There are a plethora of video editing techniques, that you can use to simplify the editing process of your marketing videos. Video editing is a very accessible process and there are many ways to edit video these days. Most modern devices have internal software that can be used to optimize video content. When uploading footage to social platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, these websites also provide tools for editing videos. However, in both cases, the optimization is very basic.
Also, if you want your video to look better than average, you need to get professional video editing software. Professionals typically use effective video editing software to add pre-made titles, animations, captions, credits, and visual effects to their footage for an instant, and professional look. The free and paid templates are available in a variety of video editing software to help you convert clips from amateur to slick.
General video editing terms
Regardless of which video editing tool you choose, the right software provider will need to have a lot of tutorials and guides on your website to get you started. However, if you are new to video editing jargon, here are some terms that can stumble you.
1. Timeline
Most video editing tools are based on the timeline. The timeline is a display that shows all the videos from start to finish. It is typically placed from left to right and you can scroll back and forth to make changes like adjusting, clip trimming, adding music, rearranging, etc.
2. Aspect ratio
The aspect ratio is required to edit the video, especially when uploading to social media. For example, YouTube has a default aspect ratio of 16: 9, but Instagram recommends a story aspect ratio of 4: 5 or 9:16.
3. Composition
In composition, visual elements from different sources are combined into individual frames to create the illusion that these elements are all part of the same scene. The most common examples are the actors who play in front of the green screen and background, and the visual effects that will be added later.
4. Resolution
Resolution is the number of pixels showcased on the screen. The higher number of pixels denotes a higher resolution and a more detailed image. The typical resolution of video material is SD: 640 x 480 pixels. 720p HD: 1280 x 720; Full HD: 1920 x 1080, 4K: 3840 x 2160 and 8K: 7,680 x 4,320.
5. Compression
Compressed video files can be very large, especially if you are recording in HD, 4K, or 8K. Therefore, compression reduces the amount of data in your video files to save space on your hard drive and make it easier to switch from one device to another or the cloud.
6. B-Roll
B-Roll is secondary footage that is recorded separately from the main A-Roll footage and is typically used to switch from one scene to another. This technique can also be used in vacation videos. For example, sprinkle shots partying with wide panoramic photos of the waves crashing onto the shore.
5 Common Mistakes Made by All Novice Editors
You are a smart person if you learn from your mistakes, but you are a smarter person if you learn from others' mistakes. This is almost always the case, especially if you are new to video editing. Learning and practicing from the mistakes of other editors can save you a lot of time and effort. Let us look at some mistakes that new video editors often make.
1. Wrong background music
Many beginners don't understand the importance of video background music. In many cases, you tend to choose titles based on your favorites rather than the messages you want to deliver. Also, the wrong music portrays that you don't care about your audience’s emotions. It is also a common mistake to set the background music volume to the wrong level.
2. Edit video without using a professional online video editor
Professional video editors always plan their work first. Therefore, if you want to edit a video like a pro, it's a good idea to create a work plan from scratch. You must watch your videos thoroughly and figure out what you would like to edit in your video, how will the change affect the viewer, how long does the process takes, if you to add background music, subtitles, etc. to your video, etc. Before you start, you need to make a list of questions and find a definitive answer. Keep in mind that awkward workflows can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. Therefore, keep your work schedule simple.
3. Select the wrong video editing tool
A suitable video editing tool can be your "weapon", but it's hard to find. With so many products on the market, you'll be distracted by the very powerful and unique features that you'll find later that you rarely or don't use them. It's a waste to buy something that doesn't suit your needs or that you don't like.
4. Overuse of transitions
Professional use of transitions allows you to stitch together video clips to improve the flow of your messages and stories. In contrast, transition abuse can be a sign of a novice. Keep in mind that this approach should also be used for text, fonts, and other resources. Sometimes less is more!
5. Remember the "captions" and edit the video at the same time
Scripts can be thought of as a video editor roadmap for arranging ideas in a logical order and not missing important details. For this reason, it is highly recommended to write a script before editing the video. However, most beginners often think of "scripts" and edit videos at the same time. This will eventually take longer and will cause the message to lose focus.
Video editing tips for beginners
To avoid common mistakes, follow these video editing tips and practice them:
1. Before you buy a video editing tool, consider your budget and what you need for your work. We recommend using free software or at least getting a free trial version.
2. Use transitions only when necessary and never consider them the best way to improve your editing.
3. Choose the song that suits your feelings. Don't forget to loop the song to fit the video flow well.
4. Create a script before you start editing the video. Learn from experts as t will give you a lot of valuable skills and experience.
5. Add subtitles or subtitles so that your viewers can fully understand your video content. Go for an intuitive user interface to help you easily start video editing and track your workflow.
6. Remove unwanted parts to make your video better. With professional video editing software, you can adjust the volume of any part of the video or audio clip, change playback speed, or increase or slow down the execution speed of the scene.
You can edit to make your video look professional, like adding:
• a slow-motion / time-lapse scene
• a Split / Join that can divide or combine multiple video clips into one
• Insert Time to create a silent time in the video
• Blur effect to hide sensitive personal data and unnecessary information
• Picture-in-picture to layer one small video on top of another especially when designing educational videos.
Conclusion
There is no such thing as a perfectly edited video, so don’t strive for perfection, just go with the flow. It takes time and effort to become a professional video editor. You need to constantly practice and learn from your mistakes to improve your skills. However, with the right techniques, tips, and tools, you will be able to grasp editing better, and will soon become a pro at it.
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