Boost Your best youtube editing software Skills with These Top Tips
Nitin is the CEO of quickads.ai with 20+ years of experience in the field of marketing and advertising. Previously, he was a partner at McKinsey & Co and MD at Accenture, where he has led 20+ marketing transformations.
Want to make your YouTube videos stand out? Here's how to level up your editing skills:
- Choose the right software for your needs and skill level
- Master key editing techniques like timeline manipulation and audio editing
- Organize your files and use keyboard shortcuts to edit faster
- Plan your video structure with storyboards
- Create engaging openings and match cuts to music beats
- Use jump cuts, transitions, and B-roll to improve flow
- Apply color grading to enhance the look
- Try advanced techniques like multi-cam editing and motion graphics
Quick comparison of popular free editing software:
| Software | Key Features |
|---|---|
| DaVinci Resolve | Pro-level color tools, 4K support |
| Blender | 3D capabilities, open-source |
| Wondershare Filmora | User-friendly, many effects |
| Shotcut | Cross-platform, simple interface |
| Kdenlive | Powerful tools, good stability |
Follow these tips to create more polished and engaging YouTube videos that keep viewers watching.
Related video from YouTube
Picking the Best YouTube Editing Software
Choosing the right software for editing YouTube videos is important. Here are some things to think about when picking your editing software:
Free vs. Paid Options
You can find both free and paid editing software:
- Free options: Shotcut, VSDC, InVideo
- Paid options: Wondershare Filmora, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro
Free software is good for beginners, while paid options often have more tools for advanced users.
Easy to Use
Look for software that's easy to understand and use. A clean layout and clear labels help. If you're new to editing, choose software with guides or tutorials.
Tools and Features
Think about what you need for your videos. Make a list of must-have features and find software that has them.
Works with Your Computer and YouTube
Make sure the software:
- Works on your computer (Windows, Mac, or Linux)
- Can save videos in the right format for YouTube
Here's a table comparing some popular editing software:
| Software | Cost | Tools | Easy to Use (1-10) | Works On |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shotcut | Free | Basic editing, color fixing, sound editing | 7 | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| VSDC | Free | More editing tools, color fixing, sound editing | 8 | Windows |
| InVideo | Free or $15/month | Basic editing, AI help | 9 | Windows, Mac |
| Wondershare Filmora | $49.99/year | Advanced editing, motion tracking | 9 | Windows, Mac |
| Adobe Premiere Pro | $22.99/month | Pro-level editing, multi-camera editing | 8 | Windows, Mac |
Choose the software that fits your needs, budget, and skill level.
Key YouTube Editing Software Skills
To make better YouTube videos, you need to learn some important editing skills. Here are the main things to focus on:
Organizing Projects
Good organization helps you edit faster. Here's what to do:
- Make clear folders
- Name your clips well
- Use the same naming style for all files
This saves time when working on big projects.
Using the Timeline
The timeline is where you put your video together. Learn to:
- Move around it quickly
- Use keyboard shortcuts
- Cut, split, and join clips
Editing Audio
Good sound is just as important as good video. Learn to:
- Fix audio tracks
- Change volume levels
- Add music or sound effects
Improving Visuals
Make your video look better. Learn to:
- Fix colors
- Add visual effects
Working Faster
Save time while editing. Learn to:
- Use keyboard shortcuts
- Do many tasks at once
- Make your editing software run faster
Adding Text and Graphics
Text and graphics can make your video better. Learn to:
- Add text on top of video
- Make text move
- Use graphics
Using Transitions
Transitions help your video flow better. Learn when and how to use them.
