What is Video Editing? How to Edit Videos Like a Pro in 4 Steps

What is Video Editing?

Video editing is the post-production process of cutting segments, putting clips together in sequence, adding effects or audio, and more to create a final video production. Video editing takes raw footage and turns it into a cohesive and engaging piece. Video editing has become a popular tool used for social media platforms such as Instagram or YouTube just as it’s been essential to professional short films and large productions for over a century. The real question is, how do you get started in video editing? Here are 4 basic steps to follow to get into video editing.

How to Edit a Video in 4 Easy Steps

1. Assemble sufficient footage and audio

It’s vital to get more than enough footage for your video project. If you shoot enough footage from the get-go, you’ll save yourself time and energy. Below are two things to keep in mind when you’re shooting:

Don’t stop until you get enough footage. A good rule of thumb is to always shoot at least 10 seconds. Even if the action lasts for only a few seconds, it’s important to give it enough time to get a clear shot. Give your equipment time to stabilize and get the perfect angle with at least 10 seconds.

It will probably take two (or more) takes. Use the space on your equipment’s storage to its full capacity. Don’t be afraid to shoot more takes than you think you need, even if the first one was perfect. You’ll thank yourself in the editing process when you realize the once “perfect shot” had distracting noise in the background.

Collect room tone from each filming location. When no one else is in the room you’re filming in, the environment has a certain audio quality that professionals call room tone. With your equipment, collect a bit of room tone from each room you film in. It could be used for filling audio gaps in your edit down the road.Collect room tone from each filming location. When no one else is in the room you’re filming in, the environment has a certain audio quality that professionals call room tone. With your equipment, collect a bit of room tone from each room you film in. It could be used for filling audio gaps in your edit down the road.

After creating a “shot list” and getting the footage needed, it’s time to organize your video’s structure and plan the layout of your production.

2. Organize footage and create the video’s structure

An important part of video editing is organizing the footage. This can look like naming each clip, placing footage in separate files, and adding folders for each section of the video. Whether you’re editing on a Macbook or an iPhone, it’s important to arrange your raw footage in a certain order before starting to edit. 

In addition to organizing your clips, you also need to sit down and plan out the video’s structure. For visual thinkers, create a list of the order of your production including footage placement, effects added, voiceovers (if needed), and detailing any other necessary information for the success of your video. In this part of the editing process, read over your voice-over, make edits if needed, and ensure it’s concise and easy to understand. Following the planning stage, it’s finally time to get to the nitty-gritty of editing!

3. Combine clips using transitions and match cuts

This is where the fun begins! There is a plethora of advanced and beginner video editing software out there. Programs such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, iMovie, or iPhone apps like CapCup, InShot, and Splice are well-rated and used by a wide range of video editors with varying degrees of experience. The first step in video editing is to place your footage in a video editing software and combine each clip in a seamless format. Here are a few things to consider during this process:

• Use match cuts to your advantage. A match cut is when you cut from one clip to another and match the visual interests in the frame. More than just similar framing, you can use similar shapes or motions to put two clips together. For example, if you’re at the center of one clip you can find another clip where you’re also centered and place both clips together. Match cuts are a great method for seamless transitions.
• Use establishing shots to give viewers a wider context. While close-up or medium shots can show great detail, it’s important to capture the subjects’ environment in a video. Include establishing shots such as aerial drone footage or time-lapse shots to help the audience know where and when the story takes place. 
• Utilize the right transitions or don’t use any at all. If you’re combining clips within the same scene, transitions aren’t necessary. However, if you’re switching between scenes, use simple transitions such as a dissolve effect or crossfades.

Another exciting part of editing is utilizing motion graphics, audio and soundtracks, and more to elevate the excitement and intrigue of the video. Let’s take a look at how this phase of the editing process works.
It’s vital to get more than enough footage for your video project. If you shoot enough footage from the get-go, you’ll save yourself time and energy. Below are two things to keep in mind when you’re shooting:

• Don’t stop until you get enough footage. A good rule of thumb is to always shoot at least 10 seconds. Even if the action lasts for only a few seconds, it’s important to give it enough time to get a clear shot. Give your equipment time to stabilize and get the perfect angle with at least 10 seconds.

4. Add visual and audio effects to enhance the video

It’s time to add the finishing touches. In this phase of video editing, you can add text to your video, motion graphics or animation, music, and sound effects. There is a variety of ways this phase can look, but it’s ultimately up to you and your unique style. An important part of this phase is color grading. Many editing applications feature color grading tools where you can manipulate exposure, temperature, contrast, and much more in each clip. Color grading is an excellent way to provoke a certain mood or promote a similar theme across all clips within your film project. 

After adding effects or music, it’s time to export your video into the correct format. Popular video formats include .webm, .mp4, .flv, .mov, and .wmv, most of which are supported by video platforms such as YouTube or Vimeo. Before uploading your video to any platform, make sure your production matches the format each platform accepts.

3 FAQs About Video Editing

There’s always more to learn in video editing. Here are answers to 3 common questions we hear from aspiring video editors.

1. How do I edit videos on my iPhone?

First, you can start by following the advice laid out in this article. However, there are countless techniques for editing specifically on an iPhone. Below are a few simple steps you can try right away:

1. Open the Photos app on your iPhone and tap the video you want to edit.
2. Tap Edit in the top corner. 
3. A bar will appear at the bottom of your screen and show the following options:

• Edit: The camera-like icon shows you the video timeline. You can drag either side of the bar to trim the video to your preferences.
• Adjustment: This dial shaped tool allows you to adjust your video’s exposure, shadows, highlights, warmth, contrast, saturation, vibrancy, and other features.
• Filter: Tap the filter icon (shaped like three rings) to enhance your video with different color filters such as vivid, mono, and silvertone. You can use the filter’s slider bar to increase or decrease its intensity.
• Crop: Shaped like a square, this tool will crop your video by dragging the box until you get the proportions you desire. 

      4. After you’re finished editing your video, adding filters, and cropping it to your liking, select Done in the bottom right corner.
For more advanced editing on your iPhone such as adding text or a voiceover, it’s best to use outside sources like iMovie, Splice, or InShot to perfect your video. You may also find it helpful to watch videos, read articles, and practice on your own to get familiar with the iPhone‘s various editing techniques.

2. How much RAM do I need for video editing?

This all depends on the quality you’re looking for and the size of your project. For smaller videos, we recommend 32GB or above. Some may say that 16GB will get you by, but it’s safer to have more storage to not sacrifice the quality of your video. However, for larger film projects you may need anywhere from 64–128GB.

3. Is video editing actually necessary?

Yes. Video editing is a powerful tool that transforms a plain video into a spectacular production. If you feel hesitant about learning the ropes of video editing, we don’t blame you. However, don’t let that stop you from creating a masterpiece. Countless companies out there will take charge of all the editing for you! 

Avalanche Studios Will Edit Your Video For You

Our video production company based in Salt Lake City, Utah has the equipment and expertise to craft and edit professional video productions. If you don’t have experience in video editing and can’t find time to learn, we’ve got you covered. We’ll get every single one of your editing needs met in one place. Request a quote from us and partner with our award-winning crew to receive services in the pre-production, production, and post-production phases of video production.