Video Editing - A brief guide for beginners

Definition of Video Editing, & What Does A Video Editor Do

Video editor doing video editing.

Video editing is the process of producing fine motion graphic content in computer software that meets a certain purpose using raw, untreated material and a combination of separate video clips and footage. It is mostly used to share a particular message, distribute information, or tell a story. Meanwhile, a person who uses that particular video editing software to achieve this objective is known as the video editor. There can be both general and specialized video editors for any given software. Lately, smartphone video editors have also appeared to be creating content across video sharing platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, Instagram, Tiktok, etc.

What are some common software programs used for video editing?

Video editing software that are widely used

There have recently been a slew of video editing software packages making the rounds. However, in the professional circuit, most people use the following video editing software:

  1. Adobe Premiere Pro
  2. Final Cut Pro X
  3. Avid Media Composer
  4. DaVinci Resolve
  5. iMovie
  6. Adobe Premiere Elements
  7. VSDC Free Video Editor

See following courses

Adobe Premiere Pro Basics
Adobe Premiere Pro Advance Training
DaVinci Resolve Basics by Irfan Junejo

What are the main steps involved in the video editing process?

A female video editor watching multiple screens doing video editing

A good workflow for any video editor lies in keeping things simple. Video editing is composed for humans, and humans understand simple things quicker. As a result, video editing is a process that, if carried out in accordance with the following checklist, can work wonders and actually speed up your organization. This checklist entails:

  1. Organizing the project
  2. Creating a good story or message with available video clips
  3. Audio optimization
  4. Color correction and color grading
  5. Exporting settings considering the platform where the video clip will be uploaded

What kind of equipment do you need to start editing videos?

A video editor using Adobe Premiere Pro on a gaming chair

As a beginner video editor, you may start with fewer resources or with just a computer that is compatible with the video editing software you like to use. However, once you start earning or go professional, it is suggested that you invest back into your video editing equipment. Nonetheless, as a professional video editor, you may have the following equipment:

  1. Powerful workstation
  2. Memory and graphics card
  3. Enough storage on your workstation & an external storage device (hard drive)
  4. A video editing software with all the relevant licenses to work smoothly
  5. Display monitor that shows color correctly.
  6. A backup electricity generator to protect you from losing your data

What are the most important qualities of a good video editor?

Qualities of a good video editor

A good video editor must possess the following qualities:

  1. Creativity
  2. Technical knowledge
  3. Problem-solving attitude
  4. Attention to detail
  5. Patience
  6. Good communication
  7. Flexibility
  8. Strong organizational skills
  9. Strong time management
  10. Responsibility
  11. A keen sense of current trends and techniques 

Which industries require video editing?

Video editing is the requirement of various industries.

Today, almost every industry requires the services of a video editor. Because video information was the most consumed on the internet in 2022, it is impossible to ignore video marketing for any organization that aspires to go global. Nevertheless, the following is a list of some of these industries that require a good video editor in their organization:

  1. Music and entertainment
  2. Film and television
  3. Corporate and business
  4. Education and e-learning
  5. News and journalism
  6. advertising and marketing
  7. Gaming and animation
  8. Event and wedding
  9. Government and non-profit

Where can I learn video editing?

A guy learning video editing on Bollywood clips-ITeachStuff blog

You can learn video editing through various means today. However, the most popular way to learn video editing is by joining a training course, whether online or physical. Physical video editing training courses come with the advantage of live interaction with the instructor. Lately, people have been choosing online video training courses since they empower learners to get advice from video editors across the globe.

How do I start a career as a video editor?

How to start a career as a video editor in any industry

To start a career as a video editor in any industry, you would need to have a portfolio of prior work. In addition to the portfolio, you may find the following steps:

  1. Learn video editing
  2. Practice on clips
  3. Make your own projects
  4. Maintain a portfolio
  5. Apply for internships
  6. focus on networking
  7. Join the industry that excites you

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