Setting Up Exports
Learn how to save your video the right way. Choose the:
- Right format
- Right size
- Right settings for YouTube
Here's a table comparing these skills:
| Skill | Why It's Important | What You Can Do |
|---|---|---|
| Organizing Projects | Saves time, reduces stress | Make clear folders, name files well |
| Using the Timeline | Helps put video together | Cut, split, join clips |
| Editing Audio | Makes video sound good | Fix sound, add music |
| Improving Visuals | Makes video look good | Fix colors, add effects |
| Working Faster | Saves time | Use shortcuts, do tasks in bulk |
| Adding Text and Graphics | Adds information | Put text on video, use graphics |
| Using Transitions | Makes video flow better | Add smooth changes between clips |
| Setting Up Exports | Makes sure video works on YouTube | Choose right format and size |
1. Keep Your Files Tidy and Make Backups
Keeping your files in order is the first step to good YouTube video editing. It helps you work faster and focus on making your video great.
How to Organize Your Files
Make folders for your project:
1. Main Folder: Name it after your video.
2. Inside Folders: Make these folders inside the main one:
- Videos
- Sounds
- Extra Shots
- Pictures
- Editing Work
- Finished Video
3. Name Files Well: Use names that make sense. For example: "20230515_CatVideo_Kitchen_Take1"
Why Good Organization Helps
When your files are in order:
- You can find things quickly
- You can keep track of different versions
- If you work with others, they can find files too
Make Backups
Saving extra copies of your work keeps it safe:
| Backup Type | How to Do It | How Often |
|---|---|---|
| On Your Computer | Copy files to another folder | After big changes |
| On a Hard Drive | Copy files to an external drive | Once a week |
| Online | Use Google Drive or Dropbox | Every day |
Remember: Good file order and backups make editing easier and keep your work safe.
2. Plan Your Video Structure and Storyboard
Planning your video structure and storyboard helps you make a good video. It lets you see how your video will look before you start editing.
Why Planning Helps
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Saves Time | You know what shots you need |
| Fewer Mistakes | You can avoid redoing work |
| Better Look | Your video will look more put together |
How to Make a Storyboard
1. Break Down Your Ideas
Split your main points into different scenes.
2. Keep It Simple
Focus on the main parts of each scene.
3. Number Your Scenes
Give each scene a number and short description.
4. Show Movement
Use arrows to show how things move in the scene.
A good storyboard helps you:
- See how your video will flow
- Plan your shots better
- Make editing easier
3. Use Keyboard Shortcuts for Faster Editing
Why Keyboard Shortcuts Help
Using keyboard shortcuts can make your editing work quicker and easier. Here's how they help:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Save time | Do tasks faster without using the mouse |
| Work more | Get more done in less time |
| Less tired hands | Use the mouse less often |
| Focus on story | Spend more time on making your video good |
Key Shortcuts to Know
Here are some basic shortcuts that can help you edit faster:
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Play/Pause | K |
| Play backwards | J |
| Play forwards | L |
| Mark start of clip | I |
| Mark end of clip | O |
| Undo | Ctrl/Cmd + Z |
| Save project | Ctrl/Cmd + S |
| Copy | Ctrl/Cmd + C |
| Paste | Ctrl/Cmd + V |
Learning these shortcuts can help you work faster and make better videos. Start with a few and add more as you get used to them.
4. Start with Strong Opening Shots
Make It Look Good
The first few seconds of your video are very important. A good opening shot can make people want to keep watching. Here are some ways to make your opening look good:
- Use a simple logo
- Add a short, nice-looking intro
- Use some special effects
Keep People Watching
Your opening shot should make people want to see more. Try these ideas:
| Idea | How to Do It |
|---|---|
| Start with a good line | Say something that makes people curious |
| Use nice pictures | Show something that looks interesting |
| Make people wonder | Start with something that makes people ask "What happens next?" |
5. Make Your Videos the Right Length
How long your video should be depends on what your viewers like. Here's how to make your videos the right length:
What is Audience Retention?
Audience retention means how many people watch your whole video. If more people watch to the end, it means they like your video.
To make your video the right length, think about:
| Factor | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Video type | Different types of videos work best at different lengths |
| Content | How much good info is in your video |
| Viewers' focus | How long your viewers usually watch |
Making Your Video the Right Length
Here's how to make your video the right length:
- Be quick: Don't waste time at the start. Get to the main point fast.
- Use good pictures: Make your video look nice so people want to watch.
