Before You Start: Understanding the Basics of Video Editing

It’s no surprise that video is the superlative medium of communication in today’s digital world. We are flooded with video content — YouTube tutorial videos, social media reels, business presentations, etc. Video is everywhere! However, production of video is just one piece of the puzzle. What makes a video great is the editing process.

For many new editors, the many tools, effects, and techniques will often feel overwhelming. The good news is that you do not need to be a professional editor to produce engaging, edited videos. Your learning curve will depend on timing and with practice and some key tips, you will be able to edit videos that have the appearance of being professionally edited.

My hope is that these 10 video editing tips that all new learners need to know can help you embark on an editing journey, without hesitation.

1. Select the Right Software

The first step to video editing is selecting the appropriate editing software. The software you choose should match your experience level and your project. New editors definitely do not need the top-of-the-line, expensive, high-end software to get started. There are many options available including:

• Free software: iMovie, DaVinci Resolve, HitFilm Express
• Paid beginner software: Filmora, Adobe Premiere Elements
• Professional software: Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro

👉 Ideally you want to start with something that has a short learning curve and you can always upgrade down the road when your skills progress.

2. Learn Basics First, Before Advanced

Before you consider adding complex effects, transitions, or color grading, you need to learn the basics of video editing. Getting the basics down will provide you with the building blocks you need to learn advanced techniques later on.

Make sure you know core basics first:

• Cutting and trimming clips
• Putting clips in the right order on the timeline
• Adding simple transitions (e.g., fade in, fade out)
• Adding simple text titles or captions
• Getting the export settings correct

Once you master the basics, your video’s flow should be fine without any additional effects. (Video editing)

3. Organize Your Files

Editing can become a frustrating experience if you don’t organize and label your files properly. I have been told that even if I don’t develop good habits yet, professional editors will always stress the importance of organizing your editing files as they save time and mistakes. (Video editing)

Some organization tips to think about:

• Use different folders for different parts of the project (raw footage, audio, images, project files)
• Rename your files to describe the footage (ie. Interview_Shot1.mov instead of IMG_1234)
• Make sure to have a backup of your project files so you don’t lose your work.

👉 As they say, a clean workspace leads to a clean edit. (Video editing)

4. Focus on Storytelling

Editing videos is not simply slicing the clips together, but telling a story. Regardless of the type of video you are editing – a vlog, product review, or short film – the audience should feel natural movement of the story. (Video editing)

Ways to improve storytelling in editing:

• Start with a strong opening (hook your audience in the first 5 seconds)
• Keep clips in a logical order
• Use pace — fast cuts for fast, flashy excitement and slower cuts for emotional moments
• Include b-roll that complements your main footage
  

Remember, a well-told story keeps the audience watching through to the end. (Video editing)

5. Keep It Simple

As editors, beginners tend to really want to play with transitions, effects and filters. While it can be fun and rewarding to use a lot of fun effects, too many aesthetic effects and patterns can be distracting when it comes to making your video stand out. (Video editing)

Best practices for simplicity:

• Focus on using clean cuts instead of excessive transitions.
• Only use effects when they enhance the purpose of the video.
• Try not to use more than one or two fonts when it comes to titles and subtitles.

👉 The rule that is golden – be simple.

6. Be aware of audio

Bad audio can ruin an absolutely well-shot video. Clear and balanced sound is just as important as the visuals. (Video editing)

Audio editing simple tips:

• Use royalty-free background music for added mood and energy.
• Adjust the audio levels so that dialogue, music, and effects are not fought against one another.
• Remove background noise with different software applications like Audacity, or any built-in noise reduction options you may find.
• Sound effects: also referred to as SFX, you can use sound effects to highlight sound, but do not overdo it!

7. Add color correction

Colors set the tone and mood of your video. Lots of beginners often skip this step and even just a little can make huge differences to the quality of your video.

Coloring your edit:

• Color correction: adjust exposure, brightness, contrast and white balance.
• Color grading: simply put, color grading is to apply specific filters to create  a mood, e.g. warm tones for warmth/happiness, cool tones for drama.

👉Note: even just tiny color corrections can turn your video from the “okay” side of the spectrum to “outstanding”.

8. Use Text and Titles Deliberately

Text overlays, titles, and subtitles are handy for conveying information to viewers. But you don’t want to use them blindly either.

Considerations when using text in your videos:

• Keep fonts simple and easy to read.
• Use contrasting colors that allow the text to be seen against the background.
• Limit your text on the screen. Don’t overwhelm the viewer with too much text.
• Subtitles enhance accessibility and increase viewer retention.

Text placement can guide the viewer’s attention.

9. Getting the Timing Down

Good editing is all about timing. The key component in all editing is when to cut, when to let it run, and when to switch shots. The speed of the editing and timing will determine the pace of your video, and if it has an impact on the viewer. (Video editing)

Timing tips for beginners:

• You can cut awkward pauses or footage that you don’t need.
• Try to cut your footage using the beats from the background music.
• Shorter cuts will give you a better vigilant space for attention, especially for social media videos.
• Longer cuts will create conflict, if you’re telling a story with your video.

👉 To get the timing right, always view your video from the viewer perspectives. Adjust your cuts as you watch. (Video editing)

10. Practice, Practice, Practice

The one best piece of advice to give any beginner is to practice regularly as often as possible. Video editing is a skill that you will get better at through practice and experience.

Tips to practice:

• Start by editing shorter pieces of content (i.e., a 30 second vlog or reel).
• Practice with different genres — travel video, tutorial, promo.
• Watch professional editors in the field and try to imitate their editing style.
• Keep learning new tools and new trends.

In the end, every time you edit something you will learn something new! (Video editing)

Final Thoughts

Video editing can seem challenging and overwhelming. If you follow our 10 tips, you can edit a smooth, entertaining, and high-quality video, even as someone who is just getting started.Remember the basics, stay organized, adhere to your storytelling, and practice. In no time, you will be developing the skills and confidence to advance your editing.

Whether your goal is to become a professional editor, or a YouTube creator for fun, or just to polish your social media videos, these tips can assist you as a guide.

So open your editing software, import your clips, and start practicing now. Every good video editor started as a beginner.

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