With every passing minute, the popularity of videos continues on an upward trajectory. While some brands are looking to take their businesses online, individuals are creating videos to share their memories. With smartphones in every pocket replacing the bulky camera, these days, creating videos is easier than ever before.
Coming to video editors, there are a host of options. While some are simple drag and drop tools, others offer professional-grade results. With such an array of options at each stage, learning the art of video making is a never-ending rabbit hole. For beginners, the journey may seem complicated and challenging. To break things down for you, here is a detailed guide to starting a career in video editing.
Table of Contents
Decide on the Type of Video
Take a call on the type of video that you will create before you get to the ABC of video making. For example, a highlight reel of your family vacation will have a different requirement from a YouTube promotional vlog.
Similarly, you will require a lot more planning and B-roll footage for a full-length documentary video. Knowing the type of final product that you wish to achieve, lets you plan the shoot. You can then plan your video-making approach.
Identify the Capabilities of Your Ideal Editing Software
The learning curve of any video editor is directly proportional to its features. Once you have decided on the editing tool, the next stage is taking a call on the editing. If you are looking for simple trimming and color correction, you can go for a tool with a shallow learning curve. For professional-quality videos, you must invest your efforts in mastering complicated software. Irrespective of the editing tool you choose, try to stick to it for all your videos. By spending a longer time on the tool, you will master its features.
Pick the Appropriate Hardware
The choice of the computer hardware will depend on the editing tool that you are using. While online video editors such as InVideo work well on any device, the ones that need to be downloaded to your device often come with hardware specifications. Here are some of the basic hardware requirements of most video editing tools.
- A processor that is Intel Core i5 or higher. If you are on a budget, you can use AMD Ryzen 5 processor.
- While the basic RAM requirement is 4GB, we recommend 16GB RAM while editing 4K resolution videos.
- Some editing tools require you to have a graphics card while others do no not. For tools such as DaVinci Resolve that utilize a GPU, we recommend a GTX 1650 or RX 570 video card.
- SSD storage drives are a must-have while editing 4K videos. HDDs will work for other videos.
- Having USB 3.1, USB-C, or Thunderbolt port is recommended for faster transfer of data from computer to digital storage devices.
Tips to Edit Your Initial Videos
Every editing professional have a unique style of video creation. Over time, you will come up with your style. Here are some tips that will help you in the initial days of your video-making journey.
Plan Your Shoot
To improve the efficiency of your filming, try to plan your shoot well in advance. Start by writing a script for the film and then chalk out the storyboard.
Include details like props required, positioning of the subjects, etc., in the storyboard that you prepare. It is a good practice to decide on the time of the shoot, the availability of lighting, backup lighting, and other details before you get to filming.
Try to visit your shoot location in advance to plan the shoot. Proper planning will help you avoid reshoots and unnecessary resource wastage.
Have a File Management Strategy
Video editing is hard work, and you will have video clips, graphics, and a lot of other file types. Often, edited effects such as intros, text overlays, and title screens will be stored as separate files. If you intend to share your edited video on multiple social media platforms, you may need separate files for the same.
While storing files, try to be consistent with the nomenclature. Have a well-defined file management strategy will help you allow you to find images and video clips when you need them the most.
Do Not Overdo Special Effects
Special effects help to add flavor to your videos and hold the viewer glued to the content. However, using too many video effects will overpower the content, and people will lose interest.
As you gain experience in video editing, you will know how to take a call on special effects. In the initial days, keeping the special effects to a bare minimum is the safest road ahead. Also, understand that special effects demand computing power, and overusing them will slow down the system.
Be Careful on the Music
Music is an essential part of most videos and helps to set the ambiance for the video. While choosing your music, make sure that it does not come off as distracting. If you intend to share the video on public platforms such as Facebook nor YouTube, ensure that you have the copyright to use the music.
Copyright infringement may cause platforms to take down your content and your profile can also get banned. If you are creating videos for your brand, such callousness will hurt your brand image.
Take Regular Breaks
Creating video content is a creative task and you cannot force yourself to it. Taking frequent, planned breaks helps in your mental well-being and allows you to focus better on the content.
A look at the work habits of the most popular content creators reveals that they have scheduled breaks. Medically, continuous starting at the computer screen is injurious for your eyes as well.
Video editing is a creative journey, and you will pick up on the lessons along the way. The key to making eye-catching videos is learning from the mistakes that you make. With the above tips, you are now ready to begin your career in video editing.
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