- Check your numbers: Look at how long people watch your videos and make changes.
| Video Type | Good Length |
|---|---|
| How-to videos | 5-10 minutes |
| Fun videos | 2-5 minutes |
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6. Edit to the Beat of the Music
Matching your video cuts to the music can make your videos more fun to watch. Here's how to do it:
Why It Helps
Editing to the music beat can:
- Make your video look better
- Keep people watching
- Work well for dance or workout videos
How to Do It
Here are the steps:
1. Put your video clips and music in your editing software.
2. Find the beats in the music.
3. Mark where the beats are.
4. Line up your video clips with these marks.
5. Change your clips to fit the music's rhythm.
Tools to Use
Many editing programs can help you edit to the beat:
| Program | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Adobe Premiere Pro | Finds beats automatically |
| Wondershare Filmora | Shows sound waves to help you see beats |
| Cyberlink PowerDirector | Lets you mark beats by hand |
| Final Cut Pro X | Has tools to sync video and music |
These programs make it easier to match your video to the music. They can find the beats for you or help you mark them yourself.
7. Use Jump Cuts for Energy and Pacing
Jump cuts can make your YouTube videos more lively and fast-paced. They work by cutting out parts of a clip, which can make your video more exciting to watch.
Edit Faster
Jump cuts help you make your videos shorter and more interesting:
- Cut out boring parts
- Show actions quickly (like cooking or exercising)
- Make long videos shorter
Make Videos Look Better
Jump cuts can make your videos look more interesting:
- Create a feeling of surprise
- Add a sense of rhythm
- Work well for action or scary videos
Keep People Watching
Jump cuts help keep viewers interested:
| How Jump Cuts Help | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Create surprise | Keeps viewers guessing |
| Make videos faster | Less chance for boredom |
| Show important parts | Viewers see what matters |
To use jump cuts well:
- Plan your edits
- Think about how fast your video should move
- Don't overuse them
8. Make Your Video Flow with Good Transitions
Transitions help you move from one part of your video to another smoothly. When you use them well, transitions can make your video look better and keep people watching.
Edit Faster
Good transitions can help you edit your video more quickly:
- You won't need as many cuts
- Your video will flow better
- You'll spend less time editing
Make Your Video Look Good
Transitions can make your video more fun to watch. There are many types of transitions you can use:
| Transition Type | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Fade in/out | Slowly shows or hides a scene |
| Whip pan | Quickly moves from one scene to another |
| Glitch | Makes the video look like it's breaking up |
| Zoom | Makes the scene look like it's getting closer or farther away |
Keep People Watching
Transitions can help keep people interested in your video. They can:
- Make people curious about what's next
- Build excitement
- Create a feeling of tension
To get good at transitions:
1. Try different types
2. Practice using them
3. Use the same kind of transitions throughout your video to make it look neat
9. Add Extra Shots to Make Your Video Better
Make Your Video Look Good
Extra shots, called B-roll, can make your YouTube video look better. These shots:
- Add more to see
- Give more details
- Make your video more fun to watch
B-roll helps viewers understand your video better by showing more than just the main shots.
Edit Faster
Having extra shots can help you edit your video more quickly:
| How B-roll Helps | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Cover up cuts | Hides places where you join clips |
| Fix mistakes | Covers parts that didn't look good |
| Make smooth changes | Helps move from one part to another |
With B-roll, you can focus on making your video's message clear instead of worrying about small editing problems.
Keep People Watching
B-roll helps keep people interested in your video. It can:
- Break up boring parts
- Show new things
- Make what you're saying clearer
By using B-roll, you can make a video that people want to keep watching.
To use B-roll well:
- Plan what extra shots you need
- Take many different kinds of shots
- Use shots you got by accident too
Using B-roll can help tell your story better and make your video more fun to watch.
10. Use Color Grading to Make Your Video Look Better
Why Color Grading Matters
Color grading can make your YouTube video look nicer. It's about changing the colors in your video to set a mood or feeling. When you use the same color style in your whole video, it looks better and people might enjoy watching it more.
