Video is always a popular topic here on the blog, so with this post, we want to give you a few pro tips on how to edit videos! Enjoy!
Right Now, Video is King!
Making and watching videos has become an everyday part of life for many people, including us here at OrganizingPhotos.net. Folks around the world are using it, and businesses are taking advantage of our digitally-driven culture to connect with consumers through this medium. According to Wyzowl’s State of Video Marketing report, 99% of businesses currently using video content intend to continue this strategy in the next year, and the numbers will continue to grow. Video creation is more accessible than ever; yet, it’s still important to have well-made, high-quality videos, so we thought we’d help you along with a few tips!
Here are seven foolproof tricks for making and editing videos that you can apply to your process no matter the outlet:
1. Invest in the Right Tools
Having the right tools is essential. Fortunately, many of us carry a high-quality video camera in our pockets every day. Still, video composition matters. To create high-quality videos, you should prioritize stability, lighting, and sound. Invest in a simple ring light, tripod, and Bluetooth mic or headset to make a video.
It’s also important to have the right editing software. There are many different types of movie editors, with some focused on longer videos and others centered around social media posts. Take some time to research and determine which platform is best for your needs. With the right tools in place, the process will be much smoother.
2. Consider Your Audience
You should create and edit videos with the audience in mind. Your videos aren’t meant for you; they’re meant for the viewer. Consider your audience. What are their interests? What problem are you solving for them? Clarifying your audience will help drive the direction of your videos. This goes no matter if you’re making a professional video for marketing purposes, or a personal video for your family.
You should also consider your goal of creating videos. What action do you want viewers to take after watching your content? Clarifying how video creation ties into your goals is a must.
3. Create Storyboards
Creating storyboards is a great way to visualize your video before recording. These outlines will help refine your messaging and consider the narrative flow. Storyboards don’t have to be highly detailed or written in stone; they’re meant as guides, and they’re so helpful!
Sketch out some simple storyboards with shots, timing, actions, and basic script outlines. You can draft storyboards on paper or use an app. Creating storyboards also helps you simplify your messaging and stay on track.
4. Consider Your Hooks
Adding a hook to the beginning of your video is crucial. Viewer attention spans are low, and platforms are designed for quick scrolling. You may only have 3-5 seconds to catch a viewer’s attention. Consider what message or captivating point you want to include in those first few seconds.
Capturing attention is important, but so is holding the audience. Think of what visual and storytelling elements you can include to keep your audience’s attention.
5. Plan a Watch-Through
Don’t review your clips one by one as you’re recording or editing. Instead, plan a watch-through of all the footage you capture. Watch the takes and determine which ones are the best. Take notes as you watch, so you don’t have to stop and organize as you go. Once your watch-through is complete, pull the relevant footage to your editing program. Batch-processing like this saves a lot of time!
Plan a Watch-Through!
6. Consider Your Audio and Text Elements
Audio and text elements improve attention, engagement, accessibility, and retention. Consider what music or sounds you’ll use throughout your video. If you’re combining music with spoken words, you’ll also need to adjust the volume accordingly. This can be tricky, but it’s integral to a well-produced video!
Adding text elements is the best practice when creating videos. Closed captioning or subtitles improve access to those in public spaces, with hearing loss, or with language barriers. It’s estimated that 69% of mobile viewers watch videos silently, especially on the go, so even though movie-making has evolved tremendously in the last century, consider that your audience may prefer a silent film version.
7. Make Strategic Cuts
Timing is everything when creating videos. Be strategic with your cuts. Trim away milliseconds if you must to minimize your timeline and maintain maximum engagement. You can also use cuts to set the tone of your video. For example, quick cuts back and forth can show multiple happenings simultaneously. Long pauses can add to comedic timing to make your video funnier.
Edit Video Clips Together and Create a Story!
Learning how to create and edit videos takes practice and determination, and we hope you use these tips to perfect your process. Putting footage together in some form of storytelling piece is key to enjoying it in the future – plus, it’s fun – so we hope you create and edit as much as you shoot! If you’d like to read more on this topic, consider checking out our Video & Film category here on the blog!
Featured Photo Courtesy of Matheus Bertelli
