say you’re importing footage of an interview you shot. The shot features a single person framed via close-up and is one of two angles you filmed. Labeling your footage ‘[Interview Subject Name] CU, angle 1’ would immediately tell you what you need to know if you needed to pull more footage.
Don’t worry about going overboard. It’s better to be too organized than too sloppy.
3. Learn About Keyboard Shortcuts
Your first few hours with video editing technology will likely involve a lot of clicking, dragging, and fine-tuning with your mouse.
While that’s one way to edit video, it’s far from the most effective method. Each software comes with baked-in keyboard shortcuts that allow you to quickly and easily accomplish tasks like labeling footage, splicing clips, extending or cutting footage and more.
Have a cheat sheet nearby to help you along as you learn. You’ll be amazed at how much shortcuts can streamline the process.
4. Follow the 3 2 1 Rule
If you’re not saving and backing up your edits, you could lose hours of work due to a simple error. That’s where the 3, 2, 1 rule comes in! The idea is simple:
You should have 3 copies of your footage on 2 different devices, one of which should be off-site or in the cloud.
It might sound like overkill now, but you’ll thank us when your editing software unexpectedly shuts down mid-edit.
Improve Your Skills With These Video Editing Tips
Editing is all about experimentation and learning. Keep these video tips in mind and allow your creativity to run free. We can’t wait to subscribe to your channel!
For more tips on video editing and content creation, make sure to check back with our blog!