Color Correction vs. Color Grading
Before you start color grading, know these two things:
| Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Color Correction | Fixing color mistakes in your video |
| Color Grading | Adding a special color look to your video |
How to Do Color Grading
Here are some tips to help you start color grading:
1. Make a mood board
Find pictures that show the look you want. Use these to guide your color choices.
2. Start simple
Make your video colors normal before trying fancy looks.
3. Try different styles
Test warm, cool, or soft colors to see what fits your video best.
4. Don't overdo it
Small color changes can make a big difference. Don't make your video look too strange.
More Complex YouTube Editing Methods
After you get good at basic YouTube editing, you can try harder methods. These will help you make videos that look better and keep people watching.
Editing Multi-Camera Footage
Editing multi-camera footage means using video from more than one camera. Here's how to do it:
1. Put all your video files in your editing program 2. Make sure the videos line up in time 3. Make one big video from all the camera views 4. Edit this big video like you would a normal one
Using Green Screens
Green screens let you change the background in your video. You can:
- Take out backgrounds you don't want
- Put in new backgrounds
- Add special effects
To use a green screen:
1. Set up a green background and good lights 2. Film your video 3. Use editing software to remove the green and add a new background
Making Moving Graphics
Moving graphics are pictures that move in your video. They can be:
- Titles that move
- Words at the bottom of the screen
- Pictures that show information
To make moving graphics:
1. Use editing software that can make graphics move 2. Make your pictures in a drawing program 3. Make the pictures move in your editing software
Changing Video Speed
Changing how fast your video plays can make it more fun to watch. You can:
- Make parts of your video slow or fast
- Slowly change from normal speed to slow or fast
- Play your video backwards
| Speed Change | What It Does | When to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Slow Motion | Makes video play slower | For important or cool moments |
| Fast Motion | Makes video play faster | To show long tasks quickly |
| Speed Ramp | Changes speed smoothly | To focus on a specific action |
| Reverse | Plays video backwards | For fun effects or to show time going back |
These methods can make your videos more interesting and help you tell your story better.
Wrap-Up
This article has covered key tips to make your YouTube editing better. We've looked at simple and more complex ways to edit videos.
Here's a quick look at what we covered:
| Topic | What It Means |
|---|---|
| File Organization | Keep files tidy and make backups |
| Planning | Make a storyboard for your video |
| Keyboard Shortcuts | Use quick keys to edit faster |
| Opening Shots | Start with strong video clips |
| Video Length | Make videos the right length for viewers |
| Music Editing | Match video cuts to music beats |
| Jump Cuts | Use quick cuts to make videos lively |
| Transitions | Add smooth changes between scenes |
| B-roll | Use extra shots to improve your video |
| Color Grading | Change colors to set a mood |
We also talked about some harder editing methods:
- Using footage from many cameras
- Working with green screens
- Making moving text and pictures
- Changing how fast the video plays
These tips can help you make better YouTube videos. Start with the simple ones and try the harder ones as you get better at editing.
FAQs
What editing software do most Youtubers use free?
Many YouTubers use free editing software to make their videos. Here are some popular choices:
| Software | Key Features |
|---|---|
| DaVinci Resolve | Easy to use, good color tools, works with 4K and 360° videos |
| Blender | Free, open-source, can do 3D work and video editing |
| Wondershare Filmora | Supports 4K, has color fixing and sound editing |
| Shotcut | Simple to use, works on different computer types |
| VideoPad | Good for beginners, has many effects |
| Olive Video Editor | New but growing, easy to learn |
| Kinemaster | Good for editing on phones or tablets |
| Kdenlive | Works well, has many tools |
These programs help YouTubers make good videos without spending money. Each one has different tools, so YouTubers can pick the one that fits their needs best.
To choose the right free editing software:
1. Think about what you need for your videos 2. Try out a few different programs 3. Pick the one that's easiest for you to use 4. Make sure it works well on your computer or phone
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Also view on Youtube:
Boost Your best youtube editing software Skills with These Top Tips