The 7 Best Video Editing Tips for Beginners

by Lewis Ogden | Last Updated: April 12, 2024 | Content
Video Editing Tips for Beginners

Video editing has long been considered a daunting task, reserved only for professionals with years of experience. You wouldn’t have been able to even imagine editing a video without expensive equipment and software. 

However, with further advancements in technology, video editing has become more accessible to the public. With just a basic laptop and some beginner-friendly software, anyone can create a masterpiece that tells a story, shares information or captures memories.

Just like any skill, video editing requires practice and knowledge to achieve the desired results. To help you get started on your video editing journey, the article will share seven best tips for beginners to improve their editing skills and create impressive videos.

1. Getting to Know Your Editing Software

Before you start importing footage and making cuts, take some time and go through your editing software. Familiarize yourself with the different tools, shortcuts, and effects available to you. 

Some options are very straightforward, like some of those Animoto alternatives. Others may do the exact same thing, but you will have to take the long route in terms of how much effort you need to put in.

Try out even the less frequently used features of your software. It’s always better to know and have more options at hand. The more comfortable you are with your editing software, the more creative and efficient you can be in your video editing process.

2. Keeping Your Edits Simple

Yes, it’s tempting to use the advanced editing techniques you see in professional videos, but as a beginner, it’s best to keep things simple. An easy free video editor you can use online will do the job perfectly.

Remember, the focus should always be on the content of your video, not the flashy editing techniques. Use simple cuts and transitions and let the footage speak for itself.

Avoid using too many transitions, effects, or filters that can make your video look cluttered and amateurish. As you gain more experience with editing, you can gradually incorporate more complex techniques into your videos.

3. Using a Storyboard

using a storyboard for video editing

A storyboard is a sequence of sketches or images that map out the flow and structure of your video. It may seem like an unnecessary step, but it can save you a lot of time in the long run. You stay organized and focused on your vision, reducing the chances of getting lost or overwhelmed during the editing process.

As you plan your video’s story and structure, you can also take note of any necessary footage or clips, making it easier when it comes to the editing process. Plus, it allows you to experiment with different ideas and rearrange the sequence before making any cuts.

4. Paying Attention to Audio

The audio editing element often gets overlooked by novice editors. If the visuals are stunning, it will be okay, right? Imagine creating a short music video with muffled, distorted, or barely audible audio.

Pay close attention to the audio levels and remove any background noise or unnecessary sounds. Adding background music or sound effects can also enhance your video’s quality and overall impact. 

5. Color Correction and Grading

Color correction is the process of adjusting and balancing colors to make your video look more natural and consistent. Color grading, on the other hand, is the creative process of enhancing or altering the colors in your footage to evoke a particular mood or tone.

Both techniques are essential in giving your video a professional touch and making it visually appealing. Most editing software has built-in color correction and grading tools that are easy to use for beginners, some even offering preset options or AI video editing.

6. Implementing Text and Graphics Sparingly

What’s more eye-catching than a fancy title? Not much, but that doesn’t mean you should use them excessively. Too much text and graphics in a video can be distracting for viewers and take away from the main content of your video.

Use text and graphics sparingly, only when necessary to convey information or add visual interest. Keep them simple and easy to read, with a font that complements your overall video style. Remember, less is often more in video editing.

7. Learning from Feedback

Feedback, whether positive or negative, is an essential part of elevating your video editing skills. Reach out to friends or family or check out a beginner video editing tutorial. You can also join online communities or forums where fellow beginners share tips and advice on each other’s work.

Take constructive feedback, but also don’t forget your personal style and vision for your videos. Not every suggestion or comment needs to be implemented, but they can help you see your work from a different perspective, enhancing your video content.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve read through these video editing tips, your next step as a beginner is to put them into practice. Remember, video editing is a continuous learning process, and with each project, you’ll grow as an editor. 

Don’t be afraid to try new techniques and take criticism positively. But also stay true to yourself, as any art form is an expression of individual creativity. So keep practicing, keep learning, and create videos that you’re proud to share with the world.