Video content is becoming increasingly popular online and is set to account for 80% of all internet traffic in 2022. If you’re not using videos as part of your content marketing strategy, you’re missing out. Not only are videos a great way to engage your audience, but they also help improve your SEO ranking.
However, video creation can be quite tricky, more so editing if you don’t have video editing tips to guide you. With a market so saturated with tons of content, and so much competition for user attention, how do you make your content shine?
In this article, we’re going to look at a comprehensive list of seven video editing tips and how to make a video.
1. Choose the Best Video Editing Software for You
If you’re just getting started with video editing, you may want to choose software that’s more user-friendly and has a lower learning curve. iMovie, for example, is an excellent option for beginners. Learn some cool iMovie tips here https://setapp.com/how-to/imovie-as-mp4.
As you become more comfortable with the basics of editing, you can start exploring more advanced software like Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere Pro. It’s also important to consider your budget. If you’re working with a limited budget, there are plenty of great free options available.
If you have the money to invest in more expensive software, it’s worth considering whether the features offered will be worth the price tag. After all, you want to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
2. Think About Pacing
One of the key aspects that makes video so engaging is its ability to hold our attention for extended periods. If your video feels like it’s dragging on, chances are your audience will start to feel disengaged and may even stop watching altogether.
A good rule of thumb is to keep your video under three minutes if possible. This may seem like a short amount of time, but you’d be surprised how much content you can pack into three minutes. If you need to go over the three-minute mark, ensure each additional minute serves a purpose and furthers the video’s overall narrative.
Another thing to keep in mind is the pacing of individual scenes. Just like a movie, each scene in your video should have its own arc and build up to a specific climax. Pay attention to the rhythm of your cuts and ensure they’re not choppy or jarring.
3. Leverage Split Edits for a Professional Look
A split edit is an editing technique that cuts two different shots together and stands as one of the top video editing tips.
It’s a great way to make your video look more polished and professional. The key to using this technique effectively is to make sure the two shots you’re cutting together have something in common, whether it’s the subject matter, the location, or the time of day.
To do a split edit, simply line up the two shots you want to cut together in your timeline and then cut them at the same time. The first shot will play for a few frames, and the second shot will come in. This transition is often used to show how something has changed over time or to compare two different subjects.
4. Use the B-Roll Rule of Three
B-roll is supplemental footage used to support the main shots in your video. It can be anything from short establishing shots or wide shots of a location to close-ups of objects, people, or text.
The rule of three is a simple guideline that says you should have three different types of B-roll for everyone, type of A-roll, or main footage. So, if you have three different shots of the same person talking to the camera, mix it up with a B-roll shot of them walking, gesturing, or sitting down.
5. Use Constraint on Wide Shots
While you don’t want your video to look like it was filmed with a phone, you also don’t want every shot to be a close-up. A good rule of thumb is the 50/30/20 rule, which dictates that 50% of your shots should be close-ups, 30% should be medium shots, and 20% should be wide shots.
This prevents your video from feeling claustrophobic while ensuring you have a good mix of visuals. To achieve this ideal balance, you first need to understand the three different types of shots:
Close-up Shots: These are tightly cropped images that focus on one specific subject, often the face. They’re great for showing emotion and can be used to transition between two shots of the same person or object.
Medium Shots: These show the torso and head of your subject and are often used as talking heads.
Wide Shots: As the name suggests, these shots include more of the scene and are often used to establish the location.
Remember, you don’t always have to adhere to the 50/30/20 rule, but it’s a good starting point. It’ll help you learn how to make a YouTube video seamlessly.
6. Try Tight Cuts
Tight cuts are small, rapid edits that string together shots to create a scene or action. They’re often used in editing fast-paced videos, like action movies or commercials, and can help move the story along quickly without jarring the viewer too much.
If you’re new to video editing, start with shorter clips and work your way up to longer ones. This will help you get a feel for how tight cuts work and how to execute them properly.
In general, you want to avoid having too many shots in a single sequence or scene as it can confuse the viewer. If you have a lot of footage, try breaking it down into smaller chunks and editing each separately.
The Ultimate Video Editing Tips: Video Editing for Beginners
Video editing is a complex process, but following these simple video editing tips will help you create better videos that are sure to engage and entertain your audience. So get out there and start experimenting with different techniques to see what works best for you. Do you like our tips and tricks? Please check out our blog section for more.
